8. The History Man

Andy and Martin don their tank tops and kipper ties to go back to
The University of Watermouth in 1972 where progressive sociology
lecturer Howard Kirk (Antony Sher) eagerly awaits the new academic
year with all its promise of conquests, protests and political
shenanigans. Malcolm Bradbury's 1975 novel was adapted for TV by
Christopher Hampton in 1981 finding a 10pm slot on BBC2 where it
shocked, provoked and possibly titillated a newly Conservative
Britain. They find much to enjoy therein as they consider the
fading socialist dream of the 70s, the lens of a 1981 perspective
on a 1975 novel (which itself is a lens on a 1972-set narrative),
its treatment of sexuality and gender politics, and the glorious
accuracy of what might just be the most perfect committee meeting
ever filmed, A fantastic supporting cast included Geraldine James,
Sir Michael Hordern, Isla Blair, Paul Brooke and Miriam Margolyes.
Next time: I Claudius