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15 Episodes 1971 - 1972
Episode 1
34 mins
The fifth series of Aquarius begins with a short Christmas Eve special, leading into the day's celebrations. Featured is a film by Derek Bailey about the land of his birth, and a reading of Henry Williamson.
Episode 2
52 mins
Aquarius makes a New Year's Resolution to showcase experimental television from overseas as part of its run. The pledge begins here, as Humphrey Burton and guest Jack Good give their verdict on music entertainment show Esther Ofarim.
Episode 3
53 mins
Aquarius looks at two different stage adaptations of The Wind in the Willows, along with a new photography exhibition. The main discussion is a look at a new Solzhenitsyn adaptation with star Tom Courtenay.
Episode 4
56 mins
A tonally unusual episode, as a light-hearted film about garden gnomes is followed by a serious discussion in the studio about mental illness treatment. Ending the programme is a screening of a Swedish short with the music of Ravel.
Episode 5
53 mins
This edition opens with a preview of the following week's main subject: Stephen Sondheim's "Company". Also featured are painter Helen Bradley and sculptor Elisabeth Frink, along with a screening of a short film by Adrian Lyne.
Episode 6
53 mins
Aquarius presents an interview with Stephen Sondheim, before giving up the rest of the show to a broadcast of "Company", the documentary about the recording of the cast soundtrack album.
Episode 7
52 mins
A focus on Roman Polanski's new film version of Macbeth, and an all-black stage version by Peter Coe. Polanski and Coe talk with Humphrey Burton in the studio, while also shown is an unscreened archive performance from Ravi Shankar.
Episode 8
53 mins
Features include a look at experimental German television, a portrait of sculptor Ros Newman and a documentary on Sussex folk singer Bob Copper.
Episode 9
52 mins
Elton John, now world-famous, performs at the Royal Festival Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Songs performed include "Border Song", "Goodbye", "Sixty Years On", "Indian Sunset" and "Take Me To The Pilot".
Episode 10
53 mins
Humphrey Burton presents an experimental animation film from Finland, and a look at the socio-political elements surrounding an arts centre in Birmingham.
Episode 11
52 mins
A new documentary about Dylan Thomas presents the views of his family members for the first time, while there's also the world premiere of what Humphrey Burton describes as a "space fiction ballet" from French television.
Episode 12
51 mins
A special study of the psychological state of America, directed by Tony Palmer. With the film including such names as John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Humphrey Burton would later note "it was one in a slew of rather sad American films by Palmer."
Episode 13
A documentary about painter Stanley Spencer, with his "voice" provided by Roger Avon, and his works provided by institutions including the Tate Gallery. There's also interview footage with family members, including his brother.
Episode 14
An investigation into whether Britain really does have the best television in the world.
Episode 15
A special memorable tribute to Igor Stravinsky one year after his death, conducted by Leonard Bernstein at the Royal Albert Hall.