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20 Episodes 1972 - 1973
Episode 1
44 mins
A hugely significant edition, as Aquarius is moved from the post-watershed Saturday schedules and into a far more accessible Sunday teatime slot - at least for some ITV regions. The episode durations are taken down to 45 minutes.
Episode 2
45 mins
Diana Menuhin performs the nonsense verse of Edward Lear, while an orchestra conducted by her husband Yehudi provide accompaniment. The couple also chat with Humphrey Burton, who would go on to describe it as a "vivid and original show".
Episode 3
46 mins
Featuring Jessye Norman singing Dido's Lament, and a rare chance to see rehearsals at the National Theatre. In contrast are features on realistic fibreglass models of the human anatomy, and the experimental Liquid Theatre.
Episode 4
46 mins
Humphrey Burton introduces a fantasy dance short from Sweden, and a D.H. Lawrence tale starring Alan Bates. Alan also appears in an interview to discuss his interest in moving beyond just acting.
Episode 5
46 mins
Aquarius devotes itself to the screening of a CBS production, with Eric Sevareid interviewing Peter Ustinov - who is in character and improvises all of his answers as Lord North.
Episode 6
46 mins
Including a new, partly-animated short from Donovan, the appointment of Sir John Betjeman as Poet Laureate, and a study of the poem Kubla Khan. There's also the return of John Wells, performing a parody of William McGonagle.
Episode 7
45 mins
Just one feature appears on this edition of Aquarius: a look at 24 hours in the life of Covent Garden, narrated and directed by Derek Bailey.
Episode 8
45 mins
An edition dedicated to Edna O'Brien, focussing on her new play, followed by a look at her latest novel.
Episode 9
45 mins
Featuring the various illustrations of Alice throughout history, along with highlights from the London Film Festival. Also featured is a studio discussion on the Covent Garden film that aired two weeks previously.
Episode 10
46 mins
Aquarius introduces Havergal Brian, an obscure composer who, at 96 years of age, is finally getting recognition and his works performed. Sadly, Brian's overdue recognition had a bittersweet ending - he died just nine days after broadcast.
Episode 11
45 mins
Aquarius visits a previously-unvisited continent, sending a film crew to Africa for a Moroccan festival.
Episode 12
43 mins
Humphrey Burton introduces the concept of a commonplace book, a place to jot down thoughts and poetry. Michael Hordern and Diana Rigg are among those reading from W.H. Auden's own commonplace book, the feature title an anagram of his name.
Episode 13
43 mins
Humphrey Burton presents a film with Leonard Bernstein conducting a version of Fidelio. But first, he must deal with the tabloid headlines that saw ITV schedule Macbeth for Christmas viewing, only to reschedule it after viewer protests.
Episode 14
45 mins
Humphrey Burton presents what he calls "a pantomime with a difference", as two traditional mummers plays are combined, mixing traditional broad comedy with a darker melodrama and operatic themes.
Episode 15
53 mins
Humphrey starts the show off with an exploding Christmas cake, before introducing carols and readings for the festive period. The main feature is a retelling of the nativity, built up via improvisations with the cast.
Episode 16
47 mins
To usher in the new year, Aquarius presents a film of a very different type of celebration: Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Episode 17
The first of four editions marking the Fanfare for Europe. This first edition includes a profile of ballet dancer Maina Gielgud, an A to Z of views of Britain from Franco Zeffirelli, and an interview with sculptor Arthur Dooley.
Episode 18
51 mins
A broadcast of a performance of Beethoven's Solemn Mass (Op. 123) from St. Paul's. This edition also includes an interview with the prime minister, Edward Heath, about his regard for Beethoven's work.
Episode 19
45 mins
The second part of Aquarius' coverage of Beethoven's Solemn Mass (Op. 123) from St. Paul's. Once again prime minister Edward Heath also discusses Beethoven with Humphrey Burton.
Episode 20
The last edition of the tenth series, after which Aquarius stayed on air in the form of compilation specials from February to June, before returning with a run of new episodes in September.