Themes and Opening Credits

[Lamplighter]

NORM !!!

Where everyone knows your name...
.

[BigV]

wolf--

um, yeah. I haven't posted that one because it has always creeped me the fuck out. At some point in my misspent youth, I watched tv long into the night (nights were longer then with only three channels) and actually saw the television station's sign off. You whippersnappers have no concept that a television channel might actually stop broadcasting, but it happened. And it was scary when it did because that meant I was the only one awake in the whole world, freakin scary. They let you know it was coming, they played the Star Spangled Banner and then wolf's test pattern with that Indian Head.

No thanks.

[wolf]

Originally Posted by BigV

At some point in my misspent youth, I watched tv long into the night (nights were longer then with only three channels) and actually saw the television station's sign off.

Ah, the halcyon days before infomercials ... I remember that, too. I had a television in my room long before it was fashionable. I was able to watch things like Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, which was not generally thought to be acceptable viewing for those of an impressionable age.

[SteveDallas]

Originally Posted by BigV

You whippersnappers have no concept that a television channel might actually stop broadcasting

I refuse to believe it. Where did they run their infomercials???

I don't think I ever saw the signoff. But I saw the signon on Saturday morning many times.

[DanaC]

ohhh, I remember that feeling. I remember when I inherited my brother's bedroom telly. Black and white portable with a channel dial and indoor aerial. Awesome.

[BigV]

Originally Posted by DanaC

ohhh, I remember that feeling. I remember when I inherited my brother's bedroom telly. Black and white portable with a channel dial and indoor aerial. Awesome.

This one?

[Sundae]

My vintage smilers



But I could list so many. I'm a theme tune groupie, and Saturday morning kid's TV always seemed to have the best.
During Ant & Dec (& Cat's) heyday on SM:TV live I would sit up in bed from 09.05, topping up my alcohol content on whatever was leftover from the night before, singing along to just about anything. From The Chums theme tune and Mr Postman (in show themes) to the real intros inc Clarissa the Teenage Witch, Pokemon and half the adverts in between.

Oh, I have to include Tiny Planets. When I was in the worst pit of my depression, it was my only source of comfort. Even if it did make me cry. I can't find the original credits, but if I close my eyes, the music is right.


Oh gosh. Now I'm going to have to mention Bagpuss aren't I?
Bagpuss dear Bagpuss, oh fat furry catpuss
Wake up and see the things that I bring
Wake up be bright, be golden and light
Oh Bagpuss please hear what I sing

That's from memory, and probably wrong in places.
When other people have posted, I will include the opening titles.
What pleasure. What anticipation. Oliver Posthwaite's mellifluous tones. I know a whole generation of girls who longed to be Emily. Tellingly, not my sister, who thought the shop must be very dirty...

[DanaC]

Aheh. Not quite.

I remember the test card though. They'd have gaps in the programming. And fill them with the testcard and some godawful music:




Here's a closedown:

[DanaC]

Excellent choices all round.

here's one of my favorites. been posted elsewhere ages ago, but seems appropriate here




And this is one from a little known but totally awesome comedy set in Roman britain:

@ Sundae: you'll like this, it has Rory McGrath dressed as a barbarian chief :P

[Sundae]

Originally Posted by DanaC

@ Sundae: you'll like this, it has Rory McGrath dressed as a barbarian chief :P

I adored Chelsford 123, but my crush at the time was Jimmy Mulville. Gingers, what can I say...

[wolf]

Ooh, Dangermouse! I love Dangermouse! I bought the DVD set when it was released in the US.

I only know the creepy test card girl from Life on Mars.

[DanaC]

That little cow and her creepy toys haunted my dreams as a kid.

[DanaC]

Here's another classic:

[Pico and ME]

I have probably only seen one or two shows, but I always really dug the opening theme song...

[wolf]

Never watched Sopranos. I seem to only be able to manage one HBO show at a time. I was watching Oz, and was resentful of The Sopranos stealing Edie Falco, who was my favorite guard.