[James]

I've just realised that this is on tomorrow. One of my absolute favourite pieces of television ever. They've followed the lives of a group of people - starting at the age seven - every seven years.

Most poignant, for me, was the story of Neil who became homeless and was living in the Shetland Islands but got his life back together in the last programme and became a local councillor. I noticed at the general election that he stood for parliament as a Liberal Democrat.

DOCUMENTARY: 49 Up
Channel: ITV
Date: Thursday 15th September 2005
Time: 21:00 to 22:30

In 1964 a group of seven-year-olds was interviewed for the documentary Seven Up. Every seven years since, director Michael Apted has been back to film the participants. They are now 49. What has happened in their lives since we last met them at 42?

[Sunny_01]

Cool James thanks for that it sounds really good I will make a point of trying to watch it

[guttridge]

never watch it sorry

[Ruth]

I remember my psychology A level teacher getting us to watch this (I think they were only at 35 up then). It was fascinating, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the next installment.

They started a new 7 up in 2000 - so in two years time, we will get to see the next installment of that.

[BigSister]

This looks quite intresting I cant remember the last 1 as I was proably only young then well only 12 but I might watch, my mum is anyway

[Ruth]

It was very good. Part 2 is on next week.

[Romantic Old Bird]

Yes, it was compulsive viewing. I can quite imagine why some of them have chosen to drop out, and some feel a bit resentful of the intrusion. They didn't have any real informed choice at 7 did they?

I am waiting to see what happened to the very sweet little boy who ended up living in a caravan as a semi-vagrant. My heart went out to him so much. I think he had long term mental health problems. I hope nothing awful has happened to him and that he's OK

[Siouxsie]

nope never heard of it

[guttridge]

miss all the other was not born hu

[Romantic Old Bird]

Still worth a look, even if you missed the rest, because it shows little bits of them at all ages. The class divide bit it fascinating too.

Believe me, it gives a whole new slant on privilege as well. Being sent off to boarding school at seven was cruel. I think the kids whose parents had money often had a lot less hugs and cuddles, and they seem not to have done so well - far more insecurities.

[Ruth]

Yes, Guttridge, it doesn't matter if you haven't seen any of the others. I didn't start watching until 35 up, and as ROB said, they show bits of the previous shows.

ROB, is Neil the guy you mentioned in your previous post? He was the sweetest little boy, and he wanted to be an astronaut when he grew up? Out of all of the participants, he is the one who sticks in my mind the most as well.

[Ruth]

The second part is on tonight. Should be interesting; I saw a clip of it earlier.

[James]

That was interesting. I think only one of the subjects refused to take part in this one? Lots of commercial breaks though.

You can get the previous documentaries on DVD, I'd quite like to see them. They're not cheap though! Amazon link

[Ruth]

Oh thanks for that james. I was wondering if they were available. I particularly liked Nick and Neil last night. It's a fascinating show; I wonder how many of them will want to be involved with 56 up.