Silverscreen Beats 3 and 4

The third and fourth Silverscreen Beats programmes were broadcast on Radio 4 yesterday (15.45 BST) and today (15.45 BST) and they are now available on-line to listen again:

Jesus Christ Superstar (July 5)

Lyricist Tim Rice reveals that the movie only came about because the stage show was such a flop, and how Tom Jones inspired the title to the film.

Life of Brian (July 6)

Composer Geoffrey Burgon reveals how he wrote a traditional, serious score to counteract the comedy in a controversial film. Director Terry Jones admits that he was surprised that the song Always Look on the Bright Side became such a hit.

There are several contributions from me in both programmes. The last part, on The Last Temptation of Christ, is broadcast tomorrow.

Update (Friday, 10.54): see Matt Page's comments in Bible Films Blog: Silverscreen Beats: Godspell and Superstar and Silverscreen Beats: Life of Brian