A new world record for BFBS's Hal Stewart

By James Cridland for media.info
Posted 1 December 2015, 7.01am gmt

Here's looking at him: BFBS Radio’s Hal Stewart has set a brand new Guinness World Record for naming the ‘Most film quotes identified consecutively’.

The producer and presenter - who is not the Messiah, just a very naughty boy - proved his dedication to big screen banter as he wowed colleagues and two adjudicators by naming 100 film quotes out of 100.

“I've been preparing for this moment my entire life. I watch far too many movies and would definitely describe myself as a ‘film buff’ – this is also the only time I can describe myself as ‘buff’ without people laughing,” said Hal. He added "Thank you for a very enjoyable game", except he didn't, since that was a quote from a different HAL in 2001 A Space Odyssey.

The film quotes were lifted from the American Film Institute's list entitled ‘AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movie Quotes’, and there was no room for error, say the station: films had to be recalled solely from memory, within five seconds of the final word of the quote spoken by the adjudicator, and the title had to be given in full.

“I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the whole experience even though it was tense and nerve-wracking!” added Hal. “I'm just delighted to win a World Record for BFBS, roll on next year. I'll be back. That was the most fun I've ever had without laughing. To infinity... and beyond!” (Again, we may have made some of his quotes up).

Hal was tested on his film facts during Guinness World Records Day on 12th November, when radio stations across the UK were given the opportunity to break one of four specific records.

You can probably watch a clip of Hal setting his Guinness World Record on Forces TV.