Figure 1.-- This is Nina and Frederik with their children in 1967. They did a BBC Christmas special. The promitional caption read, "Nina and Frederik star with theit three childrenin an adaptation for children of the classic Hans Abdersen tales, 'The Fir Tree' and 'The Emperor's New Clothes,' to be be een on BBC-1 on Christmas Day." Nina and Frederik were a Danish – Dutch popular singing duo (1950s - 60s). They sang a blend of folk music, calypsos, and standard popular music. The Van Pallandts began sining as children and eventuslly married.

From an early point the BBC began producing specials. We are not sure when the first specials appeared. But most Brits did not purchase TV sets until 1953. The occasion of course was Queen Elizabeth's coronation. This was probably the first major special. Specials can be produced for various reasons, such as special events or popular shows. The most important specials by far are seasonal rhemed programs. There have been some specials for News Years and Easter, but by far the most importnt have been Christmas themed specials. The same is the case in America and Germany. As the other networks appeared in Britain we see the same trends. The specoals tend to prominately feature children as Christmas is such a family themed holiday. Some of these specials re vriety shows hosted by popular show business figures. Others are shows with traditional stories or new stories. Some actually depict the Biblical Christmas story.

Created: 8:50 AM 5/17/2018
Last updated: 8:50 AM 5/17/2018