World in Action was Granada Television’s flagship ITV current affairs series, running from 7 Jan 1963 to 7 Dec 1998, and built a reputation for film-led investigative reporting and a forceful editorial stance. Its journalism produced major public and political repercussions—including investigations associated with miscarriages of justice such as the Birmingham Six—and it also served as a platform for landmark documentary projects, including the first broadcast of “Seven Up!” as part of the strand in 1964.
World in Action (Season 6)
Untried, Inside (Episode 1)
Air date: 1969-09-08
No Surrender (Episode 2)
Air date: 1969-09-15
Overview: Portrait of the Protestant working class and the vigilantes in Northern Ireland at the height of the Ulster riots in 1969.
Crack of the Whip (Episode 3)
Air date: 1969-09-22
Overview: Portrait of the Catholic working class and the riots in Ulster, when the barricades were going up in the streets of Derry.
Castro (Episode 4)
Air date: 1969-09-29
Overview: Following Fidel Castro as he governs the country of Cuba from Jeeps and tents, spending many hours integrating himself with the ordinary people.
The Secret Life of Sam the Plumber (Episode 5)
Air date: 1969-10-06
Put to the Test (Episode 6)
Air date: 1969-10-13
Overview: An observation of the Southwark mobile screening unit for detecting breast and other cancers.
State of the Lion (Episode 7)
Air date: 1969-10-20
Unknown Soldier (Episode 8)
Air date: 1969-10-27
The Life and Death of James Griffiths (Episode 9)
Air date: 1969-11-03
Overview: Reconstruction of Glasgow gunman James Griffiths running amok and the final shoot out with the police.
Ken Petty, Alas No Longer with Us (Episode 10)
Air date: 1969-11-10
Overview: Looks at the alternative life styles of young people who have dropped out of society.
Five Days in Washington (Episode 11)
Air date: 1969-11-17
A Welcome in the Hillsides (Episode 12)
Air date: 1969-11-24
The Breadline (Episode 13)
Air date: 1969-12-01
Overview: Lower income workers discuss how they manage to cope on poor wages, amongst politicians and trade union leaders.
Where Crime Is a Habit (Episode 14)
Air date: 1969-12-08
Overview: A look at the work of the New York Police Dept. and the vigilantes groups that have come about to also tackle crime.
Wednesday's Children (Episode 15)
Air date: 1969-12-15
Overview: A report on Muscular Dystrophy and examines what is available and what can be done for those suffering.
Nancekuke Dossier (Episode 16)
Air date: 1969-12-22
Overview: Investigates why the UK is still manufacturing nerve gas.
Last Week in Biafra (Episode 17)
Air date: 1969-12-29
Overview: Christmas 1969 and a reminder of the last terrible year in Biafra which was blighted by war and the consequent famine and starvation.
Frontline Africa (Episode 18)
Air date: 1970-01-05
Overview: The guerrilla fight for independence of the people of Portuguese Guinea.
The 22 Year Itch (Episode 19)
Air date: 1970-01-12
Cold Comfort (Episode 20)
Air date: 1970-01-19
Overview: An investigation into the elderly dying from cold in Winter and the effects of hypothermia which can show no obvious symptoms.
A Bit Apprehensive (Episode 21)
Air date: 1970-01-26
One Down,100,000 to Go (Episode 22)
Air date: 1970-02-02
Your Services No Longer Required (Episode 23)
Air date: 1970-02-09
Conspiracy (Episode 24)
Air date: 1970-02-16
St. Mungo's People (Episode 25)
Air date: 1970-02-23
Shalom (Episode 26)
Air date: 1970-03-02
Trouble Down the East End (Episode 27)
Air date: 1970-03-09
A Case for Benign Neglect? (Episode 28)
Air date: 1970-03-16
The State of Denmark (Episode 29)
Air date: 1970-03-23
Overview: On the abolishment of censorship in Denmark, infamous morality campaigner Mary Whitehouse goes on an inspection of the state.
Seymour (Episode 30)
Air date: 1970-04-06
Overview: Follows Seymour as he reconnects with life after being released from prison.
Black Mood (Episode 31)
Air date: 1970-04-13
Ian Paisley (Episode 32)
Air date: 1970-04-20
Are You Alright Jackie? (Episode 33)
Air date: 1970-04-27
Overview: A look at the lives of two schoolgirls, both named Jackie, and their juxtaposition with two representatives from the Women's Liberation Front.
This House Would Disrupt the SA Cricket Tour (Episode 34)
Air date: 1970-05-04
America Talking (Episode 35)
Air date: 1970-05-11
Quentin Crisp (Episode 36)
Air date: 1970-07-06
Overview: World In Action interview filmed in Quentin's room in a London boarding house.
Vic Feather (Episode 37)
Air date: 1970-07-13
Act of God (Episode 38)
Air date: 1970-07-20
