Thwum

Presumed lost after its initial broadcast in 1975, Thwum features a young Pete Postlethwaite in his earliest television appearance. This sci-fi themed play sees UFO fanatic Bernard (Paul Moriarty) trying to convince skeptical reporter Duffy (Pete Postlethwaite) to report on the imminent landing of an alien craft. An almost complete copy – two minutes are missing – was recovered from a domestic video recording kept by director Pedr James. [adapted from wearecult.rocks] Part of the anthology series Second City Firsts.

Directed by Pedr James, Thwum leans on a strong ensemble — Rosalind Elliot, Pete Postlethwaite, Paul Moriarty — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about science fiction titles of 1975.