World in Action: Volume 2

Synopsis

This DVD collects thirteen notable episodes from the ITV current affairs series which ran from 1963-1999. The Granada-produced series was trailblazing and hard-hitting, choosing subjects that other programmes would not dare to touch and regularly getting into trouble with the ITV regulators and - at times - the Government.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Year of production

1963 - 1996

Subjects

Social Studies; Media studies; Politics & government

Keywords

aspirin; Castro, Fidel; drug trafficking; Guinea-Bissau; industrial health & safety; Ku Klux Klan; Malcolm X; political events; Thatcher, Margaret (1925-2013); social issues; current affairs broadcasting; investigative journalism; Amin, Idi; Mengele, Josef

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 2 PAL

Price

£6.89

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

400 minutes

Year

2018

Sections

Title

Dallas

Synopsis

A candid report on the city of Dallas and its inhabitants, made six days after the assassination of President Kennedy.

Title

Malcolm X

Synopsis

Made just after his assassination, the film looks at Malcolm X, his life and his advocacy of black power and separation. His views are contrasted with those of people like James Baldwin and Martin Luther King.

Title

Alas Poor Hippies, Love is Dead

Synopsis

A report on the development of hippy, peaceloving US drug-addicts into a more forceful society after the introduction of new drugs. It shows hippies who have tried to break the habit and investigates their family background.

Title

Group of Terrorists Attacked, A

Synopsis

A World in Action film unit follows a guerilla patrol in Portuguese Guinea, where a struggle for independence is being fought.

Title

Castro

Synopsis

A journey with Fidel Castro on one of his tours of Cuba by jeep, illustrating the importance he places on governing through personal contact with the people.

Title

Most Widely Used Drug in the World, The

Synopsis

Aspirin is frequently used by many people in enormous amounts as a pain reliever unprescribed by doctors. WIA examines the harmful side effects of the drug.

Title

Eh! What?

Synopsis

Although the government had drawn up a code of practice for employers, there are no restrictions enforceable by law regarding high noise levels in industry. WIA talks to employees who are subjected to dangerously high noise levels and to employers who are doing little to improve the situation.

Title

Why I Want To Be A Leader

Synopsis

On the eve of the first ballot for the Tory party leadership, WIA looks at the character, lifestyle and career of Margaret Thatcher, one of the principal contenders in the leadership struggle.

Title

Hunt For Dr Mengele

Synopsis

A WIA investigation into claims that Paraguay is a refuge for Nazi criminals. Dr. Mengele is remembered for his vile experiments carried out on inmates in concentration camps and WIA traces several of his hideouts in Paraguay and talks to people who have met him there.

Title

Inside Idi Amin’s Terror Machine

Synopsis

On 25 January 1971, Idi Amin overthrew the president of Uganda, Dr. Milton Obote. So began a reign of terror, violence and murder that lasted more than eight years. In a special report by the World In Action team, the full extent of the horror of Amin’s regime is revealed for the first time.

Title

Curse of the Klan

Synopsis

WIA reports on the revival of the Ku Klux Klan as an extreme right-wing group using sub-machine guns and flaming torches to persecute America’s black community. Includes film of an anti-Klan rally when Klansmen opened fire on demonstrators and were later acquitted of murder by an all-white jury.

Title

Scotland Yard’s Cocaine Collection

Synopsis

An investigation into allegations that members of the Metropolitan police are involved with cocaine smugglers. The programme centres on a former Detective Superintendent, accused of corruption and suspended in 1987, who retired due to ill health before being charged.

Title

Why Dunblane?

Synopsis

WIA looks at the background of Thomas Hamilton, who shot dead 16 children and their teacher at Dunblane Primary School. Includes interviews with people who knew him through the Scout Association and the boys’ clubs he set up. Also examines current gun laws.

Production Company

Name

Granada Television

Distributor

Name

Network

Email

shop@networkonair.com

Web

http://networkonair.com/ External site opens in new window

Phone

01992 657707

Address

19-20 Blythe Road
Berghem Mews
Hammersmith
London
W14 0HN

Notes

Founded in 1997, Network specialises in distributing niche television programmes, predominantly licensed from Granada Ventures and Fremantle. They have recently branched into feature film distribution. Sale via retail outlets or direct via Network’s website, which has some’web exclusive’ offers.