In 1969 Marty was being offered the moon and other planets too. His show was a huge hit and he was about to appear in his first starring role in the film Every Home Should Have One.
The BBC offered him an hour of prime time television to do a reality-based show. His first thought was to do a film about one of his heroes. However, Buster Keaton had died and his second choice Louis Armstrong was in poor health. So Marty decided to stay local and centered the program around the creative process with guests such as Peter Sellers, Dudley Moore, Eric Morcecambe, Denis Norden and the jazz stylings of Kendick, Lambert and Ross.
Marty initially wanted to call it No, but Seriously but then changed it to One Pair of Eyes. He shot the scenes over a few days. He visited Peter Sellers on the set of the film The Magic Christian and dropped into a local pub to chat about the creative process. He also stopped by one of his favorite venues, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz club and spoke of his love of jazz.
The show starts with a great shot of Marty driving his convertible Mustang through the streets of his old haunts. Marty chats with Denis Norden, Peter Brough, Barry Took and other recent collaborators. It’s a rare glimpse into the minds of these comic giants and his visit with Dudley Moore at his home is particularly fascinating.
Enjoy it here now.
XOF
Marty in London, 1969.
Marty in the Pub, One Pair of Eyes, 1969.
Marty at a Peter Sellers charity event, 1969.
The Goons, Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers and Harry Secombe. Pioneers.
Marty at awards show with Morecambe and Wise 1969.
Marty 1969 on set of Every Home Should Have One.
Marty at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz club 1969.
Marty scouting locations early 1969.
Press photo 1969.
I think therefore I ham 1969.
Marty and Lauretta 1969.
Marty with Peter Sellers on stage 1969.
Marty at awards show with Morecambe and Wise 1969.
On set of the Bed Sitting Room 1969.
On set of the Bed Sitting Room 1969.