Thursday 23 June 2016

Snow (1963)

A while back I shared with you a video called 'Locomotion' made in 1975 by a film-maker by the name of George Jones.  It's a lovely little short film with a fantastic electronic soundtrack played, uncredited, by members of folk-rock group Steeleye Span.

Today I'd like to share with you one of his earlier films, 'Snow'.

Filmed during the 'Big Freeze of 1963', that saw snow drifts as high as 15 feet (4.5 metres) in some areas, the eight minute film is a selection of beautifully filmed sequences detailing the efforts of the rail workers to ensure the continued operation of the trains.

Apart from the fact that it is a fabulous little film what makes this of particular interest to followers of Wyrd Britain is the inclusion on the soundtrack of various sound treatments by BBC Radiophonic Workshop pioneer Daphne Oram.  The song that runs through the film is a version of 'Teen Beat' recorded especially by Johnny Hawksworth who is much better known as the composer of the theme tune for 'Roobarb', which I imagine many of you are singing right about now.

I hope you enjoy.



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2 comments:

  1. ...and shot by none other than Wolfgang Suschitzky (Get Carter)! Marvellous stuff.

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    Replies
    1. absolutely. it is just so beautifully shot.

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