This is a compelling historic document of a city contemplating the future. The quasi-documentary style works well. The footage of the City is priceless; Abercombrie's plan is articulated powerfully, although, as we know now, plans often do not unfold as planned. The shots of the young Michael Foot - then a newly minted MP for Devonport - are terrific.
I was brought up in Plymouth - mother a Wren, father in the navy during the war. As children we used to play in the bomb sites. I enjoy the film of some of the Plymouth people and places...but the Gordon Jacobs 'music' is trite and the 'planners' monsters, with their lack of organic thinking and lack of appreciation for the the past and 'ordinary' people. Priority to the motor car - "Look at America" and "Flat and vertical masses" indeed! It is a very interesting film. Thank you for sharing.
You mean there is worse than James Paton-Watson/Abercrombie's plans to come? Horror! I remember the rain lashed wind tunnel that was Royal Parade and all that concrete. Paton-Watson was certainly no Christopher Wren
This is a compelling historic document of a city contemplating the future. The quasi-documentary style works well. The footage of the City is priceless; Abercombrie's plan is articulated powerfully, although, as we know now, plans often do not unfold as planned. The shots of the young Michael Foot - then a newly minted MP for Devonport - are terrific.
Loved this !.
I was brought up in Plymouth - mother a Wren, father in the navy during the war. As children we used to play in the bomb sites. I enjoy the film of some of the Plymouth people and places...but the Gordon Jacobs 'music' is trite and the 'planners' monsters, with their lack of organic thinking and lack of appreciation for the the past and 'ordinary' people. Priority to the motor car - "Look at America" and "Flat and vertical masses" indeed! It is a very interesting film. Thank you for sharing.
This is brilliant!! Sadly have you seen the latest plans for Plymouth. Very sad indeed.
You mean there is worse than James Paton-Watson/Abercrombie's plans to come? Horror! I remember the rain lashed wind tunnel that was Royal Parade and all that concrete. Paton-Watson was certainly no Christopher Wren
Jill Craigie was married to Michael Foo
Yes, it says that in my note. But not till after the film was made - quite a scandal at the time.