British Universities Film & Video Council

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Rugged Islands, The

Synopsis
Four rare films from the 1930s and 1950s depicting various aspects of island life in some of Scotland’s most remote communities. Includes the following four films:
THE RUGGED ISLAND - A SHETLAND LYRIC (1934) A documentary/drama about a young couple torn between the choice of emigration to Australia or remaining to work on their croft in Shetland. The film tells how their dilemma is finally resolved for them. Directed and filmed by Jenny Brown.

ERISKAY - A POEM OF REMOTE LIVES (1935) A study of the lives of Eriskay’s crofter families. Shot as a silent film during the summer of 1934 by a visitor to the islands, Werner Kissling. A soundtrack, with snatches of Gaelic dialogue, and music were added in a London studio. The film was premiered in April 1935. Directed and photographed by Dr Werner Kissling.

LIFE IN THE ORKNEYS (1957) Life on the Orkney Islands seen through the eyes of a mail boat skipper, a farmer and a civil air-service pilot. The film includes a brief scene of the German fleet in Scapa Flow prior to the scuttling in 1919. Produced by Campbell Harper films.

HANDBA’ AT KIRKWALL, ORKNEY (1939) Scenes from the Handba’ festival on New Year’s day in Kirkwall 1939. This was the last Ba’ to be held until after the end of the Second World War.
Language
English
Country
Great Britain
Year of production
1934
Subjects
Geography; History
Keywords
festivals; Scotland; social geography; social history; Shetland Isles; Orkney; Eriskay

Credits

Director
Jenny Brown; Werner Kissing

Distribution Formats

Type
DVD
Format
Region 2 PAL
Price
£19.99
Availability
Sale
Duration/Size
85 minutes
Year
2008

Sections

Title
Rugged Island, The - A Shetland Lyric

Title
Eriskay - A Poem of Remote Lives

Title
Life in the Orkneys

Title
Handba’ at Kirkwall, Orkney

Production Company

Name

Films of Scotland

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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