The Riot Act

What a shame that they don't read the riot act any more. I love the language...

"Our Sovereign Lord the King chargeth and commandeth all persons being assembled immediately to disperse themselves and peacefully depart to their habitations, or to their lawful business, upon the pains contained in the Act made in the first year of King George for preventing tumultuous and riotous assemblies. God save the King."

Obviously it gets changed to Queen if the monarch is female. Imagine being the poor sod who has to read that out in the face of a raging mob...

Many years ago the BBC radio Today Show broadcast a version of the riot act recorded with the background sounds of a tea-room (chamber music, the quiet rattle of cups, etc.) gradually escalating to smashing cups and shattering windows as the act was read. Is it on line anywhere? Can't find it if it is.

Heads-up for Sigeurney Weaver fans!

Just noticed that Galaxy Quest is on BBC2 at 4.35

Later And I just found Batteries Not Included is on now on ITV2+1, which is weird considering the fanfic I wrote the other day.