Really enjoyed "The Best Of Men" last night on BBC2 which was based on the true story of Dr Ludwig Guttman, a neurologist and Jewish refugee from Germany who arrived in 1944 at Stoke Mandeville's ward for soldiers with spinal injuries.
Prior to his arrival the injured were kept sedated and just lay in bed. His methods revolutionised their treatment and led to them eventually playing sports that led to the formation of the Paralympic Games.
I watched this after hearing Eddie Marsan being interviewed on the radio. I'm ashamed to say I'd never heard of Dr Guttman - what an amazing bloke! Marsan said in the interview that Guttman was basically given the job with the paraplegics because the authorities didn't trust him as a German (albeit a refugee), so gave him work where the cases were all seen as no-hopers anyway. Extraordinary.
I was browsing through the TV's programme guide last night and saw that the BBC were repeating "The Best Of Men" on their HD channel late last night. It's a pity that programmes exclusively on the BBC HD channel don't get listed in your average TV Magazine or newspaper or more people may have got the opportunity to see it.
Eddie Marsan was brilliant in the role, I did not know the history behind the games but I am glad I do now.
Eddie Marsan is getting like another Timothy Spall - if they are in it you just know its going to be worth watching.