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20 Episodes 1976 - 1977
Episode 1
38 mins
A new run of Aquarius opens with coverage of the 30th Edinburgh Festival. Peter Hall continues as presenter, though largely motivated by financial concerns, privately writing: "there's no choice about whether or not I do Aquarius".
Episode 2
39 mins
With Edna O'Brien writing her first non-fiction book, Russell Harty travels to County Clare to interview her about her life and work. Peter Hall would remark that the interview was "magnificent: as irritating and lovable as Edna herself."
Episode 3
40 mins
In a run that discards the "magazine" element of the show in favour of single features, this edition looks at British reggae. Peter Hall would later describe it as: "Good music; good, strong, arrogant personalities."
Episode 4
40 mins
A profile of Dame Janet Baker, including a performance and interview. Peter Hall would later describe her as an "old friend" and say of her that: "She knows what she wants, and she knows the sacrifices she has to make in order to get it."
Episode 5
39 mins
After an Aquarius film by Russell Harty wins a Golden Harp award, there's a look at other entries in the competition. Harty also gets to review "The Frank Muir Book", with help from Dinsdale Landen and Arthur Lowe.
Episode 6
39 mins
Alec Guinness discusses playing Swift, confessing he's decided to be "harsher" after watching extracts. Privately, Peter Hall felt he was "about as far away from the ferocious misanthropic Swift as a duck-pond is from the Pacific Ocean."
Episode 7
39 mins
Derek Bailey visits Oklahoma to discover North American Indian art and culture.
Episode 8
39 mins
Aquarius stays in Oklahoma, with Peter Hall stating that its culture "is not cosmopolitan or sophisticated". What is explored there is the lifestyle of the modern cowboy within the community.
Episode 9
39 mins
Featuring the TV premiere of "A-Ronne" by Luciano Berio, as well as an interview with Berio himself. Privately, Peter Hall still had doubts about his role as presenter, claiming: "I haven't been doing it well and it hasn't been good."
Episode 10
38 mins
Russell Harty interviews Harold Acton in his Florence home, with subjects discussed including his childhood and his friendship with Evelyn Waugh.
Episode 11
40 mins
A profile of Dutch documentary maker Joris Ivens, who is joined by his partner Marceline Loridan in the studio. The main focus point is a new 12-hour work by Ivens, exploring China in the last days of Mao.
Episode 12
42 mins
A profile of glass engraver Laurence Whistler, with an exhibition of his work opening at Brighton Art Gallery the following week. Music is provided by Sir Michael Tippett.
Episode 13
40 mins
Russell Harty presents a film inspired by a new book release, "The Treasures of Eton". With Eton unable to display its art collections to the public due to still operating as a place of education, special access is granted to Aquarius.
Episode 14
42 mins
Russell Harty presents a film study of the Opera Barga festival in Italy during the summer of 1976.
Episode 15
51 mins
Aquarius begins the new year with an extended edition, as James Galway presents a version of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, specially adapted for the flute.
Episode 16
40 mins
A profile of George Daniels, a man who meticulously makes watches by hand. There's also a chance to catch up with John Kani and Winston Ntshona, reflecting on their international success in "Sizwe Bansi Is Dead".
Episode 17
39 mins
With the Institute of Contemporary Arts holding an exhibition on prohibited Russian artwork, Aquarius looks at the nature of soviet censorship. Included is an interview with artist Alexander Glezer, conducted by Michael Kustow.
Episode 18
39 mins
The first of a two-part tribute to Arthur Rubinstein, due to celebrate his 90th birthday six days after broadcast. Showcased on this first part is Rubinstein's new protégé, Janina Fialkowska.
Episode 19
42 mins
The second part of a tribute to Arthur Rubinstein, who turned 90 the day before broadcast.
Episode 20
40 mins
For the last show in the run, Alan Wallis writes, directs and narrates a portrait of Christopher Isherwood.