Arthur Hopcraft was one of the great scriptwriters of his day, well known for his TV plays such as
As well as material relating to his broadcast and published works, the archive also includes many scripts which were never produced, and ideas and projects which were never developed. The collection has been arranged into six series: Television plays, series and adaptations; books; films; scripts not produced; ideas and projects without scripts and awards.
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Arranged by title of work, in chronological order. Generally includes production material such as scripts (usually multiple copies containing rewrites and revisions), reading copies, rehearsal scripts (which often include written amendments), cast lists, episode breakdowns, rehearsal and filming schedules, etc. Other items are often included, such as outlines, reviews, research sources, Hopcraft's notes (often scribbled on pieces of paper), fan mail and other correspondence, and magazines featuring stories relating to the production (e.g. Radio/TV Times, UK Press Gazette), etc.
Hopcraft's first television play, it was originally screened on 23 March 1971, as part of the ITV Playhouse series. The story concerned four people, meeting for their annual hill walking weekend in the Lake District. Directed by Michael Apted, the cast included Rosemary Leach, Bernard Hepton, Mary Miller, David Swift, Michael Gover and Faith Kent. Material includes the outline for the play, scripts, filming schedule, newspaper reviews, fan mail and other correspondence.
Hopcraft's second television play, about a Lancashire crown green bowling team, was directed by Leslie Woodhead and originally screened on 9 November 1971, as part of the ITV Playhouse series. Material includes scripts, filming schedule, newspaper reviews, fan mail and other correspondence.
Hopcraft's third television play, about a family of weekend cyclists, was originally screened on 5 December 1971, as part of the ITV Saturday Night Theatre series. Material includes rehearsal script, filming schedule and newspaper reviews.
Hopcraft's first play for the BBC, about an Oldham Methodist minister, was originally screened on 6 March 1972 as part of the Thirty Minute Theatre series. Directed by Michael Apted, the cast included Victor Henry, Madge Hindle, Frank Crompton, Mark Dignam and Bernard Wrigley. Hopcraft's original title for the play was What the Parson Said. It appears that he unsuccessfully attempted to publish it as a one-act stage play. Material includes scripts, fan mail and other correspondence.
Originally screened on 9 October 1972 as part of the BBC Play for Today series, it concerns two reporters on a provincial evening newspaper. Directed by Michael Apted, the cast included Robert Urquhart, Michael Kitchen, Barbara Young and Stephanie Turner. Material includes scripts, filming schedule, newspaper reviews, fan mail and other correspondence.
Play about the inauguration of the mayor in a northern town, originally screened on ITV on 18 December 1972. Directed by Michael Apted, the cast included William Russell, Mary Miller, Barbara Young and John Barrie. Material includes rehearsal script, filming schedule and newspaper reviews.
Originally screened on 28 October 1973 as part of the ITV Saturday Night Theatre series, the play centres on a group of educated drop-outs who set up an underground newspaper. Material includes scripts and filming schedule.
Play about a north country family gathering together for Christmas, originally screened on 13 December 1973 as part of the BBC Play for Today series. Directed by Claude Whatham, the cast included Colin Farrell John Barrie and Brenda Bruce. Material includes scripts, newspaper reviews and an article by Hopcraft which appeared in the Radio Times.
Originally screened on 18 February 1974 on BBC2 as part of Second City Firsts, a series of original plays from Birmingham. Material includes scripts, including various re-writes and revisions, and correspondence with the BBC.
Hopcraft's adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's account of his childhood, originally screened on 21 April on ITV as part of the Childhood series. Directed by Mike Newell, it was also shown in the USA in February 1977. Material includes script, filming schedule, Hopcraft's notes and newspaper reviews, including photocopies of American newspaper articles and reviews.
Originally screened on ITV on 4 August 1974, this play about an upper-class Labour MP was subsequently turned into a TV series (see AHP/1/15). Directed by John Irvin, the cast included Michael Elphick and Tony Britton. It won the Broadcasting Press Guild award for the best single play on British television in 1974. Material includes scripts, including various re-writes and revisions, film schedule, fan mail and newspaper reviews.
Hopcraft's adaptation of John Vanbrugh's restoration comedy, originally screened on 1 April 1975 as part of ITV's series entitled The Way of the World. Directed by Gareth Davies, the cast included Bill Maynard and Joan Sims. Material includes scripts, incorporating revisions, cast list and Hopcraft's notes about Vanburgh.
Seven part drama series about a group of friends, reunited by their 6th form master Mr Nightingale 25 years after leaving school. Each episode was a self-contained drama and the series had multiple writers. Hopcraft wrote the first episode, Tweety, directed by Richard Everitt, which originally aired on 14 January 1975, and the final episode, Decision, directed by June Howson, which aired on 25 February 1975. The cast included Derek Carr and Pauline Yates. Material includes scripts and newspaper reviews of the episodes written by Hopcraft, a storyline for the whole series and some of Hopcraft's notes.
Originally screened on 8 May 1975 as part of the BBC Play for Today series. The play, about two frustrated suburban wives who visit a drinking club on a Wednesday afternoon, was directed by Michael Apted and the cast included Lois Dane, Simon Rouse and Jane Lowe. In 1978, Hopcraft tried unsuccessfully to interest Kenneth Alan Taylor, artistic director of the Oldham Coliseum Theatre, in a stage adaptation of the play. Material includes scripts, film schedule, newspaper reviews and correspondence.
Seven part political drama, based on Hopcraft's play aired the previous year (see AHP/1/11). The series, originally broadcast on ITV during November and December 1975, was directed by John Irvin and the cast included Tony Britton, Ann Firbank, Michael Elphick and Wilfred Pickles. Material includes scripts of each episode, background material collected by Hopcraft, publicity material and newspaper reviews.
Part of ITV's Victorian Scandals, a series of seven dramas originally broadcast in September and October 1976. Directed by Claude Whatham, it told the love story of Arthur Munby, a respectable Victorian gentleman with a charitable interest in working woman, and Hannah, a maid. Cast included Robert Hardy, Clifford Rose and Elizabeth Spriggs. Material includes scripts and Hopcraft's notes about Munby.
Four part adaptation of the novel by Charles Dickens, originally broadcast in the USA in May 1977, and on ITV in October and November 1977. It was directed by John Irvin and the cast included Patrick Allen, Timothy West, Alan Dobie, Barbara Ewing, Rosalie Crutchley and Ursula Howells. Material largely consists of Hopcraft's background notes. There is also newspaper reviews, including photocopies of American newspaper articles, and some correspondence. Does not contain any scripts.
Seven part adaptation of the John Le Carre novel about a traitor in the British Secret Service, originally broadcast on the BBC in September and October 1979. Directed by John Irvin, the cast included Alec Guinness, Bernard Hepton, Terence Rigby, Michael Aldridge and Ian Richardson. Material includes scripts of all seven episodes, publicity material, newspaper and magazine articles and reviews, and correspondence.
Eight part adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel, originally broadcast on the BBC in January and February 1985 and in the USA in December 1985. Directed by Ross Devenish, the cast included Diana Rigg, Denholm Elliott, Philip Franks and Peter Vaughan. Material includes scripts of all eight episodes, fan mail and other correspondence, publicity material, newspaper and magazine articles and reviews, including some from American publications, and legal documentation.
Seven part adaptation of the John Le Carre novel, originally broadcast on the BBC in November and December 1987. Directed by Peter Smith, the cast included Peter Egan, Frances White and Peggy Ashcroft. Material includes scripts of all seven episodes, newspaper and magazine articles and reviews, correspondence and Hopcraft's notes.
Four part adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel, originally broadcast on ITV over two successive evenings in May 1989. A joint Anglo-French production directed by Philippe Monnier, the cast included James Wilby, Xavier Deluc, Serena Gordon, Jean-Pierre Aumont and John Mill. Material includes scripts of all four episodes, newspaper and magazine articles and reviews, correspondence, and Hopcraft's notes.
Two part serial adaptation of the novel by Daphne du Maurier, originally broadcast by ITV on the 5 and 6 January 1996. Directed by Jim O'Brien, the cast included Charles Dance, Diana Rigg, Emilia Fox and Faye Dunaway. Material includes scripts, including revisions and re-writes, correspondence, reviews, photographs and legal documents.
Hopcraft had four books published (he also co-edited a compilation of articles featuring the Observer's coverage of the 1970 football World Cup). This series is arranged by title of book and includes reviews, correspondence, working notes, royalty statements, etc.
Hopcraft's first book, Born to Hunger, was published in 1968, after he had travelled 45,000 miles in underdeveloped countries on behalf of the Freedom from Hunger Campaign. Material includes Hopcraft's notes, newspaper reviews and correspondence.
The Football Man - People and Passions in Soccer was first published in 1968, and remains one of the finest books ever written about the game. Material includes letters to Hopcraft, reviews, working notes, research sources and royalty statements.
A revised edition was published in 1971. Material includes correspondence, press cuttings and royalty statements.
Hopcraft's autobiographical account of his childhood, subtitled Encounters of a Tin Chapel Tyro, was published in 1970. Material includes newspaper reviews, correspondence and royalty statements.
Hopcraft's only novel, published in 1982. Material includes a typed copy of the text with hand-written corrections, newspaper reviews, notes, letters, revisions and royalty payments.
Hopcraft appears to have scripted only one feature film, Hostage, based on the novel No Place to Hide by Ted Allbeury. With a cast including Sam Neil, Talisa Soto and James Fox, it was released in 1992, receiving a lukewarm reception from film critics.
Material includes a draft of the screenplay, rewritten scenes, letters from the production company, location reports, handwritten notes, research sources, etc.
Includes TV, theatre and film projects (some of which had been commissioned) that Hopcraft developed to the point where a script had been written. However, it appears that none of these were ever produced (a version of Silas Marner was screened in 1985, but Hopcraft regarded the major rewrites to his script as unacceptable, and insisted that his name be removed from the credits). Work on some of these projects (e.g. Wuthering Heights, Nuremberg, Philby) was well advanced and the material often includes drafts of scripts, research notes, correspondence (including 'rejection' letters), etc.
Hopcraft's first play, written for the stage, never saw the light of day. A chance meeting in a pub with Gordon McDougall, Director of the Stables Theatre Company, led to him writing the play. It was set in a North Midlands working men's club, which operated a 'colour bar', but apparently McDougall didn't think the play quite worked. Stables was a company funded by Granada Television to try out ideas for plays, but it folded before Hopcraft had chance to re-write the play. However, Peter Eckersley, head of drama at Granada came across the script and commissioned Hopcraft to write a play specifically for television - which became the Mosedale Horseshoe. Material includes two typed copies of the script, with hand-written amendments, and two letters from Peter Cheeseman, Artistic Director of the Victoria Theatre in Stoke.
Hopcraft was commissioned by Hemisphere Productions to write a screenplay based on the life of Lady Jane Digby, a 19th Century English aristocrat. Material includes copy of Hopcraft's completed screenplay, including amendments, various re-written sections and pages, Hopcraft's handwritten notes, and various correspondence.
Hopcraft was commissioned to write a screenplay about the spy Kim Philby by S Benjamin Fisz Productions. Material includes different versions of the screenplay, produced over a number of years, many notes and revisions, plus correspondence featuring various opinions about the merits of the screenplays.
Two part script about the life of Robert Blatchford, the socialist campaigner and author. Also includes Hopcraft's handwritten notes, which contains a list of actors he had in mind to play the lead roles, and a letter from Granada Television.
Hopcraft was commissioned by Silverwood Films to write a screenplay based on the Jean Rhys novel, a prequel to Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Material includes first draft of the screenplay, a 'version with old ending', Hopcraft's handwritten notes, and correspondence, including a letter from a Director of Silverwood Films which helps to explain why the film never went into production. Also included is a copy of Rhys' book, with sections highlighted, presumably by Hopcraft when he was working on the adaptation, and a newspaper article about the actor Michael Siberry.
Hopcraft was commissioned by the BBC to write an adaptation of the George Eliot novel, which he completed at the end of 1983. However, Hopcraft regarded the revisions to this script which were made by the Producer and Director as unacceptable, and insisted that his name be removed from the credits when the production was screened in 1985. Material includes a copy of Hopcraft's final script, plus various drafts and notes, the revised version upon which Hopcraft has written 'not acceptable', and correspondence relating to the subsequent dispute with the BBC.
Hopcraft wrote a four part 'dramatised biography for television' about the writer Ernest Hemingway. Material includes revised versions of each episode, plus a copy of Bernd Sinkel's mini-series script of the same title which was broadcast in 1988.
Hopcraft was commissioned by the BBC to write a three part dramatisation of the novel by R C Hutchinson, which he duly delivered, but the BBC decided not to pursue the project. Material includes draft and final copies of the scripts, Hopcraft's handwritten notes, and correspondence.
Hopcraft wrote a screenplay based on Albert Pierrepoint's autobiography, in conjunction with Convergence Productions. Although a number of broadcasters, including Channel 4, expressed an interest in the project, the film was never made. Material includes numerous versions of the screenplay, Hopcraft's notes, a copy of Pierrepoint's autobiography containing highlighted sections, and correspondence.
In 1991 Hopcraft was commissioned by Granada Television to write an adaptation of Emily Bronte's novel. Hopcraft submitted his script, but Granada eventually decided to abandon the project (although Hopcraft had already withdrawn from it, being unhappy with the Director's decision not to film the story in its entirety). In 1997, the BBC became interested in producing a revised version of the original script, which Hopcraft duly delivered, but they too withdrew from the project. Material includes scripts, notes and revisions for the 1991 version, scripts and revisions for the 1997 version, and correspondence relating to both failed productions.
Hopcraft's wrote a screenplay based on the novel No Place to Hide by Ted Allbeury. Contains original script (entitled The Next Enemy) and revised version (entitled Outlaws), both including handwritten corrections.
Hopcraft was commissioned by UBA to write a screenplay based upon the novel by Frederick Taylor. Originally the screenplay was in two parts, but Hopcraft subsequently revised the script into a single film. It appears that the project stalled when Hopcraft was asked to make further revisions, including the 'Americanisation' of the script. Material includes numerous versions of the script, Hopcraft's notes, and correspondence.
Brian Lapping Associates commissioned Hopcraft to write a drama based on the transcript of the Nuremberg Tribunal. Although the BBC expressed some interest in the project, it was eventually abandoned. Material includes numerous versions of the script, Hopcraft's notes and correspondence.
Carlton Television commissioned Hopcraft to write a screenplay based on a short story by Daphne du Maurier. However, Hopcraft subsequently withdrew from the project, citing 'differing perceptions of what was wanted'. Material includes different versions of Hopcraft's script, a photocopy of the short story with sections highlighted, and correspondence.
Hopcraft was commissioned by Ecosse Films to write a screenplay based on the novel by Wilkie Collins, but the project was abandoned. Material includes various revised copies of the script, correspondence and Hopcraft's notes (including research on toads)
Hopcraft was commissioned by Talkback to write a two-part adaptation of the Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendle) novel. Although the BBC showed some interest in the project, it was abandoned. Material includes various revised copies of the script, Hopcraft's notes and correspondence.
Includes projects that Hopcraft worked on, but which were never developed to the point where he actually wrote a script, or where no copy of a script has survived. Some of these projects continued to be pursued many years after the idea was initially conceived. Includes outlines, correspondence, legal agreements, notes, etc.
Outline for a screenplay based on The Drums of the Fore and Aft, a short story by Rudyard Kipling.
Outline for a series based on the character of Vic Thatcher, who featured in Hopcraft's play The Reporters.
Senta Productions initially commissioned Hopcraft to produce an original screenplay with the title English Arrangements. Hopcraft produced a treatment, but was then asked to write a screenplay based on the novel Good Morning Midnight by Jean Rhys instead. Although Hopcraft did complete the screenplay, no copy of it has survived with Hopcraft's papers. The film was never made, apparently due in part to a legal dispute relating to ownership of the screenplay. Material includes Hopcraft's synopsis of both English Arrangements and Good Morning Midnight, correspondence, and a copy of Rhys' novel containing Hopcraft's notes.
Hopcraft was commissioned by Siege Productions to work on a stage musical based on Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. Material includes Hopcraft's treatment and a small amount of correspondence.
Hopcraft was involved in a project to make a film or TV version of J G Farrell's novel. Although a number of companies, including the BBC, expressed an interest over a number of years, it was never produced. Material includes Hopcraft's treatment and notes, as well as correspondence.
Hopcraft attempted to develop a TV drama series based on the early life of Charlie Chaplin, which he was to co-write with Ken Sicklen. However, the project failed to get off the ground, partly due to the inability to obtain the necessary permissions from Chaplin's estate. Material includes an outline of the project and correspondence.
Hopcraft developed a proposal for a television series of six one-hour episodes, a spin-off from the film Hostage which he wrote. Material includes Hopcraft's treatment and notes, including a proposed cast list, and correspondence.
Hopcraft acquired the exclusive option over the film and television rights of Jonathan Cape's novel, but the project was never developed. Material includes Hopcraft's outline for a feature film, notes and correspondence.
Hopcraft produced an outline for a feature film based on the novel by Paul Micou. Material includes Hopcraft's treatment and correspondence.
Material relating to various projects which Hopcraft was approached to work on, but apparently declined, including a proposed BBC drama on Churchill and Roosevelt. Mainly consists of story outlines and correspondence.
Hopcraft received the British Academy of Film and Television Arts British Writer's award 1985. The awards ceremony took place in March 1986.
Material includes congratulations cards and letters, a section of The Stage from March 1986 listing all the Bafta winners, and a photograph of the award.