London in Festival Year 1951

Synopsis

A collection of films in celebration of the 1951 Festival of Britain. Features the last films made by Humphrey Jennings - FAMILY PORTRAIT, and Richard Massingham - BRIEF CITY, written for the Observer by Patrick O’Donovan. The other titles are FESTIVAL IN LONDON with a score by William Alwyn, and DESIGNED IN BRITAIN, a tribute to British design, on which Terence Conran was Technical Advisor.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Subjects

Design; History

Keywords

design; exhibitions; Festival of Britain

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 2 PAL

Price

£19.99

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

66minutes

Year

2010

Sections

Title

Family Portrait

Synopsis

(COI, b&w, 1951, 25 min.) The last film written and directed by Humphrey Jennings was made on the theme of the Festival of Britain. Looking back at the history of Britain, the film turns over the pages of history as a person might turn over the pages of a family album. Jennings also considers the importance of Europe to the country;s future.

Title

Brief City

Synopsis

Just two weeks before the Fedstival of Britain closed, The Observer newspaper decided to make a film of the exhibition in full swing before it vanished for ever. Patrick O’Donovan, journalist, wrote and narrated the commentary as he tours the event in the company of Sir Hugh Casson, the coordinating architect. The film begins reflectively on the derelict site after closure, and then turns back to review the exhibition. Together they discover the events, including an evening dance outdoors. They discuss how choice of materials and colours, and style of building, helped to create the Exhibition’s unique atmosphere.

Title

Festival in London

Synopsis

(COI, col, 1951) A colourful introduction to the exhibition. Features the Festival March, composed by William Alwyn. Produced by the Crown Film Unit.

Title

Designed in Britain

Synopsis

(1959). Britain prides herself on the good apeparance, combined with perfect utility, of the goods she uses and sells. The film offers an imaginatived impression of British design in a variety of articles ranging from furniture, textiles, kitchenware and fine china to new buildings and towns. Skillfully edited, the film carries only the minimum of commentary. The visuals combine with a contemporary music track specially scored to match quick changes of mood, colour and scene. Terence Conran was technical advisor.

Distributor

Name

Panamint Cinema

Email

cinema@panamint.co.uk

Web

http://www.panamint.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

01505 834936

Address

Abercorn Schoolhouse
Whitequarries
Broxburn
West Lothian, Scotland
EH52 6PZ

 

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