Dixon of Dock Green. Full Episode “Sounds” (1973) HD

Dixon of Dock Green. Full Episode called “Sounds” (Made in 1973) and starring Jack Warner as George Dixon.
More from Dixon of Dock Green on my playlist • Dixon of Dock Green
This episode…
Written by …Eric Paice
Created by… Ted Willis
Music by… Jeff Darnell
Produced by… Joe Walters
Directed by…Ian Wyatt
Full cast members in this complete episode were…
Jack Warner as George Dixon
Marion Lines as Anne Turner
Lyn Doyle as Janey
Jaqueline Stanbury as WPC Hawkins
Gregory de Polnay as Det. Sgt. Mike Brewer
Peter Byrne as Det. Insp. Andy Crawford
Nicholas Donnely as Sgt. Wills
Chris Sullivan as PC Slater
Bernard Martin as Sgt. Thomas
Richard Parry as Erickson
David Wood as Dave
Colin McCormack as PC Wakeman
Michael Graham Cox as Davis
Part 5/6 on History of Dixon of Dock Green
Later series (Ctd. From Part 4/6... • Dixon of Dock Green. ... ...)
Reception
The BBC scheduled Dixon of Dock Green in the family time slot of 6:30pm on Saturday night. At the time it started on air in 1955, the drama schedule of the BBC was mostly restricted to television plays so that Dixon had little trouble in building and maintaining a large and loyal audience. In 1961, the series was voted second most popular programme on British television with an estimated audience of 13.85 million. Even in 1965 after three years of the gritty and grimy procedural police-work of Z-Cars, the audience for Dixon stood at 11.5 million. However, as the 1960s wore on, ratings began to fall and this and health questions were asked around Jack Warner.
Later series
The series evolved, though slowly, Ted Willis ensuring that the familiarity of the format remained its greatest strength for many years. The procedural detail formed a backbone on top of which the dramatic story played out, allowing the whole to make perfect sense. Often delivered at a genteel pace, this approach led to criticism from some quarters in the face of faster-paced (and sometimes more violent) contemporaries such as The Sweeney and even Z Cars. Overall, the show ran for 22 series. Fans continued their support for the character with each new series. When Dixon was shot in one episode, the BBC received 4,000 letters of anxious inquiry and had it announced on television that Jack was all right. Other characters weren't forgotten; indeed, PC Andy Crawford -- as well as being the main character's son-in-law -- would go on to rise through the ranks of the CID to become chief inspector in Dock Green.
Dixon of Dock Green is sometimes unfavourably compared with later police procedural series (such as Z-Cars in the 1960s, The Sweeney in the 1970s and The Bill in the 1980s) which were seen as having a higher degree of realism due to their harder hitting and more dynamic nature. However the style of the programme did evolve over time and some of the 1970s episodes which have been preserved demonstrate little of the homely nature for which the show was often criticised. Plot lines in this period included the suspected suicide of a police officer, a gangland killing, and the shooting of a suspect by police officers using firearms. Police in the UK do not routinely carry firearms, and in the 1970s guns were rarely ever seen in the their hands.
"Firearms Were Issued" (20 April 1974, one of the surviving episodes) examines that last point. A notorious gang of bank robbers has performed a raid locally and Dock Green police are tipped off "from a reliable source" that they have retreated into a suburban house on their patch. Taking no chances, the go-ahead for a raid is given and Sergeant George Dixon issues firearms to D.I. Andy Crawford and his team. With the gang attempting to flee under cover of darkness, shots are fired, including two from Crawford. At least one of these apparently hits and kills the target in the dark, the truth of which only comes to light later during the investigation that is quickly launched back at Dock Green police station. All officers are quizzed and re-quizzed by a senior external CID officer, going over the rights and wrongs of each step, looking for accountability. Everyone involved is left in no doubt as to the consequences of their actions, should they prove to be truthfully theirs. In retrospect, the process can be seen as primitive compared to the in-depth procedural investigations of the 21st century, but was rarely touched on in contemporary productions. The detail ensured that neither characters nor viewers could be completely sure about the outcome, ensuring gripping television drama.
Part 6/6 on history of Dixon of Dock Green with episode "Firearms were Issued" from 1973 at • Dixon of Dock Green. F...

[@alunchurcher7060]

Now I know why I and millions loved this show, shame they don't make quality like this today rather than the large amount of reality crap.

[@patkearney9320]

How lucky we were to know such time’s life was innocent and crime rare how life has changed for the worst, now being a cop is collecting a wage pack and remain hidden from the public once being a cop was a calling. I long for the decent life we once knew.

[@sarahstrong7174]

Oh there was plenty of crime back then. Not so innocent. Age of celebrity child abusers.

[@patkearney9320]

I caught a man breaking into my lock up. No point in calling police they do nothing so I dealt with it myself and called him an ambulance, he was lucky truly lucky. And I told him if I ever see him again there will be no ambulance.

[@Firebrand55]

An episode that portrays life as it is...with an ending that exemplifies that....still valid today.

[@clovelly1946]

I'm 76 and grew up with George, my brother was a PC in Nottingham.We all moved to Australia and I ended marrying a Victorian policeman. It was very different in OZ. It so reminds me of England,and is enjoyed.

[@paulstark6818]

Great story the good old fashion Police show thankyou ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@andrewemery4272]

Dixon of Dock Green was the reason I became a police officer. Now, as a retired copper, I can confirm that today's police are totally crap.

[@travis9062856]

And when you were a young cop what did people your age now have to say about the police of your time compared to theirs 30 or 40 years before you joined?

[@justinneill5003]

I used to love watching Dixon of Dock Green as a child; I was born in London and spent my first few years there during the early sixties. I used to listen intently to George Dixon's reflections and observations at the beginning and end, and absorbed every word. Things were beginning to change even then, but it was still a time when we had coppers on the beat and that badge deservedly commanded some respect from most people. Fast forward today with all the changes in our society, which are reflected in the changes within the police, and for all those changes I think there is still an element of Dixon of Dock Green in our police culture which puts them on the back foot in fighting crime. For instance (regrettably) I think the time is now well overdue for regular police officers to carry a side firearm, as they do in most other countries.

[@juliemunro1]

They were certainly too busy to investigate the theft of our car in 1999

[@justinneill5003]

@@juliemunro1 Policing changed a lot between the Dixon era (1955-1976) and 1999. And not for the better.

[@patkearney9320]

And the worst part is we know who is responsible for the way society has gone, I’m 60 and remember being allowed to watch Dixon life was more innocent and people more open and honest in them days.

[@patkearney9320]

A man broke into my lock up I called him an ambulance, I warned him next time no ambulance I was cruel to him because that’s all they fear. The police knew what I had done and told me don’t worry he won’t complain. I took his phone money and shoes. Now am I WRONG to send a message I am not a victim I am a husband a father and a working man, but I will be severe in my ways to them who take what’s mine or my friends. Folk must look after themselves because the police hands are tied.

[@justinneill5003]

@@patkearney9320 Did the shoes fit?

[@trevorcox3607]

I am 67 but I grew up in those days

[@robbieedward8773]

watched this series every sat tea time with all family on a 8 inch screen black a white tv set. with one channel bbc, had the old bakerlite black phone in farm house hall..good memories of times i had grown up through the 1960!s remember watching this episode.

[@mquinn135]

@@robbieedward8773 yes the good old days, tea time Saturday ..

[@Keithbarber]

Great insight into a lost era

[@ruthsayers1163]

I never watched this programme, but a friend of mine really really loved it.

[@theculturedthug6609]

@@ruthsayers1163 These were propaganda for police recruitment back then.

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

Superb ...best of british !

[@amysanchez3699]

My first husband became abusive almost as soon as I married him. I was young and stupid, thinking deep down he loved me🙄😆 One night, I came home to find him taking my TV, jewelry, etc to pawn. I tried to stop him, and he slammed me over and over in the car door. I was 8 months pregnant. He ran off, the police came, and stupid me, I said I didn't want to press charges. The policeman told me, "then I'll press them for you." He sent me to the hospital, and I never saw my husband again. The baby did not make it. I saw some of my stupidity in this woman, and it killed me to see them let the husband go.

[@johndean958]

I am so pleased you survived. Be proud of yourself. John (Australia)

[@justinneill5003]

Rover P6... that was my dream car, and still is.

[@Myke-ju5lg]

My late father owned a K reg 3500S.He bought it new in 1973.

[@justinneill5003]

@@Myke-ju5lg Our neighbour had one in my favourite mustard colour (it was called “turmeric”) with a dark brown vinyl roof trim and matching spare wheel cover (mounted externally on the boot.) I was sure I’d own one one day, maybe I still will 👍

[@bertspeggly4428]

Some great shots of old Docklands London!

[@toxicpotato1]

Blooming heck My mum had the same trendy tangerine wallpaper

[@tubailey2459]

Great 👍 Episode. Thanks.

[@countteddy]

that P6 though...those wheels.....lovely

[@Voxac100b]

Top Television

[@highpath4776]

i can date the teddy bear , I had very similar in 1972 ! I note the Cooker appeared in a previous ?1964? Dixon episode so much have been in the props department.

[@mohamedsheik4589]

Police today too busy at pride crap doing the macarena

[@sarahstrong7174]

Sounds like a printing press to me.

[@mr.ree...5390]

I remember Dixon talking 2 the public at the beginning & end FROM early childhood..!! & Found the DVDs by chance!! ( Liking vintage TV...!! & Bought them!!!) This episode is REALLY surprising!! & Deals with domestic abuse!! The husband's a right bastard & knows the law.!! So they can't act..!! It's VERY sad seeing the little girl playing in such squaller..!! & Even NOW SADLY sum MUST STILL live in squaller..!! O K..!! The 70s was a run down sort of era!! But it had MANY happy memories & joys if you were a child then!! As. what u got u valued..!! & Christmas REALLY was Christmas!! Not like NOW ( Kids don't appreciate things!! When it's Christmas every week) we have 3 kids in our road who are truly horrible!! They get everything!! & Actually victimise the elderly / disabled..!! & The dad finds it funny!!! ( Self employed carpenter!! WHO charges 2 much or duznt get out of bed..!!) But then ..we have 2 little Asian boys who have little & have manners like little princes!! & The dad's a great fellow!! Who gets low wages..!! ( I think it's coz he's non national..!! A disgrace in a so called civilised country..!!) So SADLY things NEVER change!! Especially people's attitudes!!

[@patkearney9320]

You could be my brother we both valued everything we got had respect for old and sick, society as we knew it is gone and are young are greed driven humans.

[@eahannan]

Really good

[@maxkite4170]

Nowadays they would be too busy and issue a crime number.

[@sarahstrong7174]

Nowdays they can trace calls much quicker. Nowdays there are refuges for women & children.

[@davids8449]

Eating Fish & Chips

[@leonmorris7925]

THE SEARGENT REMINDS ME OF THE LATE QUEENS HUSBAND X ⬛️⬜️🇬🇧🔺️👁🔺️

[@carltaylor6452]

That the police would ever go to all this trouble to try and trace a location, even back then, is pretty laughable (unless they all genuinely had nothing else to do that day), but it makes for great TV fiction.

[@travis9062856]

My dad worked hotel concierge around the time of this episode 1960s/1970s which is about domestic violence. Unless my dad stated the woman was hurt to the point she was in need of an ambulance the usual police response was “sorry sir it’s a matter between man and wife if we nicked every man who gave his annoying nagging wife a slap we’d have to lock up half the country” So you can imagine 20 years later in the mid 90s when my dad owned his own hotel how surprised he was to hear from my mum whilst he was out my mum saw a customer push his girlfriend after a drunken argument that not only did the police attend they actually arrested the man!

[@countteddy]

50 YEARS AGO AND STILL WOMEN ARE TOO FRIGHTENED TO SAY SOMETHING ......

[@davids8449]

A time when police would Think..........and not say have any CCTV of the crime

[@moonpawooe7134]

Good of the lead singer of rock band the alarm to help out with the sound recording evidence

[@bertspeggly4428]

I thought it was the Westinghouse brake pump on a N2 steam locomotive. Oh well...............

[@tonyroutledge3754]

no chance of the police acting like that now

[@hearditman]

They wouldn't have acted like that even then, this is fiction. The whole force, at one point, working on the same case!!! You aving a larf?

[@susannah1948]

Good

[@anthonygostling]

A very loosed phone box on that street

[@fluxington]

Yea, it wobblied.

[@stvitalkid7981]

Why was it common on most British TV shows in the 70's that anything shot in studio was recorded on video tape and anything on location was captured on film? Just basing this on my observation of the British shows we saw in Canada back then.

[@musmodtos]

Yes as far as I can tell. It is quite obvious between scenes. It's usually the case with UK made stuff in to the 1980s.

[@stvitalkid7981]

@@musmodtos after I wrote that I realized that back in the era before 1980, broadcast quality VTR equipment was not very portable, hence the use of film for field production.

[@spacemanski]

@@stvitalkid7981 That's right. Rare exceptions, eg Survivors.

[@stvitalkid7981]

@@spacemanski I realized after posting my original question that another factor may have been that the video tape recording technology in the 60s and 70s was hardly portable enough to make for easy location shooting. I’m thinking of the AMPEX two-inch machines used then that were refrigerator-sized. The AMPEX VPR 5 units made quality location recording much easier but not until the 1980s.

[@mrgobrien]

@@stvitalkid7981 i remember a tv producer saying that video equipment lenses weren't as good as film equipment lenses at that time either (i.e. in a studio there was far less stuff in the background that needed to be in focus compared to a location shoot where the far off background was nearly always in view).

[@LordbomberD]

The blond policewoman is my cousin.

[@patienceboafo1998]

Good police work even the tone of a person's voice can determine their class😅 thank God to modern technology 🙏 and new legislation on DV

[@highpath4776]

dialing the local nick was not such a stupid thing, faster than 999 and dont need to ask for police. Most were listed in the phone directory and normally (local telephone exchange number and 1212 , in London 01 area)

[@evaadam9479]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 !!!

[@Mike-pj1kv]

Dixon, Sweeney? Let's keep it clean here folks.

[@anjkovo2138]

👍👍

[@frankhovis]

Ever after all the years they still couldn't buy him a hat with straps long enough to go under his chin.

[@adriansolomon6805]

Why was Dixon only a sergeant???

[@MegaDeansy]

M6 God - an episode of 'Dixon of Dock Green' and 5he polic3 DIDNT get their man ????

[@paulbrowne5049]

London looked so filthy back then.

[@Isleofskye]

I can assure you that 90%+ of the people were not though. That Little Girl was typical of the gentle children that were in my Primary School during my Inner London childhood. I, often @ 18 years old walked home in the early hours, on my own there, after meeting my M8's without care near Peckham and Brixton. This appears to be shot in Kentish Town on the other side of The River.

[@paulbrowne5049]

@@Isleofskye interesting, where abouts in kentish Town do you think? I used to live there up until 3 years ago and visit every week. Would love to place some of the scenes.

[@Isleofskye]

Hello Paul. Though I have tried to cover as much of my Hometown in the last 66 years it's impossible so I don't know Kentish Town but at the start seconds after the Lady enters the building with her Daughter it says the name of the street @ 1.11 which is Hammond Street which I looked up. :) Where are you now Paul ?

[@paulbrowne5049]

@@Isleofskye it doesn't look like it to me hence me asking. The intro street scene looks like wapping high street to me. That district was pretty run down back then and had lots of warehouses given it was right by the Thames. Although the street had changed out of all recognition you can see the curve of the road which is identical to wapping high street. The shadows would also indicated that the building where the womans flat was on the south side of river side.

[@paulbrowne5049]

@@Isleofskye I'm in Herts now

[@KellySmunt303]

11:33 Keith lemon?

[@lefuedebout]

Great videos, great pictures too. BUT, the sound is dreadful!

[@13woolley]

Winsor Island

[@williamsmith752]

WOW.....this would not happen these days....a whole police station working on a case that at the beginning showed no real crime had happened!!....Nothing else to do??!!....

[@stevef9530]

Enjoyable stuff, but when the wind is due west, George, the sound would carry further EAST. You can see why he’s still a sergeant can’t you?

[@Rich6Brew]

Over and out?

[@moonpawooe7134]

Oh look @ 14 mins judge dredd has turned up on his law master v1 .....oh crap he's removed his helmet that's ruined it for me

[@kenpickles7705]

Police. Today lol due lot cover ups like Nikola bulley

[@majorwrinkles7906]

Odd question but why does Dixon have a crown inside his stripes?

[@mrgobrien]

it denotes the old rank of Station Sergeant (above Sergeant but below Inspector) - abolished in the 1980's.

[@majorwrinkles7906]

@@mrgobrien thankyou

[@AgeShallNotWearyThem]

In 1973 Jack Warner was 78 years old……and looked it. Why on earth was he or the production company hiring him, still trying to play this role with any realism? That is all…..out.

[@fluxington]

Because without Dixon they would have to call it 'of Dock Green' or just 'Dock Green', or... just end the show. Maybe it had run it's course.

[@Cazgirl-hq4hi]

Stupid comment.