Image: Tony Hancock interviewed by John Freeman on Face to Face 7 February 1960
The first of the classic television interview series Face to Face aired on 4 February 1959. Each episode featured an extended live interview with one guest, conducted by John Freeman. Interviewer and interviewee faced each other in an otherwise darkened studio. Close-up camera work showed the guest's reaction as Freeman – whose tenacity was known from his work on Panorama – interrogated them. The result was a popular programme that frequently produced dramatic and revealing interviews and created a high-watermark in serious television.
The first guest on Face to Face was the renowned criminal lawyer Lord Birkett. Birkett was a relaxed interviewee, having already appeared on Personal Call, the radio show devised by Face to Face producer Hugh Burnett. Some interviewees were more awkward, such as Gilbert Harding. He was reduced to tears when questioned about his mother who – unknown to Freeman – had only recently died. In its three year life Face to Face attracted an impressive list of names including Martin Luther King, Tony Hancock, Bertrand Russell, Carl Gustav Jung, Evelyn Waugh and Edith Sitwell.
In 1988 Freeman – who had gone on to be a diplomat and television executive - was interviewed by Anthony Clare in a Face to Face special. The programme was then revived with Jeremy Isaacs as interviewer. It continued to attract important subjects such as Arthur Miller, Germaine Greer, Martha Gellhorn and Lauren Bacall, before ending in 1997.
February anniversaries
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Blue Peter 5000th edition
1 February 2018 -
Face to Face
4 February 1959 -
First TV Sports commentary
4 February 1937 -
The Wombles
5 February 1973 -
A Night of Comic Relief
5 February 1988 -
Greenwich Time Signal - the 'pips'
5 February 1924 -
Grange Hill
8 February 1978 -
BBC Three is launched
9 February 2003 -
Doomwatch
9 February 1970 -
Bagpuss
12 February 1974 -
The EBU - European Broadcasting Union formed
12 February 1950 -
Potter's Wheel Interlude
16 February 1953 -
Start of Six-Five Special
16 February 1957 -
The Apprentice
16 February 2005 -
Hospital Watch
17 February 1986 -
Elizabeth R
17 February 1971 -
One Man and His Dog
17 February 1976 -
Antiques Roadshow
18 February 1979 -
Tonight launched
18 February 1957 -
Wogan
18 February 1985 -
EastEnders first episode
19 February 1985 -
Open All Hours
20 February 1976 -
First national broadcast of prices for farmers
20 February 1925 -
General Election results televised for the first time
23 February 1950 -
Civilisation
23 February 1969 -
Yes Minister
25 February 1980 -
Mr Benn
25 February 1971