The Human Jungle (TV series)

Did You Know?

• Air dates varied by ITV region; ABC Weekend Television broadcast two days after Associated-Rediffusion.
• The episode order given here follows the Network DVD release.
• Beaconsfield Studios closed down shortly after production of the first series ended.

Premise

Each episode focuses on a different patient whose psychological condition Dr Corder treats using a humane yet idiosyncratic approach, mixing Freudian psychoanalysis with contemporary methods from R. D. Laing's theories. Techniques such as word association, group work, role-play and hypnotherapy appear. Frequently the initial patient turns out not to be the character with the pressing mental health issue. Because of the 50-minute format, it was sometimes suggested that Corder would continue seeing patients after the denouement.

Production

The series was created by Ronald J. Kahn, credited as assistant to the producers, and produced by Julian Wintle and Leslie Parkyn. Bernard Ebbinghouse composed the theme music, arranged and recorded by John Barry and his Orchestra. High-profile guest stars included Joan Collins, Margaret Lockwood, Flora Robson, Roger Livesey, Rita Tushingham and André Morell. The first series was filmed at Beaconsfield Studios; the second at Associated British Studios in Elstree. The script editor was John Kruse, and Dr Hugh L. Freeman advised on psychiatric content for the National Association for Mental Health.