HOW! Cowboys and Indians: And What We Learned Along the Way
My 70's TV Childhood
English - July 04, 2023 00:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBTV & Film Society & Culture television 1970's cultural history childhood nostalgia britain Homepage Download Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Welcome to another episode of "My 70’s TV Childhood"! In this week's instalment, we take a deep dive into the profound impact of television on our lives as we reminisce about growing up in 1970’s Britain. Despite the limited channels, television played a pivotal role in fostering a strong sense of shared identity among my generation.
During that era, concepts like cultural appropriation were unfamiliar to us. Our society was brimming with cultural references borrowed from India, Africa, North America, and other regions where Britain had exerted its imperial influence. Shows such as "The Virginian," "Alias Smith and Jones," and "The High Chaparral" ignited our imaginations, transporting us into the enthralling world of cowboys and Indians. Engaged in innocent play, we would enthusiastically emulate gun sounds with a resounding BANG!!, wielding toy guns, blissfully unaware of the tragic history of Native American displacement.
But the cultural immersion wasn't confined to television alone. This week, I stumbled upon our cherished I-Spy books, unlocking a wave of nostalgia. These educational gems, featuring challenges by Big Chief I-Spy, a wise Red Indian Chief, held a special place in the hearts of British boys and girls. "I-Spy in The Street" even guided us on a journey to become I-Spy tribe members and earn coveted Redskin certificates.
Shifting gears, we focus on the unforgettable television show "HOW!" which first aired on Southern Television in 1966. Originally aimed at settling pub arguments, its creator, Jack Hargreaves, swiftly realised its appeal to children after the inaugural episode. The show found a new home in the teatime slot and soon gained popularity across ITV companies.
From 1966 to 1981, "How!" maintained its consistent format. The presenters - Fred Dineage, Jon Miller, Bunty James, and the esteemed Jack Hargreaves - would greet viewers with a traditional Red Indian salutation, "HOW!" before embarking on a 25-minute adventure of answering questions that all began with the word "HOW." They seamlessly covered topics ranging from history and geography to science, infusing even the most mundane subjects with their unique styles, making learning an enthralling experience. Jack Hargreaves, renowned for his soothing voice and extensive knowledge, also graced our screens with the countryside-themed show "Out of Town," a celebration of traditions and crafts at risk of fading away.
Although "HOW!" concluded in 1981 following Southern Television's franchise loss, a brief revival in 1990 with Fred Dineage, Carol Vordermann, and Gaz Topp failed to match the magic of the original series. Nevertheless, our hearts are filled with fond memories of the show, imagining the wisdom that Jack Hargreaves could have shared and finding solace in the comforting sight of his pipe.
We'd love to hear from you! Did you enjoy the I-Spy books or watch "HOW!"? Did Jack Hargreaves inspire you to embrace pipe smoking or explore countryside activities? Join the conversation on our blog at www.my70stvchildhood.com, and connect with us on Facebook and YouTube @my70stvchildhood. You can also reach out to us on Twitter @70stvchildhood or send an email to Oliver at [email protected]. Don't hesitate to share your corrections and confessions with us at [email protected].
Stay tuned for more nostalgic adventures and delightful memories from our 70s TV childhood!