POST-BLITZ CLYDEBANK

1947 TO 1952
DIRECTOR'S CUT

Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital (AC-3)

Aspect ratio: Anamorphic widescreen
Language: English
Subtitles: English
Running time: Approx. 33 minutes

Bonus: Clydebank Blitz (3MW, Channel 4)

BUY NOW    DOWNLOAD

* Also available in NTSC format

SYNOPSIS

During two devastating Luftwaffe air raids in 1941, the town of Clydebank in Scotland was largely destroyed. 528 people died, 617 people were seriously injured, and hundreds more were injured by blast debris.

Out of approximately 12,000 houses, only seven remained undamaged — with 4,000 completely destroyed and 4,500 severely damaged.

Directed by 23-year-old debut documentary film-maker, Iain McGuinness, Post-Blitz Clydebank takes you on a journey back in time — from present-day Clydebank to the Clydebank Blitz of 1941 — and then focuses on Bankies' first-hand experiences of the economic, physical and social reconstruction that occurred between 1947 and 1952.

Shot in DVCAM on a budget of only £3,000, it is an account of the lives of ordinary people during the most challenging of times.

Using archive footage, photos, interviews and narration, the documentary charts the history of a place that, despite only having come into existence in the late 1800s, has seen more change than almost any other Scottish town of a similar age.

The subjects covered include education, employment, transport, housing, rationing, healthcare and welfare, and recreation, entertainment and leisure.

With the 100-year-old Titan Crane (on the site of the former John Brown & Co. shipyard) used as a poignant reminder of Clydebank's industrial past, present and future throughout the film, the close relationship between the now and then is explored.

Several of the contributors are members of the Clydebank Life Story Group, which has published their writings in its compilation books, such as Working Days: An Anthology.

In schools, the film supports the requirements of the 5-14 Curriculum (Social Subjects; People in the Past, People and Place, People in Society) in Scotland — and Key Stage 2 (History; Britain Since 1930) in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

 

"As someone born in the eighties, it would be difficult for me to believe what Clydebank has gone through in its short history, if it weren't for the town's archive, combined with the vivid memories of those who were actually there."

IAIN McGUINNESS

 

CONTRIBUTORS
CHARLES GROZIER ELEANOR McALLISTER ELIZABETH McLACHLAN ISA McKENZIE

Charles Grozier
Born in 1933

Eleanor McAllister

Elizabeth McLachlan

Isa McKenzie    LISTEN
Born in 1929

NANCY CLUNAS VIOLET McGUIRE WILLIAM KEAN

Nancy Clunas
Born in 1931

Violet McGuire    LISTEN
Born in 1922

William Kean    LISTEN
Born in 1921

 

DIRECTOR
IAIN McGUINNESS

Iain McGuinness is an artist, film-maker and graphic designer.

He is MD of new media agency, Clyde Internet Media Ltd., which he started up after leaving school.

 

QUOTES

"Emotional tales about the rebuilding of Clydebank after the Blitz."
Clydebank Post (Lorna Caitens)

"A brilliant documentary with just the right amount of every ingredient!"

"Just a few lines to let you know how much I, my family and friends enjoyed the documentary. I hope you'll continue to make films, and I wish you all the luck in the world."

"I loved seeing the La Scala. As a child, I used to go to all the Saturday matinees. Afterwards, I'd run down Kilbowie Hill pretending to be Clancy of the Mounties!"

"Post-Blitz Clydebank is a fascinating glimpse into the town's past."

TELL YOUR STORY, OR WHAT YOU THOUGHT OF THE FILM

 

CREDITS

Narrator
Carol Cochrane

Contributors
Charles Grozier
Eleanor McAllister
Elizabeth McLachlan
Isa McKenzie
Nancy Clunas
Violet McGuire
William Kean

Special thanks to
Clyde & Forth Press Ltd.
Clydebank Life Story Group
Clydebank Re-built Ltd.
Gillian Mitchell
Martin Cambridge
Neil Clelland

THE BEARDMORE HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE

WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL

Archive courtesy of
Prelinger Archives
The Internet Archive
The National Archives
West Dunbartonshire Council

Music by
Elliot Simons
Kevin MacLeod
Taylor Hayward

Directed and produced by
Iain McGuinness

 

CLYDEBANK WEB SITES

Clydebank Blitz (BBC News)
Clydebank Blitz (The Clydebank Story)
Clydebank Camera Club
Clydebank Community Councils
dalmuir.com
Welcome to Clydebank
Welcome to Singer

BOOKMARK THIS PAGE    DOWNLOADS    EMAIL THIS PAGE TO A FRIEND    AND / OR PRODUCTIONS™

clyde internet media™  Copyright © 2008 AND / OR PRODUCTIONS™. All Rights Reserved.    sales@andorproductions.co.uk    Privacy Policy