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The extraordinary inside story of the most controversial decision in the history of modern warfare - the order to drop the atomic bomb. Drawn from first-hand accounts of those involved and declassified top secret American and Japanese documents from 1945, this documentary drama unfolds through the eyes of the two people at the centre of this world changing event - President Harry S. Truman and Showa Emperor Hirohito of Japan

Episode 4: THE DECISION

President Truman decides to give Emperor Hirohito one last chance

to surrender and warns that if he doesn't, Japan will face annihilation. But the emperor's top generals are determined to fight on - whatever the cost. Truman is now faced with perhaps the most momentous decision any president has ever made...

You can hear the full cast and production team list for episode 4 in detail at the end of the episode.

Please note, if you need to, you can hear the previous episodes further down in the feed. Due to serious illness in the team, the production of this series had to be put on hold, we are playing both opening episodes in the series on limited release to enable you to catch up on the full story.

We hope Episode 5 will be released soon.

This drama has been made with the good will of everyone involved and not with huge funders behind it. If you would like to give something to the costs and to show your appreciation for all the work involved, please donate here https://buymeacoffee.com/presidentandemperor

The President and the Emperor is written by
Guy Smith.

The director is Jonathan Kydd.

Produced by Ashley Byrne

Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes

Recorded at Studios in London and Chicago

A Made in Manchester Production.

With thanks to:

The National Security Archive, Washington DChttps://nsarchive.gwu.edu

The Harry S Truman Library, Independence, MOhttps://www.trumanlibrary.gov

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Ashley Byrne talks to Nigel Plaskitt (voice of Hartley Hare from Pipkins) about his memories of his colleague, collaborator, friend and fellow puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew who has died at the age of 78 after a short illness..

You can hear a full interview about Zippy and George and Ronnie's life on Rainbow as well as the rest of his career in a podcast episode re-released recently. Just scroll down the feed. It's easy...go look. Zippy and George make an appearance several times.

RIP Ronnie Le Drew. A lovely man who will be missed by everyone at Distinct Nostalgia and Made in Manchester Productions.

A Made in Manchester Production

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We are truly shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Ronnie Le Drew who brought pleasure to millions, literally generations of children over so many years. We all grew up with Zippy and George and Rainbow. And the team here at Distinct Nostalgia got to know Ronnie well. And we were planning several joint projects. Sadly they won't be happening now.

But we can all remember Ronnie with a smile - and here Ashley is talking to Ronnie over an extended 2 hour show broadcast exactly 2 years ago in July 2024. There's appearance by Zippy, George and a surprise guest along the way. Enjoy! And condolences to all Ronnie's friends and family. XXX

A Made in Manchester Production.

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