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Auction: 20003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 40

The Original 'This is Your Life' Red Book, presented to Hughie Green by host Eamonn Andrews, C.B.E., hand-annotated to opening page, 'From your faithful mechanic with every good wish, Eamonn'

Hugh Hughes 'Hughie' Green was surprised by the show's Irish host, Eamonn Andrews - who was dressed and posing as an aircraft mechanic - at Elstree Aerodrome, Hertfordshire, as he attempted to pilot his own aeroplane. He was then taken to the Recording Studio. The 'Hughie' Green Thames Television ITV Production was broadcast on 16 February 1972. In excellent condition, comprising 35 'still photographs' from the production, neatly annotated beneath with the names of friends and family, in original protective card case.

The British biographical television documentary This Is Your Life was launched in 1955 and became the most popular regular show on the BBC three years later with audiences between 8.75 and 10.5 million (Variety Magazine, refers). Ending after nine Series on 30 April 1964 when Andrews moved to ABC Television, it was revived by Thames Television for broadcast on ITV in 1969. Guests included Bob Hope, Lynn Redgrave, Honor Blackman, Dudley Moore, Hattie Jacques, John Le Mesurier, and even Bill Oddie of 'The Goodies' fame.

The show also reached out to non-celebrities who had done extraordinary things in their lives and business people, military personnel, and those who had performed outstanding charitable service, who were less well-known to the public. These included Group Captain Leonard Cheshire, Cromer Lifeboatman Henry 'Shrimp' Davies, Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader and 17 year old David Butler. He became the youngest ever subject in an episode aired on 5 March 1962, having lost both legs and a hand after discovering an unexploded bomb on Ivinghoe Beacon, Buckinghamshire.

At first the show was broadcast live, but later programmes were often pre-recorded owing to the odd controversial moment, notably in 1983 when boxer Alan Minter could not stop swearing during his appearance. In 1990, snooker player Stephen Henry was surprised with the red book; aged just 21 years, he remarked that he had "hardly had a life" after beating Jimmy White 18-12 in the final of the World Snooker Championship. He went on to win a further six more.


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Estimate
£500 to £600

Starting price
£500