The Historian's Cut

S2 E8: What can A Sunday in Hell (1976) tell us about professional cycling in the 1970s?

Tonight is our last episode in the current series. And to mark the occasion we’ll be breaking from the usual format, by discussing a documentary film. This documentary, beloved in cycling circles, is a day in the life of a cycling race. But not just any race: the race is the Paris Roubaix, one of cycling’s most infamous events, a 280 km route across asphalt and cobbles and known variously as the "Hell of the North" and the "Queen of the Classics". And the film is Jørgen Leth’s "A Sunday in Hell", which, through the 1976 Paris-Roubaix, offers a unique glimpse into cycling community and culture. That’s why we’ve chosen A Sunday in Hell to answer today’s question: What can A Sunday in Hell tell us about professional cycling in the 1970s? Answer this question are: Phil Heaton, Host Dr Morris Brodie and Dr Sam Manning, Resident Historians And tonight’s special guest Dr Ryan Mallon, who gained his PhD in history from Queen’s University Belfast, and is now a journalist for Cycling Website Road CC and contributor to the Road CC podcast.

S2 E7: What can Brassed Off (1996) tell us about deindustrialisation and working-class communities?

In 1996, tonight’s film kicked off a series of British films set in working class communities, in the north of England, as they struggled to come to terms with the decline of heavy industry. Unlike some kitchen sink dramas of 1950s and 1960s these combined earthy subject matter with comedy, romance and an eye on the transatlantic market. The Full Monty prompted the chart topping re-release of Hot Chocolate’s You Sexy Thing. Billy Elliot swept the board at the Baftas and gained three Oscar nominations and a spin off west end sensation. All of three would have been good candidates to answer tonight’s question. But this tale of a brass band beating the odds to perform at the Albert Hall set against the background of the closure of one of the largest pits in Britain, is the most beloved, at least by these podcasters and that’s a good enough reason as any for choosing Brassed Off to answer the question: What can Brassed Off tell us about deindustrialisation and working-class communities? Host, Phil Heaton Resident historians, Dr Morris Brodie and Dr Sam Manning And tonight’s special guest Dr Pete Hodson, Oral Historian and Post-doctoral fellow at Trinity College Dublin, and specialist in deindustrialisation.

S2 E6: What can Casablanca (1942) tell us about refugees fleeing Nazi Europe?

“Here’s looking at you kid.” “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.” “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” The film Casablanca has given cinema some of its most memorable lines, and in the case of “play it Sam” one of cinema’s most misquoted. Its critical and popular acclaim has endured throughout the eight decades since its release, still topping many best-film- ever-lists even today. Perhaps because of its seeming “timelessness”, it is often forgotten that Casablanca is a War film. And listeners may be surprised to know that, watched with a historial perspective, Casablanca can tell us a lot about: “Europe and North Africa under the Nazis and the consequent refugee crisis” - at least this the case that historian Dr Morris Brodie will be making in today’s episode.

S2 E5: What can Dr Zhivago (1965) tell us about the Russian Revolution?

Based on the novel by Boris Pasternak, the 1965 film Dr Zhivago has become for many western viewers a key reference point for how and why the Russian Revolution unfolded. At over 3 hours, the film covers Russian history from the last years of the Romanov dynasty up to the rapid industrialisation of Stalin’s 5 year plans. Criss-crossing the Russian continent from the Urals to the Eastern front the film’s geographical perspective is similarly broad. That’s why we are asking today, what can Dr Zhivago tell us about the Russian Revolution? Please note, this episode was recorded before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

S2 E4: What can Monty Python & the Holy Grail (1975) tell us about the Arthurian Legends?

In 1975, the Monty Python released their first feature-length, non-sketch based film. A loving pastiche of King Arthur and his quest for the Holy Grail, the film has since gained cult status, with generations of schoolchildren and adults recalling the best gags, insults and shrubbery purchasing advice to their friends and family. But what can Monty Python and the Holy Grail tell us about the Arthurian legends?