Tolkien in Oxford (BBC Release 1968)

From BBC Release, a1960s magazine series delving into the world of films, plays, books, art and music. Originally broadcast on 30 March 1968.

John Ezard meets with J. R. R. Tolkien at his home, walking with him through the Oxford locations that he loves while hearing the author's own views about his wildly successful high-fantasy novels. Tolkien shares his love of nature and beer and his admiration for 'trenchermen' in this genial and affectionate programme. The brief interviews with Oxford students that are dotted throughout reveal the full range of opinions elicited by 'The Lord of the Rings', from wild enthusiasm to mild contempt.

Tolkien fell in love with Edith Bratt when he was 16. They were then separated for five years because his guardian refused to allow him to contact Edith until he was 21. They married on 22 March 1916, just before Tolkien departed to serve in France during World War I, and remained a close and devoted couple until Edith's death in 1971. Tolkien had the name 'Luthien' engraved on her headstone and then, when he died in 1973, was buried in the same grave and had the name 'Beren' added to the memorial. Tolkien described the epic love story of the Elvish princess Luthien and the mortal Beren in 'The Silmarillion'. In the universe of 'The Lord of the Rings', it is considered to be the greatest romance of the Elder Days.