BBC documentary reveals true story behind new movie ‘Misbehaviour’

A documentary about the 1970 Miss World contest has been announced.

The Miss World Protests will explore the true story behind Keira Knightley’s new movie.

Released in UK cinemas on Friday 13th March, Misbehaviour brings to life the dramatic protest made by the Women’s Liberation Movement at the 1970 Miss World contest.

BBC Two’s one-hour documentary will tell the incredible story of how protestors disrupted the show – kick-starting a feminist revolution in front of an audience of millions.

It was also a time of growing anti-apartheid protest, and the first ever black South African contestant was sent to the contest with the dubious title ‘Miss Africa South’, alongside the white Miss South Africa.

Told through archive, animation and contributions from the key players, including compere Michael Aspel, protesters and beauty queens, The Miss World Protests will offer “an entertaining, thought-provoking and timely look at a moment of game-changing anarchy.”

Patrick Holland, Controller, BBC Two commented: “Miss World was once one of the biggest shows on television, in the UK and across the globe… This film explores the phenomenon through one extraordinary night in the 1970s. It promises great insight, character and narrative, all told with Hannah Berryman’s customary wit and sense of mischief.”

Abigail Priddle, Commissioning Editor for BBC Factual, added: “Exploring this particularly eventful Miss World contest is an exciting way to look at some of the seismic changes that were happening in the UK and around the world in 1970. It’s thrilling to hear first hand from the people involved – the protesters, those working for the contest and the beauty queens themselves – and to reflect on how much that one night changed history.”

The Miss World Protests will air on BBC Two in the UK later this month.