Cities

One of our most popular titles, Waverley Steps, John Eldridge's classic view of Edinburgh in 1948 produced for the first Edinburgh International Film Festival, makes its DVD debut. Centered around a day in the life of a railway fireman and other residents of Edinburgh. Recorded using location sound it offers a fly-on-the-wall view of Edinburgh life in a more leisurely era long gone. One of the classic documentaries.

Edinburgh filmed in 1966 in technicolor by Edinburgh film makers Campbell Harper and directed by Henry Cooper, tells the history of the city. Click here for film clip from Edinburgh.

Jean Gray's 1937 film Northern Capital shows the sights of Edinburgh in glorious black and white. Originally silent, it is presented with music composed and performed by Graham Speedie.

DVD running time: 72 mins colour & b/w.

A Collection of films made for the 1951 Festival of Britain. Includes Festival in London, a colourful introduction to the exhibition, with William Alwyn's superb Festival March.

Brief City was made by The Observer during the last two weeks of the exhibition before it vanished forever. This film was Richard Massingham's last production.

Family Portrait was the last film written and directed by Humphrey Jennings. Looking back at the history of Britain, the film turns over the pages of history as someone might browse through a family album. Jennings also considers the importance of Europe to the country's future.

Designed in Britain is a bonus film which offers an imaginative impression of British Design. Terence Conran was technical advisor.

DVD running time: 86 mins colour & b/w.

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A 2-DVD compilation of films made at and for the Empire Exhibition of 1938, which was held in Glasgow.
DVD 1: Seven films made under the direction of John Grierson to spotlight Scotland:
Face of Scotland: About the character of the Scottish people. With the voice of John Grierson as John Knox.
Wealth of a Nation: A comparison of old and new industries of Scotland.
Scotland for Fitness: Made to encourage a healthier population.
They Made the Land: The struggle to live from the land and reclaim it from the elements.
Sea Food: The story of drifters, lobster creels and the Marine Laboratory's role. The Children's Story: The history of Scottish education, including a BBC schools broadcast.
Sport in Scotland: On the grouse moor, at the Highland games or at the 1937 Scottish Cup Final, this film shows the importance of sport to the Scots.
Running time: 1 hr 39 mins b/w.
DVD 2: A collection of mainly amateur films, some in colour, shot at or around the time of the Exhibition. Includes the visit of the King and Queen.
Running time: 55 mins b/w & colour.

Total running time: 2 hr 34 mins.

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Featuring St Mary's Cathedral, its friends, and its tranquil surroundings in a heartening feast of music for Christmas. With Matthew Owens, organ, Susan Hamilton, soprano, The Holyrood Clarsach Trio, and readings by Alexander McCall Smith.

A collection of rarely-seen films showing the effect of the blitz on London and its people, and the plans for the post-war regeneration of the City. Includes:
London Can Take It (1940) - GPO Film Unit. Directors Harry Watt & Humphrey Jennings. This film about Londoners under seige during the blitz, seen in the very rare American version, was narrated by American journalist Quentin Reynolds. It was instrumental in persuading the USA to support Britain during World War II. A slightly edited version Britain Can Take It, which was made for the home audience, is available on one of our GPO Classics Series DVDs - Britain At War - Under Fire
The Proud City (1945) - London County Council's plans for re-developing the city. Scored by William Alwyn.
London Airport (1949) - the construction of Heathrow Airport
Moving Millions(1947) - the post war changes in London Transport
Journey on a London Bus (1950) - two African students sample the pleasures of travelling on London's buses, "which are always on time".

DVD running time: 67 mins b/w.

Buy 4 40s Britain titles for the price of 3 - valid until November 30th.
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Four superb films about the Granite City.
Aberdeen 1906 (1906, b/w) - The visit of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra to the Quatercentenary celebrations at Aberdeen University. This version with commentary by Tom Fleming has not been available before.
The Silver City (1957, colour) - A scandinavian sailor, a honeymoon couple and a family of four explore the delights of Aberdeen and its hinterland.
Beyond the Grampians (1963, colour) - George Bruce's script evokes the lives of the fishing and farming communities of Aberdeenshire. First time release.
Aberdeen by Seaside and Deeside (1971, colour) - An impressionistic account of the attractions that Aberdeen and Deeside offer the summer visitor. First time release.

DVD running time: 73 mins, mostly colour.


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A return to the Dundee of the early 1940s for a film show about the city and its long history. Featuring The Opening of Green's Playhouse, Dundee, The Tay Bridge Disaster, A Railway Ride Over the Tay Bridge, and Children of the City.

DVD running time: 67 mins b/w.

The story of Edinburgh's Cinemas. Includes: Curtain Up the history of the Playhouse from 1929 to 2004, including a film of Laurel and Hardy's visit to Edinburgh in 1932; Edinburgh's Silver Screens a revised version of the video release; and Matinee Memories a trip down memory lane for those who remember the Saturday matinee, based on an exhibition in the Museum of Childhood.

DVD running time: 63 mins colour.

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