The Persuader: The TV Times of Lord Lew Grade

The Persuader: The TV Times of Lord Lew Grade aired over BBC Two on August 27, 1994. The documentary special looked at Lew Grade's career as a mogul, with Grade's nephew Michael Grade (then a BBC 4 executive) interviewing the man himself.

Since Grade and ATV produced The Muppet Show, Frank Oz and Miss Piggy were among the interviewees. Piggy notes that she had learned a great deal from "my Lewie," including humility, how to be a great star, and the Charleston (seguing into clips of Lew Grade dancing and from other musical shows, including Julie on Sesame Street). Piggy, lounging in a mock-up dressing room, says she loves Lewie so much, she rented this cheap set for him ("This stuff's crated away on a truck in a second.")

Frank Oz talks about Grade's cigar habits, personality, and help in getting any sort of Muppet Show on the air. A clip of Lew Lord from The Muppet Movie is included, along with assorted Muppet Show clips.

Others interviewed included Roger Moore (ATV's The Persuaders, The Saint), Patrick McGoohan (Danger Man, The Prisoner), and Franco Zeffirelli (director of the Jesus of Nazareth miniseries produced by Lord Grade). Leo McKern (The Prisoner, Robin Hood, and others) narrated.

The documentary debuted as part of a special "ATV Night" programming block honoring Lord Grade. The John Cleese episode of The Muppet Show also aired, along with clips and episodes of other series produced by Grade's ATV.

The documentary was repeated on its own on January 14, 1996.

Lew Grade at his desk, including a plush Kermit

External links

• BBC archive of Radio Times liisting, "ATV Night" block