The Cork village of Cloyne and its people are the stars of the opening sequence for 'Hall's Pictorial Weekly'.
The village of Cloyne in the east Cork is visited by the 'Hall's Pictorial Weekly’ film crew. The monastic settlement at Cloyne dates to about 560 AD and the Round Tower on Church Street was erected circa 850 AD.
The people of Cloyne go about their daily business some wave at the camera while others are unaware they are being filmed. Children in the local playground make use of the swings but one little girl prefers to do some skipping.
Once a week from June to September, the ‘Hall’s Pictorial Weekly’ film crew would arrive at a town or village in any county in Ireland. They would film the people and the place and return to RTÉ where the footage was edited and put to music.
This short film of around one minute’s duration formed part of the opening sequence for that week’s episode. As it was not advertised as part of the programme billings in the RTÉ Guide or newspapers, people watched in the hope it was the turn of their town or village to have its moment of fame.
Frank Hall’s amusing and satirical series began on 29 September 1971 with the full title ‘Hall’s Pictorial Weekly Incorporating the Provincial Vindicator’ which became known as ‘Hall’s Pictorial Weekly’.
The series allowed Frank Hall to follow his own interest in the lives of viewers throughout the country.
Regarded as RTÉ’s flagship comedy show, it featured satirical sketches on current news stories and popular culture, as well as parody songs, comedy sketches, re-edited videos, cartoons and spoof television formats. The show ran for nine series until 1980.
This episode of ‘Hall’s Pictorial Weekly’ was broadcast on 25 May 1977.
