May 16, 2012 The Up Series continues "56 Up" (2012 Granada UK) is the latest episode in the series and was aired in the UK two days ago on May 14, 2012. Home video DVD's are not yet available for "56 Up" (2012 Granada 2012) from Amazon.Com. It seems there is a delay from the time the newest episode is first aired/ released in the UK and when the USA sees and may purchase it.)
The Up Series (7 Up, Seven Plus Seven, 21 Up, 28 Up, 35 Up, 42 Up, 49 Up and most recently in 2012, 56 Up) is one of the most interesting, remarkable social documentaries ever presented. I screen all episodes every year, and each time, I see new things, learn more.
For me, the two most remarkable and worthy persons profiled are Neil Hughes and Bruce Balden, neither married or materially "successful" by the 1991 "35 Up" episode, both badgered about that on camera by the off camera interviewer, both stoic and dignified in the face of the negative evaluation the interviewer provides.
Neither man, Hughes or Balden, led conventional, predictable, profitable, "safe" lives. Both opted for exploration, adventure, and service to and comradeship with socially unprestigious groups and persons.
Both took enormous chances, and must be accounted brave, noble men for that alone. They didn't "play it safe." Both exude an intelligence and a willingness to discuss difficult questions and issues in detail on camera, and neither attack the show they appear on, the thoughtless, implicitly insulting interviewer, or the show's and interviewer's obvious prejudices and agenda for the show itself as a piece of social and political propaganda.
Balden and Hughes use the riveting show as a platform to describe their own lives, ideals, and activities in pursuit of those ideals, activities not supported by outside big money or generous support from family, government, or other sources.
We learn more about the world at the times the episodes are presented (every 7 years starting in 1963.....the most recent one in 2004) from observing and listening to the words and ideas of Bruce Balden and Neil Hughes by far than is true of the other children and adults presented, none of whom departed from the settings where they first appeared at age 7 in 1963.
It's an interesting show, and less spectacular careers and worlds of the children/ adults who traveled different, more predictable and conventional paths than Bruce Balden and Neil Hughes are worth noting and following.
This show began in the middle 1960's as a hatchet job attacking upper class people and decrying poverty in lower social classes, clearly had an agenda supporting the liberal, socialist values and ideals popular and aggressive in the 1960's.
The times changed, but the show has gone on, and it's value is enormous.
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Written by Tex Allen, SAG-AFTRA movie actor, Columbia PA USA
Email Tex Allen at TexAllen@Rocketmail.Com
Movie Credits, Biography, and 2012 photos of Tex Allen at WWW.IMDb.Me/TexAllen. See other Tex Allen written movie reviews....almost 100 titles.... at: "http://imdb.com/user/ur15279309/comments" (paste this address into your URL Browser)
The Up Series (7 Up, Seven Plus Seven, 21 Up, 28 Up, 35 Up, 42 Up, 49 Up and most recently in 2012, 56 Up) is one of the most interesting, remarkable social documentaries ever presented. I screen all episodes every year, and each time, I see new things, learn more.
For me, the two most remarkable and worthy persons profiled are Neil Hughes and Bruce Balden, neither married or materially "successful" by the 1991 "35 Up" episode, both badgered about that on camera by the off camera interviewer, both stoic and dignified in the face of the negative evaluation the interviewer provides.
Neither man, Hughes or Balden, led conventional, predictable, profitable, "safe" lives. Both opted for exploration, adventure, and service to and comradeship with socially unprestigious groups and persons.
Both took enormous chances, and must be accounted brave, noble men for that alone. They didn't "play it safe." Both exude an intelligence and a willingness to discuss difficult questions and issues in detail on camera, and neither attack the show they appear on, the thoughtless, implicitly insulting interviewer, or the show's and interviewer's obvious prejudices and agenda for the show itself as a piece of social and political propaganda.
Balden and Hughes use the riveting show as a platform to describe their own lives, ideals, and activities in pursuit of those ideals, activities not supported by outside big money or generous support from family, government, or other sources.
We learn more about the world at the times the episodes are presented (every 7 years starting in 1963.....the most recent one in 2004) from observing and listening to the words and ideas of Bruce Balden and Neil Hughes by far than is true of the other children and adults presented, none of whom departed from the settings where they first appeared at age 7 in 1963.
It's an interesting show, and less spectacular careers and worlds of the children/ adults who traveled different, more predictable and conventional paths than Bruce Balden and Neil Hughes are worth noting and following.
This show began in the middle 1960's as a hatchet job attacking upper class people and decrying poverty in lower social classes, clearly had an agenda supporting the liberal, socialist values and ideals popular and aggressive in the 1960's.
The times changed, but the show has gone on, and it's value is enormous.
-----------------
Written by Tex Allen, SAG-AFTRA movie actor, Columbia PA USA
Email Tex Allen at TexAllen@Rocketmail.Com
Movie Credits, Biography, and 2012 photos of Tex Allen at WWW.IMDb.Me/TexAllen. See other Tex Allen written movie reviews....almost 100 titles.... at: "http://imdb.com/user/ur15279309/comments" (paste this address into your URL Browser)