Out of Step was a documentary series made by Associated-Rediffusion in 1957. Episodes lasted approximately 15 minutes and were shown on ITV at 10.30 pm on Wednesdays. The series was presented by investigative reporter Dan Farson (who was once patted on the head by Adolf Hitler). In this episode, he takes a look at nudism (the term “naturism” had yet to become commonplace). The most humorous part is the objections voiced by the infamous reactionary James Wentworth Day. What is interesting to readers of this blog, however, is that Dan visits Spielplatz Naturist Club in Bricket Wood and interviews Charles Macaskie, Mrs. Macaskie, and their daughter Iseult. The episode aired on October 2nd and according to the newspapers, it marked the first appearance on TV of a naked woman. Way to go Iseult! The show lept into the Top Ten ratings and Dan Farson was impersonated by Benny Hill, complete with a special wig though their hairstyles were almost identical.
Dan Farson also interviewed Gerald Gardner for the series. For more on Gardner, Spielplatz and witchcraft read my earlier post on the subject.
At least the commentators stayed as open mind as possible for a person of his period. Socially acceptable are not does not make it wrong. Sun bathing is becoming more common. People reasons for wear clothing is they were taught to just like the young girl and lady were brought up to not. The concept of imperfection and social stigma is one of the reason people wear clothes this does not mean because you don’t make you wrong are any less narrow minded but at least the idea was given a voice..I myself encourage nudism and think it should be given equal acceptance in society but time will prevail hopefully.
I’m all for nudeists and all that . It’s all natural and as long as we are not doing anything wrong, it’s all good . Stay free my family .
Having visited it for a weekend with a British Naturism trip, we found it a wonderful relaxing place. Some people visiting kept their clothes on, this surprised me as on our first visit to a naturist club we had felt embarrassed as nobody else was wearing anything. We soon stripped off and after a few embarrassing minutes soon enjoyed the feeling of being naked relaxing and enjoying the pool unencumbered by clothes. At Spielplatz, we met Elizabeth Elcote, a charming lady now in her 80’s still with a good figure and an all-over tan. We found it odd that the young lady behind the crowded Bar was the only clothed person in the room. I chatted to her later and was surprised that she did not feel embarrassed and had no intention of joining us in the nude. The stand out moment that I did not consider Naturist was when 4 extremely attractive young ladies arrived, stripped off revealing bikini marks. They had a stall for a ‘Naturist Sauna’ , no doubt a place for elderly males to be served by naked ladies. They also offered nude massage. Not a Naturist event to me.