2. The Word
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE4Qo45b8jA Running from 1990-1995, The Word was essential late night viewing for many, many people on a Friday night. Due to its slot on late night TV, The Word could push accepted barriers and make unique, adult entertainment. The two most famous presenters were Terry Christian and Dani Behr. The Word was a magazine format - so there was interviewing, music and game show type moments. There was a section called 'The Hopefuls' which featured sad nobodies who got on TV by doing disgusting things -licking sweaty armpits, kissing old ladies and eating worms. I remember one time a man drank his own puke. I was so nauseated by this, I really was going to phone up OFCOM to complain. Classic moments include - Nirvana's first TV appearance playing Smells Like Teen Spirit, a chick from L7 dropping her knickers and her keks. Reggae singer Shabba 'Mr Loverman' Ranks being a colossal bigot and proclaiming all homosexuals should be crucified. He picked up a heck of a lot of stick about that and came to regret it. The Word was genuine bonafide cult viewing - I would never have missed an episode and neither would anyone I know. There has been nothing as daring as The Word in its heyday since its cancellation on TV. It was colossal fun.
Clare Simpson
Contributor
My first film watched was Carrie aged 2 on my dad's knee. Educated at The University of St Andrews and Trinity College Dublin. Fan of Arthouse, Exploitation, Horror, Euro Trash, Giallo, New French Extremism. Weaned at the bosom of a Russ Meyer starlet. The bleaker, artier or sleazier the better!
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Clare