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 British 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 by a London Bus (1950) - two African students sample the pleasures of travelling on London's buses, "which are always punctual".

DVD running time: 67 mins b/w, NTSC version.

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: 66 mins colour & b/w, NTSC version.

The superb GPO documentary Night Mail plus three classic Scottish films about the West Highland Railways never before released on DVD. The programme includes:
Night Mail (1936) - The overnight Postal Special from Euston to Scotland. One of the first films to epitomise the style of the classic British documentaries.
West Of Inverness (1939) - About the problems faced by a rural community and the growing importance of the railway from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh to communities threatened by depopulation.
The Line To Skye (1973) - An Eddie McConnell film made to support the retention of the West Highland railway line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh at a time when it was threatened with closure.
A Line For All Seasons (1980) - A retrospective account of the building of the West Highland Railway line from Glasgow Queen Street to Mallaig. Filmed by Eddie McConnell.

DVD running time: 78 mins b/w & colour, NTSC version. Coming Soon.

A famous series of films showing the development of farming and rural life in four diverse areas of the country: The Midland Shires, The Fens, Cornwall and the Downs. The Pattern of Britain comprised six films in total and the remaining two Scottish titles are available on The Glen Is Ours (see below). Programme comprises:

The Grassy Shires (1944). Director Ralph Keene. Associate Producer Edgar Anstey.

Fenlands (1945). Director Ken Annakin. Associate Producer Edgar Anstey.

Cornish Valley (1944). Director Ralph Keene. Associate Producer Edgar Anstey.

Downlands (1947). Directors Charles de Latour and Humphrey Swingler.

DVD running time: 65 mins b/w, NTSC version. Coming Soon..

The classic 1960 technicolor film, Seawards The Great Ships, directed by Hilary Harris about the shipyards of the Clyde and the men who worked there. Scotland's first Oscar winner. Click here for film clip from Seawards The Great Ships.

The programme also includes The River Clyde (1939) directed by Stanley Russell.

Glasgow's Docklands (1956), directed by Wishaw film-maker Enrico Cocozza is included as a bonus item.

DVD running time: 61 mins colour & b/w, NTSC version. Coming Soon.

No other country is so readily identified with its national dress as Scotland is with Tartan. Now for the first time on film, its history and industries are placed on record. The connection between the contemporary wearing of tartan and men's desire to be associated with groups of like-minded people demonstrates that tartan truly is the Cloth of a Nation.

DVD running time: 55 mins colour, PAL & NTSC.