The Changes (1975)
Opening titles
BFI trailer
A British children's science fiction television serial first broadcast in 1975 by the BBC based on the trilogy of novels by PETER DICKINSON.
A sudden enveloping noise emanating from all machinery and technology causes the population to destroy them. The resulting upheaval displaces many people and reverts society back to a pre-industrial age where there is a deep suspicion of anyone who may be harbouring machinery. Even the words for technology are taboo. The remnants of modern technology that escape destruction (such as electricity pylons) produce a physical and sometimes violent repulsion among those left in Britain.
The Changes are seen through the eyes of teenage schoolgirl Nicky Gore and traces her quest to reunite with her parents and solve the mystery.
The Changes was originally broadcast on BBC 1 in 1975 and was never repeated.
Notable cast
Victoria Williams: "Nicky Gore"
Keith Ashton: "Jonathon" (eps 5-10)
BERNARD HORSFALL: "Mr Gore" (ep 1)
SONIA GRAHAM: "Mrs Gore" (ep 1)
CLYDE POLLITT: "Preacher" (ep 1)
BARTLETT MULLINS: "Old man" (eps 1,2)
ARTHUR HEWLETT: "Mr Tom" (eps 3,4)
DAVID KING: "Mr Barnard" (eps 3,4)
EDWARD BRAYSHAW: "Chief robber" (ep 4)
JACK WATSON: "Peter" (eps 5-8)
DAVID GARFIELD: "Mr Gordon" (eps 5-8)
KENNETH GILBERT: "Innkeeper" (ep 7,8)
TOM CHADBON: "Michael" (eps 8,9)
Notable crew
Writer(s): ANNA HOME, based on the novels by PETER DICKINSON
Producer(s): ANNA HOME
Director(s): John Prowse
Music: PADDY KINGSLAND
Production designer(s): PAUL MUNTING
Episodes
1: The Noise
When the world seems to go mad and everyone starts smashing machines, Nicky Gore doesn't understand what's happening; but she joins in just the same...
Broadcast(s)
January 6, 1975
2: The Bad Wires
Nicky thinks she is quite alone in the deserted city - but then she hears singing...
Broadcast(s)
January 13, 1975
3: The Devil's Children
Nicky and the Sikhs continue their search for a safe place to live, until Nicky comes up against a seemingly impenetrable barrier.
Broadcast(s)
January 20, 1975
4: Hostages!
The Sikhs, with Nicky's help, are now trading with the local village; but the villagers remain very suspicious of the Sikhs - until the arrival of a much more sinister group of strangers...
Broadcast(s)
January 27, 1975
5: Witchcraft!
Nicky manages to rescue the village children from the robbers, but her troubles are by no means over...
Broadcast(s)
February 3, 1975
6: A Pile Of Stones
Nicky, accused of being a witch, is on trial for her life; and it looks as if the verdict is going to be 'guilty'...
Broadcast(s)
February 10, 1975
7: Heartsease
Having got Nicky away from the village, Jonathon is sure they are safe; but he hasn't reckoned with Davy Gordon...
Broadcast(s)
February 17, 1975
8: Lightning!
Jonathon is convinced he and Nicky will get away safely on Heartsease. But Davy Gordon has other ideas...
Broadcast(s)
February 24, 1975
9: The Quarry
Nicky seems to be safe at last; but she knows she cannot stay with Michael and Mary for ever...
Broadcast(s)
March 3, 1975
10: The Cavern
Nicky is certain that she is now close to whatever caused ' The Changes'...
Broadcast(s)
March 10, 1975
Soundtrack
The music used in the serial was composed and performed by PADDY KINGSLAND of the BBC RADIOPHONIC WORKSHOP.
Anna Home
First shown in 1975
Tom Chadbon
Arthur Hewlett
GB
TV serial
Bartlett Mullins
Jack Watson
BBC One
Kenneth Gilbert
Bernard Horsfall
Paddy Kingsland
Children's
Paul Munting
Clyde Pollitt
Peter Dickinson
David Garfield
Produced by BBC
David King
SciFi
Edward Brayshaw
Sonia Graham
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