Blue Peter "Sailors Hornpipe" was used instead. The opening theme has been updated several times. The following is a list of all the versions of the "Blue Peter" signature tune, "Barnacle Bill" that have been used on the show : The debut of a new version of the famous theme tune "Barnacle Bill" is sometimes accompanied with an introduction by the presenters at the time explaining the reasons behind the new rendition. Mike Oldfield appeared on the programme around 1979, and his version of the theme tune was so popular with viewers that the producers decided to record it for use as
Barnacle Bill (1957 film) as a favour to the director. In later years, however, he recalled it as "wretched, (a film) ... I never wanted to do and only did out of friendship to Charley Frend." Although "Barnacle Bill" was the last Ealing comedy, it was shot at Hunstanton Pier and Borehamwood Studios, as Ealing Studios had closed and was sold to the BBC for television production. "Barnacle Bill" as "All at Sea" was reviewed in "The New York Times" by Bosley Crowther. His review was sympathetic to the failings of the film and script but he did see redeeming qualities in Guinness's performance.