The London Nobody Knows.

[kelp]

Many years ago, when I was just starting out. I used an Editing company called Cine Lingual, and the guy that did the work was a Tony Anscombe. The other day a colleague handed me a great little film, telling me I might be interested because it was edited at Cine Lingual. I watched it because of the connection, however, the film, although a little grainy is really pretty good. It's narrated and presented by James Mason, and opens at an old crumbling theatre "The Bedford" in Camden town, and shows the interior in utter disrepair. The film shows the London of 1967, and has scenes shot inside a Salvation Army Hostel, and around the old markets. It really is a lovely little film. The director was Norman Cohen. Is it a well known, and readily available film? Or have I found a rarity to treasure.

[batman]

The London Nodody Knows

Available from amazon.co.uk ...... with numerous dvdr versions available on e-bay.

[kelp]

So...er...no big find there eh mate? Never mind.

[mariocki]

It was released last month I think Kelp and was featured down here on London Tonight over 2 nights including some 'Then & Now' comparisons with the locations used.

[Steve Crook]

Originally Posted by kelp Is it a well known, and readily available film? Or have I found a rarity to treasure.

You've found a well known rarity to treasure

It is quite well known, but it's a delightful piece of work and delights like that are quite rare and should be treasured

Steve

[kelp]

I am pleased I watched it, excellent bit of nostalgia. Nice to see the superb James Mason in a working mans cap, and talking to real down and almost outs (drinking meths, is pretty low, poor devils), he really does come across as interested in their replies. Anyone that hasn't seen it, please do, it's a super little film.

[Dave Rattigan]

If you can't find a VHS/DVD, there's always YouTube: YouTube - The London Nobody Knows (Part 1)

[donna]

off to have a keek on youtube brb.

[Dave Rattigan]

Also excellent is James Mason's documentary on his native Huddersfield. Fascinating film, made in the early 1970s, with Mason really laying the Yorkshire accent on thick for the narration.

It can be found on the R2 DVD of Odd Man Out (my number one film of all time, just in case I went 24 hours without mentioning it).

[batman]

Originally Posted by kelp I am pleased I watched it, excellent bit of nostalgia. Nice to see the superb James Mason in a working mans cap, and talking to real down and almost outs (drinking meths, is pretty low, poor devils), he really does come across as interested in their replies. Anyone that hasn't seen it, please do, it's a super little film.

It is indeed kelp. I found it fascinating. Glad you enjoyed it.

[donna]

loved it , what a haunting place that theatre is , did it get demolshed, hope not.

[Dave Rattigan]

There are several other parts to the documentary, by the way - that was just Part 1. You should be able to navigate your way through the other parts from the first link I posted.

[donna]

Thank dave will do , love history had a good look there and found this link.Bedford Music Hall, 123-133, Camden High Street, Camden Town - Also known as The Bedford Theatre / The Bedford Palace of Varieties.

[davidb]

this used to be on tv a lot in the early days of channel 4 ,great film ,ill have to buy a copy on dvd

[duffy moon]

I saw this on stage6 before it sank without a trace. As is already stated, great nostalgia, and also a very moving portrayal of a life long gone, I can remember some of those types of terraced house rows, especially in Bermondsey where my nan used to live, all gone now, and the place now looks much better for it, still sad though...