Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n This is a composite article.<\/p>\n It is part book review but also a strong complementary reinforcement and extension of previous A&R articles on the Avengers and The Prisoner.<\/p>\n In this article we integrate two very diverse books that are united in their focus of cult TV and the automobile. One is populist the other dedicatedly academic [but extremely useful, readable and graphic] \u2013 see quotations below.<\/p>\n The two books are:-<\/p>\n The editors also emphasize the aspect of mass audience and connectivity with marque mystique and directly sales.<\/p>\n Subscribers might like to see related A&R articles:-<\/p>\n This article will be of interest not only to Lotus enthusiasts but to a wider audience with interests in automobile design and styling, creative media, writing\/ script writing, props, marketing, branding and fashion.<\/p>\n Subscribers will of course suggest that the E Type Jaguar and Mini were possibly more famous but there will little doubt \u00a0the Seven and Elan captured the hearts, minds, emotions, desires and intelligence of the public throughout the world where they were presented through TV broadcast.<\/p>\n The mystique and enduring myth of Chapman and Lotus will not be fully appreciated just by study of competition results. Much of the reputation and marketing opportunity was created in the cult TV programmes we highlight and analyze.<\/p>\n Lotus, Cult TV, Media and the Public Psyche<\/strong><\/p>\n TV and film are extremely important art forms. They inspire, entertain often enrich, share experience of common humanity. In the cult genre they often enter the public psyche where they remain indelible.<\/p>\n The actual production and ownership of the cult cars referred to will be limited but through TV and media they are shared by billions on the world stage.<\/p>\n Although not formal advertising often the appearance of a marque in a cult classic will both generate demand out of all proportion and extend down the generations in its reverence and impact.<\/p>\n Lotus has achieved this on the following occasions:-<\/p>\n Lotus Elan & Europa\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Avengers<\/p>\n The Lotus Seven\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Prisoner<\/p>\n The Lotus Esprit\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 James Bond and Pretty Woman<\/p>\n \u201cThe Cult TV Book is the companion reference to this TV phenomenon whose shows push the boundaries and offer biting commentaries on society to-day\u2026..<\/p>\n Cult TV is also changing; whereas being cult used to mean being marginal with a small, loyal fan base, cult TV is now key to the television industry .Fandom is global and online.<\/p>\n Cult status for a show is fostered by the networks; and cult series are noted for their spectacular special effects and sumptuous visual style\u2026\u2026\u2026so what is cult TV today? Leading scholars, writers and journalists redefine our understanding of cult TV with new approaches to case studies.<\/p>\n Cult TV is a work of 279 pages approximately and extremely well written. A measure of its thoroughness and inclusion is the extensive Works Sited [bibliography] and TV & Film Guide along with index.<\/p>\n It comprises 4 parts:-<\/p>\n Part 1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Define Cult TV: History, Aesthetic, Discourses<\/p>\n Part 2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reading Cult TV: Texts and Context<\/p>\n Part 3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Constructing Cult TV: The Broadcast Industry & Cult Television<\/p>\n Part 4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Cult in Cult TV: Audiences Fans Fandom<\/p>\n Chapman does not offer a detailed critique of cult TV rather concentrating on the cars but he does make some useful observations of the various programmes included:-<\/p>\n \u201cWhat they have in common is car star whose performance was as vivid, in its own way, as that of the cast\u201d<\/p>\n We will develop this but essentially the cars are complementary, symbolic expressions of the characters and plots being developed and articulated.<\/p>\n Although not perhaps articulating the same depth of analysis Chapman has a cultivated appreciation and of Maigret commented:-<\/p>\n \u201cApart from the extremely well-crafted feel of the show its success was down to the near perfect casting of British actor Rupert Davies as the man himself. From the moment Maigret struck a match on wall to light his pipe in the opening credits accompanied by Ron Grainer\u2019s splendid accordion theme music, you knew you were in for compelling entertainment\u201d<\/p>\n Chapman\u2019s work comprises a study of 50 major TV series starring cars and a further 25 lesser examples. The editors favorites with Lotus highlighted are as follows:-<\/p>\n [table width=”500″ colwidth=”20|100|50″ colalign=”left|left|center|left|right”]\n
\n
\nProgramme,Marque,Model,Series,Marque,Model,,Marque,Model
\nAdam Adamant Lives,Austin Mini,Cooper,S,,,,,
\nBergerac,Triumph,1800,Roadster,,,,,
\nCaptain Scarlet,Cheetah,,,,,,,
\nCharlie’s Angels,Ford,Mustang,II,,Pinto,,,
\nColumbo,Peugeot,403,Cabriolet,,,,,
\nDr.Who,Whomobile,,,,,,,
\nDukes of Hazard,Dodge,Charger,,,,,,
\nInspector Morse,Jaguar,Mk.II,,,,,,
\nLife on Mars,Ford,Cortina,Mk.II,,,,,
\nMagnum PI,Ferrari,308,GTS,,,,,
\nMaigret,Citroen,15-Six,Tracton A,,,,,
\nMiami Vice,Ferrari,Daytona,,Ferrari,Testarosa,,,
\nMinder,Jaguar,XJ6,,Damiler,D-Six,,Ford,Capri
\nOnly Fools and Horses,Reliant,Regal,,Ford,Capri,,,
\nStarsky & Hutch,Ford,Torino,,,,,,
\nSupercar,Supercar,,,,,,,
\nThe A -Team,GMCG,Van,,Chevrolet,Corvette,,,
\nThe Avengers\/New Avengers,Lotus,Elan,,Lotus ,Europa,,Bentley,3L
\nThe Baron,Jensen,CV8,,,,,,
\nThe Persuaders,Ferrari,Dino,246 GTS,Aston M’,DBS,,,
\nThe Prisoner,Lotus,Seven,,Mini,Moke,,,
\nThe Professionals,Ford,Capri,,Ford,Escort,,Ford,Granada
\nThe Protectors,Jensen,Intercep’,,Citroen,SM,,,
\nThe Saint,Volvo,P1800 ,,Jaguar,XJ-S,,,
\nThe Sweeney,Ford,Consul,,Ford,Granada,,Jaguar,S Type
\nThe Trouble Shooters,Morgan,,,,,,,
\nZ Cars,Ford ,Zephyr,Mk.III,,,,,
\n1of 25 secondary,,,,,,,,
\nDr.Finlay’s Casebook,Austin,8,,,,,,
\n[\/table]<\/p>\n