Newsreel
AERIAL JOURNEYS | An unconventional tour of Britain
Newsreel | Operation Pegasus
News report on the first live television filming from the air.
Synopsis
Television takes to the air in this short news report about the first BBC attempt to film Britain aerially, using a Bristol freighter plane, the Giant Brabazon. The test footage of St Paul's Cathedral in London gives us a glimpse of what was included in the programme, which was aired on 1 October.
Did you know?
The technical difficulties on the test flights included effects of plane vibration on the camera, radio interference from taxis and lorries, and the transmission aerials breaking down or not having enough power. Most of these problems were resolved and the BBC film crew, RAF and Bristol Aeroplane Company felt that they learned a great deal about aerial filming from 'Operation Pegasus'.
Contributors
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Documents
FROM AN AEROPLANE OVER LONDON
A 'Radio Times' draft and article about the BBC's first live broadcast from an aeroplane.
OPERATION PEGASUS CAUSES PROBLEMS
The Head of Television Programmes criticises 'Operation Pegasus'.
A LETTER FROM JOHN BETJEMAN
Helicopter filming causes problems for John Betjeman and chaos ensues at Longleat.
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