Blasphemy at the Old Bailey (1977)
In 1977 the Old Bailey saw the start of the first trial for blasphemy in this country for over half a century. Begun by Mary Whitehouse against the homosexual newspaper Gay News, it ended in a conviction, heavy fines and a suspended prison sentence for the editor. An appeal is pending. Was this prosecution an attack on free speech? Or was it a necessary defence of the principle that, even in a permissive society, some things must remain sacred? This dramatised documentary reconstructs the crucial moments of this historic trial, and explores the issues it raises. Peter France questions the people on both sides, including Mary Whitehouse and Denis Lemon, Editor, Gay News, about their actions and reactions during the case.
- Released
- 1977-09-18
- Runtime
- 73 min
- Status
- Released
- Directed / written by
- Hugh David
Cast
- Donald Eccles as His Honour Judge King-Hamilton, QC
- Norman Rodway as John Mortimer, QC
- Terrence Hardiman as John Smyth
- Gareth Thomas as G. Robertson
- Norman Rutherford as Clerk of the Court
- John Beardmore as Court Usher
- Chris Sanders as Foreman of the Jury
- Peter Machin as Denis Lemon
- Peter France as Self
- Denis Lemon as Self
- Mary Whitehouse as Self
- Bella Emberg as Juror (uncredited)