David Rudkin talking about the success of Penda’s Fen


Relative success of Penda’s Fen from pebblemill on Vimeo.

Specially shot interview with writer David Rudkin, talking about the relative success of the 1974 Play for Today, ‘Penda’s Fen’, made by BBC Pebble Mill.  Alan Clarke was the director, David Rose the producer, and Tara Prem the script editor.

Caroline Hawkins left the following message on the Pebble Mill Facebook Group: ‘I remember it. I was in it. I was the little girl who had her hands chopped off and my mother was the costume designer (who persuaded me to do it!)’.

Writer, David Rudkin

Writer, David Rudkin, talking about Alan Clarke


David Rudkin on Alan Clarke from pebblemill on Vimeo.

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Specially shot interview with writer, David Rudkin, talking about working with director, Alan Clarke, on the 1974 Play for Today, ‘Penda’s Fen’.

‘Penda’s Fen’ was produced at Pebble Mill by David Rose, and  script edited by Tara Prem.  The film tells the story of Stephen, a troubled 18 year old who rejects the traditional church he was brought up into, in search of an older pagan faith.

Film Editor, Henry Fowler – photo by Ian Collins

Photograph by Ian Collins, no reproduction without permission.

The photo shows film editor Henry Fowler at his Steenbeck, editing.  Henry Fowler edited a variety of dramas and documentaries at BBC Pebble Mill including:

‘Death of a Miner’ 1968, ‘Before the Mast’ 1971, ‘That Quiet Earth’ 1972 (30 Min Theatre),’The Shoals of Herring’ 1972, ‘Land of Green Ginger’ 1973 (Play for Today), ‘Steps Back’ 1973 (Play for Today), ‘Penda’s Fen’ 1974 (Play for Today), ‘Gangsters’ 1975 (Play for Today), ‘Breath’ 1975 (Play for Today), ‘The Other Woman’ 1976 (Play for Today),’ The Muscle Market’ 1981 (Play for Today).