The Beiderbecke Connection
A quiet life disrupted by a refugee and jazz.
The Beiderbecke Connection is a four-part British television serial written by Alan Plater and broadcast in 1988. It is the third and final part of The Beiderbecke Trilogy. The serial stars James Bolam and Barbara Flynn as schoolteachers Trevor Chaplin and Jill Swinburne, who now have a baby and are asked to look after a refugee called Ivan.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Comedy drama
- Writer
- Alan Plater
- Director
- Alan Bell
- Theme music
- Frankie Trumbauer and Chauncey Morehouse
- Opening theme
- "Cryin' All Day"
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Language
- English
- Episodes
- 4
Facts from the source article.
Plot
Trevor Chaplin teaches woodwork and listens to jazz; Jill Swinburne teaches English and wants to save the planet. They have a child, Firstborn, and desire a quiet life. Big Al asks them to house a friend, Ivan, who speaks no English but thinks Bix is cool. Their adventures involve criminals, smuggling people over borders, and fighting for education rights, all set to jazz music in the style of Bix Beiderbecke.
Episodes
The four episodes are titled by incipit, using the first spoken words. "Oh Look, It's Average-Sized Trevor Chaplin" introduces Firstborn and a refugee. "Hello Sir, Hello Miss" sees the refugee return and Trevor make a stand. "Is He the Lodger?" brings a face from the past and a day at the seaside. "What Do We Have on Hockey Sticks?" concludes with life going on for those who hear the music.
Production
Jill's house is at 15 Hillview Avenue, Chapel Allerton, Leeds. San Quentin High is Foxwood School, Seacroft, Leeds. The bowling green is the Recreation Ground, Wortley, Leeds. The Archer Street shopping precinct is the area around Bond Street Precinct, Bond Street and Albion Street, Leeds city centre. Big Al phones from a former BT phone box opposite 72A Hall Lane, Leeds LS12 2BL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which network aired The Beiderbecke Connection?
The Beiderbecke Connection aired on ITV.
When did The Beiderbecke Connection first air?
The Beiderbecke Connection first aired on 27 November 1988.
When did The Beiderbecke Connection end?
The Beiderbecke Connection last aired on 18 December 1988.
More in Television Series by Yorkshire Television
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