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]

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]

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]

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.

[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...

[donna]

my hubby thinks Im mental as I go mad at old buliding being torn down especially ones like old picture halls and theatres, its our history isnt it, he says its progress , I say its sacrilege

[davidb]

i watched my copy bought through play.com last night ,what an incredible voice james mason had ! wish i had such tone and clarity in mine ,some of the "lives "etched onto the faces of the old east end charactors were as interesting as the buildings featured ,at one stage mason points out some "hi rise blocks" being built and some children playing and comments " at least these kids will be given a chance " ........oh dear !

[FX3]

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.

I wonder if the flat cap, jacket, umbrella etc. was just costume or James Mason's off duty attire?



A very nice film and one I must get on DVD, even though I have downloaded all 5 parts from youtube, thanks for highlighting it, Kelp.



Another set of films I like very much are the Look At Life series, with a selection available on DVD about London which are entitled Swinging London. How things have changed.

[billy bentley]

Can anyone that has this, confirm that it features an escapologist on Tower Hill ?

[davidb]

it does ! ill dig it out later on and give you the lowdown on it

[doojeen]

An excellent 50 minute film, originally shown as support to Till Death Us Do Part, which was also directed by Norman Cohen.



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