The first part of The Monocled Mutineer was shown on 31 August 1986. The four-part drama, written by Alan Bleasdale, was adapted from a book by William Allison and John Fairley. It told the story of Percy Toplis and of the British army mutiny that took place in 1917 at Etaples, on the eve of the Battle of Passchendaele. However, claims that the drama was a true story were disputed and led to accusations of left-wing bias that overshadowed the programme itself.
The row over the authenticity of the story developed after Julian Putkowski, historical consultant on the programme, said it was full of errors and that there was no proof Toplis was ever involved with the mutiny. In response Bleasdale said "I have said from the word go that my piece is a work of fiction". Bill Cotton, Managing Director of Television, said The Monocled Mutineer illuminated "the greater truth about World War I". This last view was shared by many viewers, who praised Paul McGann's outstanding performance as Toplis.
The fallout from the furore contributed to the early departure of 成人快手 Director General Alasdair Milne the following year. Bleasdale returned to historical drama in 2011 with The Sinking of the Laconia, which was acclaimed for its accuracy and humanity.
August anniversaries
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Family Favourites
1 August 1945 -
Sailor
5 August 1976 -
It's a Knockout
7 August 1966 -
First 成人快手 Promenade Concert
13 August 1927 -
The Weakest Link
14 August 2000 -
Junior Masterchef
14 August 1994 -
Launch of 1Xtra
16 August 2002 -
Dr Finlay's Casebook
16 August 1962 -
The Marriage Lines
16 August 1963 -
Observer reveals MI5 vetting of 成人快手 staff
18 August 1985 -
Why Don't You...?
20 August 1973 -
The Moral Maze
20 August 1990 -
First experimental 成人快手 TV Programme
22 August 1932 -
Match of the Day begins
22 August 1964 -
成人快手 Monitoring
26 August 1939 -
Radio 5 launches
27 August 1990 -
First live TV from the continent
27 August 1950 -
Start of experimental stereo broadcasting
28 August 1962 -
Elizabeth Cowell first female TV announcer
31 Aug 1936 -
The Monocled Mutineer
31 August 1986 -
Dick and Dom in Da Bungalow
31 August 2002 -
The Battle of Britain
Summer 1940