Look: Private Life of the Kingfisher
(1966)
Also known as: Programme 144
Broadcast as part of the BBC's Look strand, Private Life of the Kingfisher is a detailed, intriguing portrayal of these fast and vibrant fishers. The first BBC production to be transmitted in colour, it was originally submitted to their Natural History Unit as an amateur study. Quickly recognising the talents of Ronald and Rosemary Eastman the documentary was re-shot and became the couple's first step towards a full time career in wildlife filmmaking.
Chronicling various aspects of kingfisher behaviour, the Eastmans provide an extraordinary glimpse into the world of this efficient hunter. Filmed over a year on their local River Test, stunning cinematography captures these compact birds as they mate, mother and perform spectacular dives.
Widely acclaimed, the production won the Silver Medal at the Moscow Film Festival in 1967. Back home its immense popularity saw it repeated an unprecedented eight times and due to its huge success BBC producer Jeffery Boswall commissioned a whole series of single species studies known as Private Lives.
Look: Foxes (1955)
