CARAVANS (FILM - 1979)
Directed by James Fargo and filmed in 1978, the feature film "Caravans" starred Anthony Quinn and Christopher Lee and revolved around a US Intelligence agent travelling to the Persian desert to find a missing diplomat's daughter. Although it had a very limited release, the score by Mike Batt was much more successful, winning him an Ivor Novello award. Barbara sang the vocal theme, "Caravan Song" (a.k.a. "Caravans") which featured on the 1979 soundtrack album. For Barbara's single release of the song, Mike Batt wrote an additional verse and the song quickly charted in the UK. Unfortunately its success was eclipsed by Epic Records' rush-release of "January February". (Click here for song lyrics)
ANDY ROBSON (TV - 1982/1983)
Produced by Tyne Tees Televsion for ITV, this was a children's drama series screened between 1982 and 1983. Two series totalling 20 episodes were made. Starring York schoolboy Tom Davidson as Andy, the series is set at the turn of the century and is the story of Andy Robson, a boy who leaves his Durham pit village home to live in rural Northumberland. The theme, "The Best Of Friends" was written by BA Robertson and Alan Parker and was recorded by Barbara in the Spring of 1982 - to date it has never been released in any format. (Click here for song lyrics)
THE CHAIN (FILM - 1985)
Released in 1985, this big screen UK movie was written by Jack Rosenthal and directed by Jack Gold. It deals with a day in the life of a group of Londoners all moving house on the same day, whose only connection is that they are moving into each other's homes. The theme, "The Chain" was also co-written by Barbara and Jack Rosenthal. A single release of the song seems to have been planned as promo copies were circulated, but the only commercial release of the track to date was an extended version available on the 1985 double album/CD and cassette "The Best Of British Film Music" on the Filmtrax label.
(Click here for song lyrics)
ANIMAL SQUAD (TV - 1986)
"Animal Squad" was a prime time BBC documentary series screened in 1986. Produced by Paul Berrill, the 30 minute episodes revolved around an RSPCA animal rescue squad.
The signature theme, "Time After Time", was sung by Barbara, written by Rod Argent and Robert Howes and produced by Del Newman and Ian Lynn. It was released as a single by K-Tel Records in 1986, and also featured on Barbara's album "The Right Moment" the same year. (Click here for song lyrics)
BAND OF GOLD (TV 1995 - 1996)
This extremely successful drama series produced by Granada Television concerned the lives of a group of Bradford-based prostitutes and was screened between 1995 and 1996. Barbara starred as Anita in the show, and for the second series she also provided the theme tune, "Love Hurts". Produced by Pip Williams and written by Boudleaux Bryant, this was released as a CD single by Essential Records in 1995. It has also been recorded by The Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, Cher and many others. (Click here for song lyrics)
TOM'S MIDNIGHT GARDEN (FILM - 1998)
The movie "Tom's Midnight Garden", based on the book by Philippa Pearce was produced in 1998 and concerns a young boy who finds a magical garden at his uncle's house... but the garden only appears each night when the clock strikes thirteen. The vocal version of the theme, "After Always" is sung by Barbara and was written and produced by Debbie Wiseman, with lyrics provided by the award-winning Don Black. The song is featured on the movie soundtrack CD, released by First Night Records. (Click here for song lyrics)
OTHERS
Barbara recorded the song "Shy Girl" for the 1992 animated childrens' movie "Freddie As F.R.O.7" which is included on the soundtrack CD (see discography for more information)
"January February" is likewise available on the soundtrack of the 2001 movie "Me Without You".
