He’s unlikely to see this, but I would nevertheless like to wish a happy 90th birthday to Cliff Michelmore. Cliff was the presenter of Tonight, an early evening magazine show on BBC television that ran from 1957-1965. Its format was very similar to ‘The One Show’ which is now running on BBC1. Cliff Michelmore was one of the most relaxed people I have ever seen on a live TV programme, seemingly so relaxed that he could cope with any eventuality - and in those relatively early days of television, there were frequent breakdowns of technical equipment.
Looking back, I realise that it was probably because Cliff always seemed to be having a good time, even when things were going wrong, that I was attracted to broadcasting. His sign-off was: “And the next Tonight will be tomorrow night. Good night.” Except on Fridays of course, when ‘tomorrow night’ became ‘Monday night’. You can watch some archive extracts of programmes featuring Cliff at this link.
For me, the most memorable live programme Cliff presented was Our World, broadcast in 1967 and the most ambitious attempt so far to link five continents by satellite TV. The climax of the show was a live link to the Abbey Road studios where the Beatles were putting the finishing touches to All You Need Is Love.
Cliff’s late wife, Jean Metcalfe, was also a well-known broadcaster who for many years presented Family Favourites on the BBC Light Programme, linking up with broadcasters overseas.
At the age of 88, Cliff Michelmore returned to the screen on the BBC Parliament channel to present a retrospective look at the devaluation of the British currency forty years earlier. He is now living in retirement in Hampshire. Many of the people working in television today were not even born when Cliff Michelmore was presenting Tonight, but for those of us who remember those days he’s a broadcasting legend.
on Dec 15th, 2009 at 19:55
Yes-Happy Birthday to Cliff
on Dec 15th, 2009 at 20:44
Meridian have an interview at http://www.itv.com/meridian-east/meetatvlegend86182/
on Dec 16th, 2009 at 13:19
Just wonder if this programme was seen in 1957 as a “dumbing down” of news presentation, with its calypsos, Scottish modern folk songs commenting on goings-on, and the cultivated eccentricities of some reporters.
It was certainly great fun to watch. I heartily agree that Cliff made it look like having a good time.
on Dec 16th, 2009 at 13:25
No it wasn’t, because as Cliff explains in the video I have linked to, the programme wasn’t allowed to do news. Officially, that is. Cy Grant’s calypsos were a cheeky way of getting round the restriction, but Tonight was essentially a light-hearted magazine programme. As I said above, The One Show seems to me like a modern version of Tonight, whether intentional or not.
on Feb 20th, 2010 at 23:49
You have made me think now.
I had always imagined Tonight as the current affairs programme where I developed my interest in the world - I started watching as a 9 year old. I started listening to Today at about the same time.
Cy Grant died last week. Like Tonight a deep character with a light touch.
The One Show surely belongs to the ‘oddly shaped vegetable’ school of British television. Ephemeral stuff with an unfounded belief in its own importance.
on May 2nd, 2010 at 13:16
For those able to access the UK’s BBC Radio 4 programmes on air or online, an affectionate reminder of the Tonight team’s work is being broadcast this week.
Although Cliff wasn’t able to take part in The Reunion because of a recent fall, many of his colleagues did. Their happy memories of a special time in TV development shine through in this 45-minute programme.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00s54dd
on Jul 14th, 2010 at 21:35
One of the oddest things about the Tonight programme was the effect the theme music had on toddlers. My young brother who was about 18 months would sit up and start to sway and dance to the music as soon as it came on. We found out soon enough that this was happening all over the country.
Babies the length and breadth of Britain were dancing to the music. There was something in the beat that somehow got to the tiny tots.
Does anyone else remember that?
on Nov 10th, 2010 at 21:34
Oh! How ironic, you mention the slim chances of Cliff stumbling apon this article, however i do believe that he is sitting next to me at this very moment! As i his grandson teach him to surf the web at 90! Nearly 91!! We find it fascinating how people recall and remember Cliff and His programs in such detail. Hes pretty fit and healthy (for a 90 year old) and finishes the times and telegraph crossword most days.
Had a recent operation - HIP REPLACEMENT, after falling and slipping while trying to take his wellington boots off and sadly can no longer compete in his professional sporting degree’s ;).
Tap an email to me for his address for any fanmail or to keep updated on cliffords antics!
Nils de Jongh
NilsDeJongh@Hotmail.Com
on Nov 11th, 2010 at 09:36
Hi Nils,
Thanks for getting back to us. Cliff was one of the people who inspired me to get involved in broadcasting because he obviously enjoyed it so much. I guess The One Show is trying to copy that live format, but of course the content is very different from the 1950s and 60s. Those of us who are old enough to remember the original definitely prefer it
And I still feel emotional when I think of Our World - what a memorable night that was!
I hope Cliff has a wonderful 91st birthday, and many more to come.
on May 1st, 2011 at 20:08
My best wishes to one of the nicest men on TV, we were both staying at the Piccadilly Plaza (called something else now) and we spent three or more hours chatting in the Lounge, very interesting man, a real Gentleman.
I think I was doing an Exhibition at Belle Vue for Findus Frozen Foods/Nestles
I hope there will be many more birthdays to come and the card from the Queen of course (or King Charles 3rd)
Happy Birthday for his 92nd in December
on May 2nd, 2011 at 19:48
thats fantastic Ray McElwain - i’ll take my laptop up to show the fellow tomorrow and show him this comment
thanks
on Jan 18th, 2012 at 13:02
I have just googled Mr Michelmore’s name and come across this article; I fully agree with all you have said about, undoubtedly one of the nicest gentlemen one could ever hope to meet. Thank you also for the link to Mr de Jongh, whom I have just emailed to recount a semi-meeting I once had with his grandfather. I do hope he continues to be fit and enjoying his crossword puzzles in 2012