Background Information

BIG BREADWINNER HOG
(Granada, 8 episodes, 1969)

An early lead role for the versatile Peter Egan, mention of this series must still strike fear into the hearts of Granada's bosses even today. The completely realistic and uncompromising story of a handsome young villain's ruthless attempts to claw his way up the ladder of London's gangland caused so many complaints after only the first episode that Granada had to transmit an apology the following week. The gritty drama the company was built on is at its best here; the scene where Hog throws acid in a rival's face still lives in the memory and many of his other clashes with the established kingpins were equally nasty. Unfortunately, so extreme was the public outcry that Granada caved in and toned down the explicit violence in later episodes, but Big Breadwinner Hog was still a major landmark in TV drama. Take what could be your only opportunity to view an episode of the series at our event... such is its sensitivity even after more than twenty-five years, it is unlikely to ever be seen on television again.

AP

Kaleidoscope - The Classic Television Organisation

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