49 Up - The Greatest British Documentary Series of All Time


By Jason Grant


Over 10 million people tuned in for the latest instalment of the Up series broadcast in England, now being shown around the world. Michael Apted's brilliance in shaping this programme since he took over the reins in 1970 from Paul Almond and Tim Hewat is clearly evident. 49 Up is a testimony to British documentary at its absolute pinnacle.

The show was recently voted top British documentary of all time.

We have become well accustomed to the subjects in the film over the years, seen their hopes as children, shared their most intimate thoughts and watched them through every stage of life. In analysing 49 Up, the overriding sentiment that one is left with is of the characters' contentment, looking forward to their futures with children, grandchildren and on to the next phase of life. This is the most upbeat and positive of all the programmes.

First up was Tony 'The Jockey' Walker and his lovely wife Debbie. After a quick walk round the family garden in Woodford we were then transported to sunny Spain, where they have just bought their dream villa, appropriately named 'Nellie Rose' after their two mums. Seeing Tony and the family, which now includes three grandchildren, having a laugh by the pool and building sandcastles on the beach, it is obvious that here is a very committed family who genuinely care for one another. The old adage of the East End family always sticking together certainly holds true for the Walkers. Seeing Tony and Debbie walking through the street market cracking jokes, it could well have been Petticoat Lane or the Roman Road in a bygone era. But that part of East End life has sadly gone, and Tony is none too happy about it. Spain and the increasing number of English people who are making it their second home or in some cases permanent home, seems to conjure up the best of the old England that they yearn for and the new challenges that lie ahead. Both Tony and Debbie seem very content with life at present, and it will be interesting to see what the next seven years have in store for them.

Lynn welcomed her first grandchildren and thankfully has overcome her medical problems. Unfortunately, it seems likely that Tower Hamlets will cut the library programmes and special education services she provides to handicapped children. She has dedicated her life to the service of inner-city children for nearly 30 years. She is the salt of the earth, and it's about time her important work was recognised with an honour from the Queen.

Sue now runs an academic department at London University, has bought her own house and seems settled in her relationship. Jackie lives with her three children on a council estate in Scotland, and things have not been easy for her either from a health or a financial viewpoint, but she puts a brave face on things and is enjoying bringing up her family.




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