Blasphemy at the Old Bailey

Blasphemy at the Old Bailey — Plot

In 1977 the Old Bailey saw the start of the first trial for blasphemy in this country for over half a century. Begun by Mary Whitehouse against the homosexual newspaper Gay News, it ended in a conviction, heavy fines and a suspended prison sentence for the editor. An appeal is pending. Was this prosecution an attack on free speech? Or was it a necessary defence of the principle that, even in a permissive society, some things must remain sacred? This dramatised documentary reconstructs the crucial moments of this historic trial, and explores the issues it raises. Peter France questions the people on both sides, including Mary Whitehouse and Denis Lemon, Editor, Gay News, about their actions and reactions during the case.

• Release date
• September 18, 1977
• Runtime
• 73 min
• Director
• Hugh David

Blasphemy at the Old Bailey — Cast

D

Donald Eccles His Honour Judge King-Hamilton, QC Norman Rodway John Mortimer, QC Terrence Hardiman John Smyth Gareth Thomas G. Robertson

N

Norman Rutherford Clerk of the Court

J

John Beardmore Court Usher

C

Chris Sanders Foreman of the Jury

P

Peter Machin Denis Lemon