8mm Forum: Shadows Of Progress

This is topic Shadows Of Progress in forum General Yak at 8mm Forum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://8mmforum.film-tech.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=8;t=004668

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on January 11, 2018, 02:19 AM:

Whilst many people are familiar with the story of British documentaries from the 1930s and the 1940s, few know about the extent of its post-war legacy.

So, here is "Shadows Of Progress" from the BFI. Documentary films in Britain 1951-1977. A set of four DVDs with a total running time of 828 minutes (13 hours & 48 minutes). There are 32 short films on this compilation all from the BFI archive.

There is an interesting 64 page illustrated booklet and a 43 minute documentary from 2010 "Perspectives & Documentary Filmmaking."

Films are by many sponsors, including Anglo-Iranian Oil, BTF, NSPCC, COI, NCB, Roche, United Steel, Ford, Shell, GPO and BP. Perhaps the best known film in the collection is "The Elephant Will Never Forget."

1977 seems to be somewhat of a cut-off date, with TV documentaries taking over. The agonising death of the 16mm circuit is one of cinema's sadder, least told tales.

Highly recommended.

Posted by Dave Groves (Member # 4685) on January 11, 2018, 04:02 AM:

I was given a pristine copy of 'The Elephant never forgets' last year, and an interesting little film it is. If the rest of the collection is of the same standard it would be worth purchasing.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on January 11, 2018, 05:18 AM:

Dave
Here's a link to it.
http://shop.bfi.org.uk/dvd-blu-ray/documentaries/british-documentary/shadows-of-progress-dvd-bluray.html#.WldH9jEiHIV

Posted by Dave Groves (Member # 4685) on January 11, 2018, 10:38 AM:

Thanks Maurice. A bargain price.

UBB.classic^TM 6.3.1.2