1970s America rediscovered through lost recordings of Letter from America, on the 10th anniversary of legendary journalist Alistair Cooke's death. Paddy O'Connell and guests including historian Dominic Sandbrook, Alvin Hall, Ann Treneman and Naomi Shragai will reflect on the personalities and stories of 70s America - from Nixon's resignation, Muhammad Ali to Vietnam and women's lib. The Letter from America programmes featured were taped by two listeners and stored in a cellar, an attic and a fer...
Mar 30, 2014•1 hr 58 min
Give the Communist masses what they really want - a delivery of consumerism. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Dec 08, 1989•14 min
Too strange to be believed, the natural phenomena that prompted the founding of the US national parks. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Sep 09, 1988•15 min
Former White House aide Donald Regan makes public the First Lady's intrusion on policy and appointments. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
May 27, 1988•14 min
Enjoying a different pace of life at the Augusta National, a Georgia Shangri-La. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Apr 15, 1988•14 min
Papal visit crosses the entire continent to face all manner of religious problems from some 52 million US Catholics. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Sep 11, 1987•14 min
America's national anthem was chosen just over 50 years ago - is it time to salute to a new tune? This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Jul 18, 1987•15 min
Small in stature, a giant on the screen - an appreciation of the life and work of Fred Astaire. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Jun 26, 1987•14 min
Reagan describes press as 'sharks' while polls show Americans changing attitudes towards White House. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Dec 12, 1986•14 min
An expert opinion on why Americans can't sound English - and the English can't sound American. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Jun 27, 1986•14 min
In praise of the little-known name behind the thrilling stunts of many big-name movie stars. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
May 30, 1986•14 min
International debt is threatening the stability of the world economy, warns MIT expert. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Jan 24, 1986•14 min
Computers are changing the way we live - but can they work out how we can live together? This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Nov 29, 1985•14 min
Spectacle of world leaders competing for limo one-upmanship sums up the problem of the United Nations. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Oct 25, 1985•14 min
End of summer sees the holiday cottages empty and normal life resume in the coastal towns. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Sep 13, 1985•15 min
President Reagan's plan to make the tax structure simpler hits the right note across the US. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
May 31, 1985•14 min
Remembering James Mason, the character actor who wouldn't play the Hollywood game. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Aug 10, 1984•14 min
Latest national statistics prove that basing our assumptions on stereotypes will inevitably prove us wrong. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Jun 01, 1984•14 min
British government foils attempt by US millionaire Smiley Ratliff to buy his own Pacific island. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Mar 09, 1984•15 min
New Soviet leader Chernenko described as in poor health even as he assumes office. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Feb 17, 1984•14 min
Old soldier wanted to be buried where his band of brothers met up with the Russians in 1945 - when they were our allies. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Dec 02, 1983•14 min
Fears of a return to 'Munich mentality' block genuine talk on arms control. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Feb 04, 1983•14 min
Forget chic or trendy, the founder of the Dull Men's Club says we should be proud of being boring. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Dec 24, 1982•15 min
Washington opening of new memorial which speaks volumes about the war America did not win. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Nov 12, 1982•15 min
White House lunch celebrates Roosevelt's centenary - as Reaganomics removes his legacy. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Feb 05, 1982•14 min
Presidents of US and Mexico to discuss growing problem of illegal immigrants. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Sep 25, 1981•12 min
Mickey Rooney plays part of professional clown Jack Thum in a TV special about the man who spent a lifetime helping poor children. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
May 01, 1981•14 min
Research programmes face cuts as President Reagan's money-saving campaign bites. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Apr 24, 1981•14 min
Boost for US as Columbia space shuttle makes first landing back on earth. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Apr 17, 1981•14 min
Two leaders who share a common belief in their economic plans - but Mrs Thatcher's hopes are already moderating. This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.
Feb 20, 1981•14 min
