Arthur Baysting
Writer, Performer
The cover art for 1977 single 'It Takes Money' backed by 'Disco On My Radio', by Neville Purvis, alter ego of Arthur Baysting. The artwork is by Joe Wylie; the music video was directed by Roger Donaldson.
Cover by Joe Wylie
Neville Purvis and his white ukulele Eric at the Wellington Opera House, March 1978. Purvis was one of the entertainers appearing in Red Mole production Ghost Rite. The Auckland Star's John Ghent wrote of an earlier Ghost Rite performance that Neville Purvis MC "stole the early show".
Supplied by Arthur Baysting
A shot of Neville Purvis in all his glory.
Supplied by Arthur Baysting
Neville Purvis makes an entrance with artist Jean Clarkson, at the late 1977 world premiere of movie Sleeping Dogs at Auckland’s Civic Theatre. Riot police stand by. Purvis (aka Arthur Baysting) co-wrote the script with Ian Mune.
Photo by Bruce Jarvis
Neville Purvis and two fans.
Supplied by Arthur Baysting
Illustration of Neville Purvis by artist Joe Wylie.
By Joe Wylie. Supplied by Arthur Baysting
Arthur Baysting’s earliest screen credit: 1974 teleplay A Bed for the Night, a tale of partner swapping which screened on anthology series Spotlight. The actor on the right is Roger Oakley (Home and Away).
Photo taken by Terence Hogan during the original broadcast
A shot from A Bed for the Night, Arthur Baysting’s teleplay about couple swapping. It screened as part of 1974 anthology series Spotlight. From left to right: actor unknown, David Weatherly, Lee Grant and Roger Oakley. Grant called it her favourite episode of the series. "It seemed to flow beautifully. I was most impressed with it."
Photo taken by Terence Hogan during the original broadcast
The night Arthur Baysting said a four letter word on the 18 October 1979 episode of the late night Neville Purvis Family Show, three negative phone calls were logged. Local media were largely unimpressed by the language, although Baysting had some defenders. This February 1980 letter summarises his dealings with the police over the matter.
Supplied by Arthur Baysting
A letter to Arthur Baysting from the Lower Hutt office of the police, after he was interviewed about using a four letter word on The Neville Purvis Family Show. It is dated 15 February 1980. See close up image.
Supplied by Arthur Baysting
A publicity shot of Neville Purvis and his trusty Mark ll Zephyr.
Supplied by Arthur Baysting