Margaret Thatcher Off Camera - Pre-Interview Footage Reveals Another Side of the Iron Lady (1984)

On 4 January 1984, Margaret Thatcher was interviewed by ITN's Alastair Burnet in 10 Downing Street. Before the interview commenced, the camera recorded the Prime Minister as she discussed the time she forgot to call ITN's newly-knighted Robin Day "Sir Robin" as well as the importance of being filmed from the right angle. Then the interviewing commenced, and she discussed a range of issues including the situation in Lebanon, Britain's relationship with the European Community, and diplomatic relations with Argentina two years after the Falklands War.

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[Deano_P]

Whist I didn't agree with her politics, I find her so fascinating to watch. She spoke so clearly and to the point. Unlike today's politicians, who dodge and duck like there's no tomorrow.

[jameskvo]

Thank you, ITN. These unedited long-form interviews are absolutely fascinating. More like this, please!

[drewstewart]

Shows how far we have fallen and how dumbed down the public is now in the space of 40 years.

[BuffOrpington]

While I disagreed with her politics, I never had any doubt about her competence. What a contrast to our most recent PMs.

[carmelarthurs]

I love how clear her voice is and how knowledgeable she is, no one today to match her to deliver a speech.

[washersdryersradios]

I was born in 1977 she was PM for almost the first quarter of my life. The difference between Thatcher and today's politicians is that she wasn't scared of journalists. Never a day went by in the 1980s without her appearing in some way shape or form on the news she was everywhere and you knew exactly what she thought whether you liked it or not. No fluff no well maybe it was yes or no and my god you wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of her NO!

[owent]

They were so well spoken and polite.

They were very professional and respectful to each other.

[barryispuzzled]

This shows that she was very charming off camera and that her TV persona was an act. It's a shame because her off-camera persona is endearing. Very sharp mind too.

[williamc]

Truly professional and at ease with herself which showed she was a leader and not a superficial pr stunt artist like most of them today

[ldavid]

I think I could start watching the news again if it was delivered calmly and respectfully like this.

[arthurthroovest]

For all our misgivings, she got the adoption of our daughter pushed through when our authorities were deliberately holding things up.... she personally intervened, not delegating the problem to a department. I wonder how many PMs would do that?

[ingridkiss]

Mesmerising. Didn't miss a beat and not a single unnecessary word. Either you agreed with her politics or not, no one can deny she was a born leader and spokeswoman.

[jonathansimmonds]

How refreshing to hear an interviewer who has the goal of producing light rather than heat.

[davidlondon]

OMG is it really 40 years ago. Seems like just yesterday. She was the best and last of a breed of conviction politician that is now extinct.

[tommoncrieff]

Fascinating to see how witty and chummy she was when not on air, then how she steeled up as she became The Iron Lady. Word perfect, her eyes narrow and become steely as she concentrates on giving answers that she knows will resonate down the years into the history books. People say she was the last decent Prime Minister and the standard used to be higher than today. Truth is most politicians have always been poor and in it for themselves, she was a titan, so was Churchill, few others at any time have matched them.

[TheConduit]

I was young kid when Thatcher came to power, and I just went along with Red Wave of socialist hate for her, but man How much respect I have for her now.

[outsideview]

There were riots because she shut the mines, there would be riots if they tried to open one now 😂

[toomanysecrets]

Growing up heard my Dad hating on her, just went along with it. Now I’m wiser doing my own research she was the best PM of all time. Tough no nonsense, loved this country, everyone could sleep easy at night knowing she was in charge of running this country. If only we could have her back to fight our corner.

[NotMarkKnopfler]

Sharp as a pin. Nobody whispering in her ear as to what to say, no advisers, no PR representatives telling her what she can and cannot say. Gives immediate answers, and doesn't duck the questions. Best there's ever been.

[georgeholland]

Not a single err or umm. Fluent and articulate. I despised her policies, but she was mesmerizing on screen! An extraordinary political leader. Fascinating to see her sense of humour and self-consciousness off air.