purpleTV today launches its new documentary, The Famous Five, with a media call at Easter Road Stadium
AHEAD of Sunday’s (24th January) premiere on BBC ALBA at 9pm, five lucky Hibernian supporters joined first-team star, Lewis Stevenson, and former star, John Fraser.
They gathered at the West Stand ahead of a VIP screening which takes place at the historic Dominion Cinema, later.
Celebrating the best of Hibs, the factual entertainment documentary is the remarkable story of Smith, Johnstone, Reilly, Turnbull and Ormond; the talented ‘Famous Five’ forward line.
In the post-war period, they entertained football fans at home and abroad, even earning plaudits while playing in Brazil!
The inspirational story of their journey from humble working-class backgrounds to the most talked about footballers of a generation and beyond is compelling, and historically and culturally significant.
Hibernian fan, the writer, Irvine Welsh, was brought up listening to stories about the success of the Famous Five.
Speaking in the film, he says: “That post-war team has shaped how the club sees itself and how it would like to be seen by the world.
“Getting good, local players and bringing them through, encouraging them and getting to a level of success with them, I think that’s always the model for a club like Hibs. That style of football is so impregnated into the club’s DNA.”
Using beautifully-shot archive commissioned by the club in the late 1940s as a backdrop to the story, The Famous Five celebrates Hibernian’s post-war decade, showcasing the hugely talented forward line in the most successful period of the club’s history.
As well as hearing from the acclaimed writer, Irvine Welsh, featuring in the documentary are family members, fellow players and broadcasters and the Hibernian FC historian.
The film also includes archive interview and drama reconstruction – featuring those talented Development Squad players!
Produced for BBC ALBA by award-winning production company, purpleTV (www.purpletv.tv).
The Famous Five is presented by sport broadcaster, Alex O’Henley, and is produced and directed by Margot McCuaig.
The same team produced Jock Stein, the factual entertainment documentary that won the Royal Television Society Scotland award for Best Sport Documentary in 2015.
The Famous Five writer, producer and director, Margot McCuaig, comments:
“We’re delighted that players past and present have gathered alongside Hibernian supporters to promote The Famous Five; a compelling story about a group of post war footballers whose significance resonates to this day.
“We look forward to sharing the film with BBC ALBA viewers on the 24th and with the audience at the preview screening tonight.”
Media colleagues are asked to include the following line in their copy:
The Famous Five, produced by purpleTV, will be broadcast on Sunday 24th January at 9pm on BBC ALBA.
ENDS
Issued by Electrify Marketing & Communications for purpleTV.
Enquiries: Lawrence Broadie – 07966 216 270 / lawrence@electrify.me.uk
Notes to editors:
purpleTV is an award-winning independent production company, set up in 2012 to create innovative digital media content and distinctive network and international television.
The company is based in the dynamic media district of Pacific Quay in Glasgow, Scotland, and its creative team is experienced across all genres.
The Hibernian FC competition winners featuring in images are: Lynne Moir, (on behalf of her son, Mathew), Frank Murdoch, Chris Marsh, George Cunningham and Dannielle Watkins.
John Fraser (79) had the unenviable job of competing with Gordon Smith for a place in the Hibernian line-up, ultimately replacing the legendary forward. He went on to play in some of Hibs highest-profile games, including against Real Madrid and Barcelona.
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Electrify Marketing & Communications contact details…
Contact: Lawrence Broadie
Phone: 07966216270
Email: lawrence@electrify.me.uk
Website: http://www.electrify.me.uk
