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19/05/2006
Sixties public information film returns to television
Joe and Petunia, the characters of one of Britain's best-known public information films, are set to return to television screens after being given a 21st century makeover.
The animated couple first appeared on TV screens in 1968 in a film urging the public to contact the Coastguard on 999 for coastal emergencies.
The Central Office of Information has rescued the film from the archives on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to commemorate the COI's 60th anniversary.
The original film has been digitally re-mastered and its original features have been updated to reflect society today. Petunia - who is still voiced by 'Butterflies' actress Wendy Craig - will now be seen listening to an iPod and reading a glossy gossip magazine, while Joe - still voiced by Peter Hawkins - has swapped his knotted hanky for a Burberry-style check cap and he dials 999 from his mobile phone when they finally realise a man at sea needs help.
John Astbury, MCA's Chief Executive, said: "The original film was extremely effective in raising awareness that HM Coastguard is a 999 emergency service. This message is equally important today so we were delighted to work with COI to re-launch the film with a modern twist.
Alan Bishop, COI's Chief Executive, said: "COI has been producing public information films for 60 years and they have an enduring appeal. It's great that we can celebrate this work by combining the past and present."
Wendy Craig said: "I hope people who saw the film first time around will have fun spotting the changes."
The original film was recently voted third in a BBC online poll run in association with the National Archives and COI.
(KMcA/CD)
The animated couple first appeared on TV screens in 1968 in a film urging the public to contact the Coastguard on 999 for coastal emergencies.
The Central Office of Information has rescued the film from the archives on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to commemorate the COI's 60th anniversary.
The original film has been digitally re-mastered and its original features have been updated to reflect society today. Petunia - who is still voiced by 'Butterflies' actress Wendy Craig - will now be seen listening to an iPod and reading a glossy gossip magazine, while Joe - still voiced by Peter Hawkins - has swapped his knotted hanky for a Burberry-style check cap and he dials 999 from his mobile phone when they finally realise a man at sea needs help.
John Astbury, MCA's Chief Executive, said: "The original film was extremely effective in raising awareness that HM Coastguard is a 999 emergency service. This message is equally important today so we were delighted to work with COI to re-launch the film with a modern twist.
Alan Bishop, COI's Chief Executive, said: "COI has been producing public information films for 60 years and they have an enduring appeal. It's great that we can celebrate this work by combining the past and present."
Wendy Craig said: "I hope people who saw the film first time around will have fun spotting the changes."
The original film was recently voted third in a BBC online poll run in association with the National Archives and COI.
(KMcA/CD)
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