Richard Curtis and Ben Elton – Blackadder Goes Forth: ‘War Artist’ [Captain Cook] – Original BBC Camera Script 1989

Original camera script issued by the BBC in London in 1989. Dated Sunday 20th August 1989 and headed ‘Blackadder, Episode 1, War Artist’, the working title for ‘Captain Cook’, the opening episode of ‘Blackadder Goes Forth’.

Duplicated typescript, secured at the upper left corner, with an illustrated title sheet incorporating production credits and the studio rehearsal and recording schedule. Described in the accompanying Carter Rare Books catalogue card as comprising 80 pages. In well-handled production condition, with toning, creasing, small marginal tears and staining affecting several pages to the rear but not the text, as noted on the card.

Blackadder’s attempt to escape the trenches by becoming an official war artist provides the premise for the opening episode of the celebrated fourth series. An appealing piece of British television history, preserving the episode under its production title.