Look at Life was a regular British series of short documentary films of which over 500 were produced between 1959 and 1969 by the Special Features Division of the Rank Organisation for screening in their Odeon and Gaumont cinemas. The films always preceded the main feature film that was being shown in the cinema that week. It replaced the circuit's newsreel, Universal News, which had become increasingly irrelevant in the face of more immediate news media, particularly on television with the launch of ITN on the Independent Television service, which began broadcasting in parts of the United Kingdom in 1955.[1]
Produced on 35mm film and in Eastmancolor, these ten-minute 'featurettes' melded a light-hearted magazine format with a more in depth documentary approach and depicted aspects of life, mainly in Britain, but sometimes further afield. The films often depicted elements of the 'push button' or 'jet age', demonstrating advances in technology and a reflection on the changing tastes, fashions and trends representative of the so-called 'swinging sixties' era, which were often portrayed in a glossy, vibrant and optimistic way. The films also reported on topical issues that were affecting modern day society such as road safety, civil defence and pollution, and often sought to explain the rapid changes that were taking place in the country in an entertaining and informative narrative. Look at Life also took its cameras abroad to focus on events and affairs within the Commonwealth and British colonies including Aden, Gibraltar and the ever diminishing British controlled areas of Africa. Look at Life cameras were also offered exclusive access behind the Iron Curtain to present life in the Eastern Bloc, particularly in East Berlin and the Soviet Union.
The films were generally narrated in the style typical of newsreel films with a principal voice-over while letting the images tell the story. The narration was generally spoken over the natural sounds of the subject being discussed such as motor traffic or the activities within a workplace and with musical accompaniment. People who were featured in the programmes were seldom heard to speak unless as background sound, their activities and interactions with others generally being commented upon by the narrator. Otherwise the subject of the film or clip would sometimes address the camera directly or perform in a given situation, both in a staged and a scripted manner whereby the narrator could often add a humorous or ironic comment in the context of the subject.
On occasions an expert or professional in the field of the subject such as inventor of the Hovercraft Christopher Cockerell could be watched presenting the film directly to camera and providing the voiceovers. In the most part narration of the films was provided by well known celebrities and presenters of the time including Raymond Baxter, Eamonn Andrews, Wynford Vaughan-Thomas, , Antony Bilbow, Sid James and Martin Jarvis in later editions. However the majority of the films were narrated by actor Tim Turner.
In the early years at the end of each film the caption "Take a Look at Life Again Soon" would appear on screen.
Reception[]
When the first issue of Look at Life, "Marrakesh" was released in March 1959, it was hailed in the trade journals as an "exciting venture in film journalism" and Rank announced this innovation would have "a more lasting impact than the present ephemeral newsreel content". Look at Life was a popular formula but did become rather frozen in time with its light-hearted presentation and jaunty theme tune and despite subtle changes to the opening titles, their graphics and the introduction of the Rank 'gong' logo at the beginning of later films. Television led audiences into a documentary world that had more grit and less glamour than the relative escapism of the cinema and by 1969 Rank could no longer ensure the survival of the series and the concept waned just as other newsreels and magazine films also available at that time, such as the Pathé Pictorial which was shown on the rival ABC cinema circuit, and as cinema audience continued to decline rapidly on the verge of the 1970s.[2]
Public Releases[]
Over 500 episodes were produced altogether. Digitally restored from the original film elements, the Look at Life series is now licensed by ITV Studios Global Entertainment, previously known on screen as Granada Ventures and distributed by the Network imprint. Many of the films have not been seen in full since their original screenings in the cinemas, although a number of films have been previously released on Super 8 and on DVD in themed categories. These include Look at Life – Swingin' London, which explores elements of contemporary London life, work and traditions and Look at Life – On the Railways, which represented the great changes that were taking place to Britain's railways in the wake of the modernisation programme and the decline of steam. However Network has gradually released box-sets of the films in volumes.
Volume 1: "Transport" is a four disc compilation released in 2010 and contains 54 films on the theme of transport. Look at Life Volume 2: "Military" was released in June 2011, whilst Volume 3: "Science" was released in September 2011.
Two further volumes, Volume 4: "Sport" and Volume 5: "Cultural Heritage", were for release in August and November 2012 respectively. Volume 6: "World Affairs" was released on 1 February 2013. On 10 August 2015, a seventh volume Volume 7: "Business and Industry" was released.
The final 7 disc Volume 8: People and Places presenting a remaining 100 films was released in the spring of 2021.
In November 2012, the series Britain on Film commissioned by BBC Scotland for broadcast on BBC Four began a twenty-part series providing an insight into life in Britain in the 1960s exclusively featuring footage from the Look at Life series. Distributed by ITN Source, a partly owned subsidiary of ITV Plc, each episode features a different aspect of British life and culture during the decade, including the changing role of women and how leisure time was spent including the rising popularity of overseas travel. It is presented with original commentary from the series with captions to provide the contemporary viewer with explanation.[3]
Available on DVD[]
Volume 1: Transport[]
Disc 1 (1959–1960)[]
Date of Feature
Title
Narrator
Synopsis
April 1959
Ticket to Tokyo
E.V.H. Emmett
Travelling with a Britannia Airline from London via Bombay to Tokyo to discover Japan and back via Hong Kong along with the Ocean Liner Arundel Castle.
May 1959
Letting off Steam
Tim Turner
Celebrating British Railways' change of technology with the phasing-out of coal-powered steam and their replacement with oil-powered and electrified trains and signalling to bring in the modern age of travel.
May 1959
New Roads for Old
Tim Turner
The traffic crisis and a look at tomorrow's roads in the making including the London to Yorkshire motorway, Preston By-pass, Runcorn Bridge and works around London, including the gyratory system at Marble Arch, underpass at Hyde Park Corner, road widening at Elephant and Castle and the new Chiswick Flyover.
The Chief Test Pilot of East Cowes-based Saunders Roe tells the story of a hovercraft from the moment it was invented, with the inventor Christopher Cockerell and the recording of the first cross Channel crossing on 25 July 1959.
August 1959
Talking of Coaches
Tim Turner
Life from the back of a coach with a tour of Blackpool and Italy with young Eric.
October 1959
Alpine Rescue
Tim Turner
A glimpse of the hazards faced by Swiss glacier pilots.
October 1959
Shopping for a 'Queen'
Tim Turner
Just what it takes to replenish the Queen Elizabeth, the 83,000-ton liner before her next voyage. Food shopping and catering on a mammoth scale!
November 1959
Sailing the Sky
Tim Turner
The grace and freedom of gliding and an interview with Britain's leading woman glider pilot, Ann Welch. Don't forget your sandwiches!
December 1959
Driving Test
Tim Turner
Driving school tuition, including the innovative mock-up car with moving lights, cars for disabled people, the junior driver course at Grammar schools and the training of police drivers and London Bus drivers. Watch out for green Ford Cortinas!
January 1960
Shape of a Ship
Tim Turner
Taking a look at the big new liners being built including the Canberra and how their shape is changing plus a review of the slump affecting cargo shipping and the exciting future of air freight.
February 1960
Air Hostess
Tim Turner
Following the perceived glamorous life of 24-year-old airline hostess Pat Rossiter on her working day on an 11-hour flight to Rome and Benghazi
March 1960
Taxi! Taxi!!
Tim Turner
Looking at the organisation behind London's taxis, their maintenance, regulation of meters, training for "The Knowledge" to picking up passengers and driver welfare.
April 1960
All Through the Night
Tim Turner
Out on the trunk roads with the "artic" night lorries. It's a tough life for these "trunkers"
Disc 2 (1960–1963)[]
Date of Feature
Title
Narrator
Synopsis
April 1960
Over and Under
Tim Turner
Painting the Forth Bridge and a look at modern bridge-building including temporary bridges, taking place all over Britain today; but why are they so unattractive? There is competition on cost but why not design? Reflecting on past bridge successes and future methods of construction.
July 1960
Horse-power Riders
Tim Turner
Experts prove that safety on a motorcycle stems from control of the machines. The Royal Corp Signals demonstrate this. Following The AA and RAC in their training programmes supported by RoSPA, and over to the Isle of Man TT to see this year's winner John Surtees.
March 1962
Eyes of the Law
Raymond Baxter
A look at traffic controls in West Germany and their autobahns and how Britain can learn as they build miles of new motorway including the new Hammersmith Flyover.
April 1962
Scooter Commuter
Tim Turner
Amidst the jams, In ten years, the number of scooters on British Roads has increased from 4,250 to over 470,000, and the convenience of "Corgi" style bikes. Remember your headscarf when you learn how to ride one!
May 1962
Sea Horses
Tim Turner
Featuring tugboats, without which any big port would come to a standstill.
September 1962
So They all Hover Now
Tim Turner
Today all kinds of things are using hover power. For passenger services, Trucks, barrows and even stretchers and how the declining ship yards of Clydeside are adapting to this new technology. Featuring the SR.N2.
September 1962
The Village Sleeps Again
Tim Turner
The arguments for and against building by-passes, featuring Transport Minister Ernest Marples, how these can be built through many urban areas, how objections to new routes can be overcome and what effect they are having on previously swamped towns and villages.
January 1963
Birdmen
Tim Turner
Discovering the origins and evolution of man-powered flight focusing on the John Wimpenny is the first man to pedal himself through the air for more than half a mile on the Puffin, designed and built by instructors and students of the de Havilland Aeronautical Technical School.
April 1963
Draw the Fires
Tim Turner
The railways are changing, with coal-powered steam being phased out and replaced by diesel engines by 1972. Crowds pay their respects to the Flying Scotsman's last departure from Kings Cross as it is replaced by a 33-horsepower diesel. The network is being modernised by new signalling, longer continuous track on concrete sleepers and flyovers, and controversial closures of lines.
June 1963
The Car Has Wings
Tim Turner
Natural boundaries no longer limit the range of motoring as cars are carried through tunnels, on ferries, over the new Forth Road Bridge, by train, air ferry and possibly by hovercraft in the future.
June 1963
Vintage Models
Raymond Baxter
Meeting the veteran car enthusiast and looking at the restoration of vintage vehicles with a visit to National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Montagu Motor Museum at Beaulieu in the New Forest, the high-speed trials at Silverstone and the famous London to Brighton run
July 1963
Pilot Aboard
The story of Britain's pilotage services.
August 1963
Where No Tide Flows
A look at canals today and how they have been rediscovered by holidaymakers.
Disc 3 (1963–1965)[]
Date of Feature
Title
Narrator
Synopsis
November 1963
High, Wide and Faster
Closer co-ordination between our roads, railways and coastal shipping.
December 1963
Oil Aboard
The story of the oil tankers and the crews that sail in them.
December 1963
Report on a River
Following the River Thames from its source in Gloucestershire to the Port of London, which is modernising services and keep traffic moving.
December 1963
Europe Grows Together
An urgent look at Britain's links with the Continent.
April 1964
Turn of the Wheel
A look at what is happening to the old trains and buses that are being replaced.
May 1964
City of Air
A look at the many aspects of London Airport with a focus on BOAC and BEA airlines.
August 1964
Behind the Ton-Up Boys
A reflection on the nearly two million motorcyclists in Britain.
August 1964
Going Places Under Water
The world's first underwater sightseeing bus.
November 1964
Living with Cars
Analysis of what is being done to cope with the increasing number of cars on our roads. Includes footage from London and Cumbernauld.
December 1964
Flying to Work
The increasing number of private planes and helicopters in Britain's airspace.
February 1965
The Spirit of Brooklands
The story of the Surrey motor racing circuit.
April 1965
Weather Adviser
How special ships maintain a constant watch on the weather, whatever the conditions.
May 1965
What Price Safety?
A look at what is being done to make cars and roads safer.
September 1965
Down in the Dumps
How the problem of dumped cars is being addressed.
Disc 4 (1965–1969)[]
Date of Feature
Title
Narrator
Synopsis
November 1965
Cats of the Sea
The thrill of sailing catamarans.
March 1966
Breaking the Ice
Looking at the icebreakers which keep shipping routes open.
December 1966
Skimming through the Sixties
Revisiting the Hovercraft and how it has been evolving.
December 1966
The Big Take-Off
Assessing what is happening to Britain's aircraft industry in the face of competition.
March 1967
Lighter than Air
Going up in a hot air balloon.
May 1967
Just an Accident
The shocking statistic that twenty people are killed on the roads daily.
May 1967
Scrambling for It
The motor sport which is attracting thousands of followers.
June 1967
The Straights of Dover
A closer look at the 750 ships that pass through the five-mile wide shipping channel every day.
August 1967
Where Do You Leave the Boat?
The problems of where to keep pleasure boats as more are built.
October 1967
Pushing the Bike
The impact of the bicycle on the world today.
December 1967
Playing Trains
How despite moves to diesel and electric traction thousands of people are still running steam locomotives on unprofitable branch lines.
September 1968
The City's for Living In
A response to the Buchanan Report with a focus on Bath and Norwich as to how British cities face the danger of the impact of traffic on the environment.
March 1969
All in a Day's Work
People who travel the world by air as part of their everyday jobs.
March 1969
A Load of Pheasants
Following intercontinental deliveries by lorries that travel through Britain's ferry ports.
There are many who follow the stars. Some believe they can indicate the future, while astronomers spend their nights observing the heavens through the great telescopes at Jodrell Bank.
?
A Marriage is Arranged
E.V.H. Emmett
How a marriage between steel and plastic is successfully forged at British steelworks.
1960
Channel Tunnel
Tim Turner
A visit to the trial tunnel and a look at all the scientific research necessary.
1960
Healing Hands
The onward march of surgery – and the dedicated research behind the scenes of medicine.
1960
Testing Time
Tim Turner
A film about all the different things that need to be tested in Britain today.
1960
Making a Meal Out of It
Tim Turner
A film looking at various aspects of food, visiting research laboratories as well as taking a look at food from the turn of the century.
1961
Press-Button Age
Tim Turner
Every day is another step into the press-button age; this film shows how our lives are increasingly regulated by automation.
1961
Flood Tide
Tim Turner
How the ceaseless battle with the sea is being fought with the aid of the Flood Warning System.
1961
Men With Ideas
A film providing insight into the machinery of patenting.
1961
Mystery of a Fish
From the River Axe in Devon, scientists catch every young salmon that swims downstream in an effort to map this species' incredible voyage.
1962
Rockets Away!
A film exploring the research being done on rockets, for both peaceful purposes and defence.
1962
The Little Menace
A study of what is being done in medical research.
1962
Trouble on Oily Waters
The dumping of oil waste in the sea has created a new menace along Britain's shoreline.
1962
Any Old Iron?
This film turns the spotlight on the people who prepare salvaged steel for re-use, and on the steel foundries which melt it down again.
1963
Caught in the Cold
Every year, Britain gets caught in the cold; cities crawl to a standstill, and road and rail traffic is disrupted. Why does this happen in an age of scientific miracles?
Disc 2 (1963–1964)[]
Date of Feature
Title
Narrator
Synopsis
1963
Figure it Out
The story of computers: from electronic tape and punched cards, to austere-looking robots.
1963
Keeping Clean
An interesting look at the new mechanised way of cleaning.
1963
The Destroyers
Pests come in all shapes and sizes, from the woodworm and grain weevil to the homely city pigeon. This film shows the research which goes on to control them.
1963
Back-Room of the Sky
At Boscombe Down, on the edge of Salisbury Plain, every part of a new plane is tested, and it is then flown to its operational limit. Not only are the aircraft tested, but also the men who fly them.
1963
People of Power
A close look at the operation of the Berkeley Nuclear Power Station.
1963
Second Chance
This moving film shows an achievement in which science and humanity have combined to offer the 100,000 people in Britain who have lost a limb a chance to live happy and useful lives.
1963
Key of the Door
A look at the educational centres where training in technical subjects is aiming to keep pace with the demands of this scientific age.
1963
You Can't Catch Much from a Fish
Look at Life went to see what the six months' compulsory quarantine means to the 3,000 dogs and 500 cats brought into Britain each year.
1963
Men Under Pressure
This exciting film shows the work of the men who build tunnels below water level, and the scientific and medical care that ensures they suffer no ill-effects from their unusual occupation.
1964
Fings are Getting Smaller
Taking a look at how everything is being reduced in size in the new compact age.
1964
Salute the Engineer
More and more engineers are needed to keep pace with developing industry; this film offers a glimpse of the wide range of jobs they undertake.
1964
So Much Flattery!
Few realise how far the art of imitation has developed. Synthetic furs and jewellery, artificial flowers and copies of great paintings, 'marble' made of laminated plastic, and that most quotidian of imitations – artificial teeth.
1964
Having a Baby
A look at the medical and social services available for both hospital and home births.
1964
Power Needs No Passport
Stretching across Western Europe is a network of electric power stations, linked by the transmission lines that span a continent. This is the story of an ever-present problem: Europe's increasing need for electricity.
1964
Wealth Under the Sea
A trip to the North Sea to follow the search for oil.
Disc 3 (1964–1969)[]
Date of Feature
Title
Narrator
Synopsis
1964
By Bread Alone
A look at what is happening in the baking industry as scientists try to find out why bread doesn't keep fresh longer and to solve the problem of staleness.
1965
Frontiers of Medicine
Machines are playing an increasing part not only in the treatment of disease, but also in helping to find out the causes of illness.
1965
Sugaring the Pill
Large numbers of pills are consumed every year; this film takes a look at the growth of the pharmaceutical industry.
1965
Beating the Racket
A look at what is being done to reduce noise levels.
1965
Will Taps Run Dry?
Much of Britain faces a water shortage every year. This film reveals the complex business of ensuring that the taps don't run dry.
1966
Treading on the Gas
Following the ships that come from the Sahara Desert bringing methane gas.
1966
Boxes of Tricks
The teaching machine – the educational box of tricks – is being used increasingly today in schools, universities and industry.
1966
The Givers
Britain's National Blood Transfusion Service came of age in 1967. It was the first of its kind in the world; Britain was and is today the best organised and equipped.
1967
What Price Ideas?
Taking a look at the new inventions that are being made in Britain today.
1967
Cleaning People
A look at the dry-cleaning business and the work of the chemists behind it.
1967
Press-Button Farms
A revolution is taking place down on the farm – the machines are taking over, so that the modern farmer can operate his farm almost single-handed.
1967
Keeping Tabs on Space
A look at Britain's first spacecraft, UK3, and how it was created, tested and launched.
1968
Brain Drain
The brain drain, mainly in young scientists and engineers, has risen to a rate of 6,000 men a year. Why do they go?
1968
North Sea Commuters
A film providing the background to the tapping of the vast supply of natural energy that Britain has discovered on her doorstep.
1969
Their Lifeline – The Nile
A film about the colossal Aswan High Dam – Egypt's greatest hope for the future.
A look at the phenomenon of Saturday football through the eyes of fans watching Tottenham Hotspur. The film looks at the men who are the chief actors in the Saturday football drama, both off duty and in training.
Out for a Catch
Against the Clock
Man into Fish
Ski Fever
A look into what British Skiers are doing, both at Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands and at Murren, where British Championships provide almost as many thrills - if not such high speeds - as international events.
League football is a notoriously competitive profession; of thousands of players given trials every year by the top clubs, only a handful will reach the top. This film shows what it takes to get there, and why soccer remains Britain's most popular sport.
A Hundred Thousand Oarsmen
A fascinating look at the sport of rowing.
Snow Business
Riding it Rough
Target - The Stadium
Flight of Fancy
Getting Wet
See How They Jump!
It's a Gamble
Queue for the Tee
In the Kart
Over My Shoulder
Women with Leisure
Rulers of Racing
Look at Life goes behind the scenes to take a closer look at how the Jockey Club works.
Disc 3[]
Date of Feature
Title
Narrator
Synopsis
Winning the Hard Way
A look at our amateur athletics, and also the need for better facilities and coaching.
Bookies at the Crossroads
A look at the future of Britain's bookmakers.
How Do You Swing?
Living on Skis
Cricket on Test
Room at the Top?
Out of a Bomb-Site
Behind the World Cup
Over the Sticks
Sea Riders
Racing to the Start
White Water Craft
Single-Handed Sailors
It's Odds on the Fish
For some anglers, betting is now a regular feature in competitions. For others, such commercialism is unthinkable. This film considers the problems of ensuring that angling continues as a form of sport and relaxation.
Volume 5: Cultural Heritage[]
Disc 1[]
Date of Feature
Title
Narrator
Synopsis
A Dog's Life
Uncredited
A film looking at London from a dog's point of view.
Down London River
Tim Turner
A leisurely journey through London along the Thames.
Coffee Bar
Uncredited
A film that examines the cult world of the coffee bar and its habits.
Garden of Tomorrow
Roy Hay
A film for everyone who loves a garden, for everyone who loves a gadget. and for those who have never had a chance to see the Chelsea Flower Show in all its glory.
Harvest of Hops
Tim Turner
A look at a typical London family on their annual hop-picking holiday.
Island of Men
Tim Turner
Fair Isle, famous for its distinctive woollens, faces a problem: more than two thirds of its inhabitants are men. But the island is still a very happy place to live.
Top People
Tim Turner
A look at a new generation in the City of London, from the crane drivers helping rebuild it to the flat-dwellers overlooking this throbbing heart of commerce.
Rebirth of a City
Tim Turner
A film that documents the first steps in the rebuilding of Coventry after the devastation of the Second World War.
Shopping by the Ton
Tim Turner
A film showing London's main markets at their busiest time and capturing all the energy and bustle of three old markets, the market mean and their generations-old traditions.
Towns By Design
Wynford Vaughan-Thomas
A Look at some of the 'New Towns' being built around the country.
The building of Africa's Kariba Dam created a vast lake, meaning death for the animals marooned on higher ground; this film shows the work done to save them.
1960
Seaway
Uncredited
A look at the opening of the Saint Lawrence seaway.
1960
Village of Violins
Uncredited
A visit to the village of Mittenwald in the Bavarian Alps, where for 300 years violin-making has been a traditional craft.
1960
Gibraltar's New Day
Tim Turner
Gibraltar has been a British outpost since 1704. This film visits the island as it prepares to become a holiday destination.
1960
The Wind of Change
Tim Turner
A look at developments and achievements in Africa during the 1950s and 1960s.
1960
Power for Africa
Tim Turner
A further look at Africa – in particular its increasing capacity to harness its waters.
1961
Rolling out from Rio
Tim Turner
Six hundred miles inside Brazil stands the new capital Brasilia, one of the 20th century's most imaginative projects.
1961
Lady of Japan
Antony Bilbow
A look at the development of Japan, and especially Tokyo.
1961
Flags over the Temples
Antony Bilbow
A look at the impact of the south-east Asia treaty organisation (SEATO) in Thailand.
1961
City of Crisis
John Witty
A film that takes another look at the crisis-torn city of Berlin.
1962
A Problem of People
Tim Turner
A film examining the ways in which Pakistan is tackling its immense refugee problem.
1962
Eagle's Nest
Tim Turner
Berchtesgaden, in the Bavarian Alps, attracts visitors from all over the world; many come to see Hitler's 'Eagle's Nest', a feat of construction that survived World War II.
Disc 2[]
Date of Feature
Title
Narrator
Synopsis
1962
The Maple has New Leaves
Gordon Tanner
A film showing the emigration to Canada of a typical English family.
1962
Chasing the Dragon
Tim Turner
A look at illegal drug trafficking in Hong Kong and the problems of heroin addiction.
1962
The Trail leads Upwards
Tim Turner
A visit to a native Canadian family, and a look at the construction of a new bridge across the Niagara river.
1962
G.H.Q., Middle East
Tim Turner
A mixture of the old and the new: a look at G.H.Q. middle east at Aden.
1962
The Wall
Tim Turner
A visit to Hadrian's wall in Northumberland, and a more detailed examination of the Berlin wall.
1962
Out of the Sun
Tim Turner
A look at immigration from the West Indies into Britain.
1962?
Common Market
John Snagge
An assessment of the progress of the Common Market during a period in which its member countries have begun to remove trade barriers.
1962
The Changing River
Tim Turner
A film looking at the changing face of the River Rhine.
1962
Millions on the March
Brian Connell
Following the state visit of Queen Elizabeth II, this film looks at India's development in terms of farming and industry.
1962
Call from the Wild
Peter Scott
A look at wildlife protection in North and South Rhodesia, and the development of national parks.
1963
Out of the Bush
Tim Turner
A look at the emerging independent countries of Africa, featuring images of life in both the village and the city.
1963
Men of the Woods
Tim Turner
For centuries the men of Berchtesgaden have earned their living from the trees that surround them; now mechanisation is eroding their traditional skills.
1963
Forging New Links
Tim Turner
The story of Ulster began when James I obtained money from the city of London to colonise the north of Ireland. This film looks at Ulster's role in Britain's productivity.
1963
Gypsy Holiday
Tim Turner
Each year, Europe's gypsies make a pilgrimage to the Camargue – the wild corner of France where the Rhône meets the Mediterranean.
1963
Pick of the Bunch
Tim Turner
A look at wine producing in France and Germany.
Disc 3[]
Date of Feature
Title
Narrator
Synopsis
1964
The New Australians
Tim Turner
A trip to Australia to see how the country is coping with its large intake of immigrants.
1964
Men of the Snowy
Tim Turner
Few migrants have ever found a more spectacular role than the men working together on Australia's vast project to harness the waters of the Snowy River.
1964
Singapore is Youth
Tim Turner
A look at a modern, forward-looking Singapore.
1964
Off the Sheep's Back
Tim Turner
Australia has 15 times more sheep than people, with wool providing nearly half of the country's export earnings. But how does Australia envision its future?
1964
Constant Hot Water
Tim Turner
A film looking at the volcanic zone of New Zealand, and the hot water it produces.
1964
Tide on the Turn
Tim Turner
This film looks at the economic and social impact of foreign industrialists in the Irish republic.
1964
Malta Milestone
Tim Turner
With the demise of the great naval dockyard, Malta has sought new ways to generate income...
1965
Women at Sea
Tim Turner
A look at the various seafaring jobs for women – from work on the great passenger liners, to merchant navies.
1965
James Bond's Island
Peter Hawkins
A look at post-independence Jamaica, and the country's hope to gain a firm footing in the modern world.
1965
Volunteers for Service
Tim Turner
Part of the contribution made by Britain to assist newly independent countries in increasing their skills and knowledge.
1965
Men Against the Sea
Tim Turner
For centuries the Dutch have fought against the sea: this film looks at the delta plan – a spectacular sea-defence scheme.
1966
The Curtain Changes
John Snagge
A look at the frontiers between Eastern and Western Europe.
1966
On Top of the World
Tim Turner
A look at the changing way of life in Lapland – the vast tract of forest land that stretches across the north of Norway, Sweden and Finland, and into Russian.
1966
Swedish Pattern
Michael Ingrams
Look at Life goes to Sweden to examine the country's pioneering way of life – and potential influence on Britain.
1966
Market by the Danube
Roger Wesson
A visit behind the iron curtain to Hungary to see how it has changed.
Disc 4[]
Date of Feature
Title
Narrator
Synopsis
1966
The Beach
Peter Duval Smith
The world's most famous beach is the Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro. But overlooking it are the shacks of the world's poorest people.
1966
Face Lift
Tim Turner
A tale of two cities looking at the ways in which Paris and London have set about cleaning up their appearance.
1966
Incas in bowler hats
Tim Turner
The majority of the Bolivian population is Indian, with traditions dating back to the Incas. But the problem of uniting the Bolivians of Indian and Spanish descent remains.
1966
One in Six
Tim Turner
A look at Luxembourg, a country of 1,000 square miles and, in the early 1960s, a population of 50,000.
1966
An Island Awakes
Tim Turner
Sardinia was once considered a depressed area; this film looks at the changes resulting from a major development plan.
1966
City of all Nations
Tim Turner
A visit to São Paulo in Brazil, a city which is growing continually each year.
1966
The Six come closer
Tim Turner
A close look at the European Community, showing some of the problems that the common market has had to solve.
1966
Jobs where you like
Tim Turner
A film examining one of the most exciting aspects of the common market: the free movement of migrant workers.
1966
Pipeline to plenty
Tim Turner
A look at how Kuwait is coping with its newly acquired wealth, and the provisions being made for the future.
1967
End of a Polish march
Tim Turner
A look at the lives of Britain's Polish community.
1967
Once upon a time...
John Witty
A trip to Denmark to look at the Danish way of life.
1967
Living on a volcano
Tim Turner
Ascension Island is home to many families, who sometimes work there for up to two years.
1967
Chinatown
Michael Ingrams
A look at the world of the Chinese who have made Britain their home.
Disc 5[]
Date of Feature
Title
Narrator
Synopsis
1967
Inside Russia 1: Fifty!
Michael Ingrams
A film providing a background to the achievements of the Russian people – expressed in great housing schemes, giant dams and, of course, the conquest of space.
1967
Inside Russia 2: The Heiresses
Michael Ingrams
A look at the role of women in the soviet union – from helping to build new flats to running factories, driving buses to presiding over divorce courts.
1967
Inside Russia 3: Childhood
Antony Bilbow
A film that traces the story of Russian children, through kindergarten, school and university.
1967
Inside Russia 4: The Woken Land
Michael Ingrams
Although Siberia conjures up a picture of exile and slave labour, the new Siberia has modern cities with young populations. This film explores life east of the Urals.
1968
Winter Blossoms
John Westbrook
A look at the rapid changes taking place in the Algarve, with the planning of luxury development schemes along the coastline.
1968
Man of the Desert
Uncredited
A look at changes taking place in Tunisia, ten years after it gained independence.
1968
Something new under Everest
Michael Ingrams
Nepal, once a forbidden country, is opening up; this film offers a picture of life in one of the world's most picturesque countries, as old customs give way to new ideas.
1968
A new shade of red
Michael Ingrams
A look at the changing pattern of Czech life during the upheaval of 1968.
1968
Coming of Age
Michael Ingrams
A film about India; what has been achieved, and what still remains to be done in the sub-continent where problems are never small ones.
1968
Home is Tibet
Michael Ingrams
A film looking at Tibetan refugees, and the way in which their Dalai Lama has kept the scattered community intact.
1968
The Sinking City
Martin Jarvis
A look at the efforts being made to prevent Venice from sinking.
1968
Escape into Riches
Michael Ingrams
A look at the spiritual wealth of India – as expressed in her art and design, her music and dance, and her sculpture and architecture.
1969
In the shadow of the Wall
Tim Brinton
Behind the Berlin wall is a death-strip with electrified fences and watchtowers; this film also looks at the rebuilding of West Berlin, and the hope of reunification.
1969
After the Queen's visit
Duncan Carse
In 1968, the Queen paid a state visit to Chile ("only 21 hours by jet from London") – the first British reigning monarch to do so. This film considers what the future holds for this country.
1969
Look at Man
Martin Jarvis
Look at Life visits the Isle of Man to discover why it wants greater independence.
Sid James narrates a film looking at street markets at a time when they are increasingly forced to compete with modern supermarkets.
A Car Is Born
Bill Hartley
A survey of the success of the British car, this film considers the various stages of design, production and testing to build up a fascinating profile of the industry
Saving Face
A look at the magic of the beauty business
Money Talks
Tim Turner
A film investigating the complex world of money.
Down on the Farm
Tim Turner
A look at the newest developments in farming of every kind.
Bottle Party
Tim Turner
Look at Life tells the fascinating story of why we throw away 200 million bottles every year!
Under the Hammer
Tim Turner
A look at the world of auctions, from the often characteristic auctioneers selling every kind of commodity, to the many different people who come to their sale-rooms.
A Year for a Day
Tim Turner
For many people in Britain, Christmas provides an all-year-round job, with crackers, cards, decorations and the growing of trees offering constant employment.
Roman Invasion
Tim Turner
Long before the era of the Italian coffee bar came the ice cream man, the organ grinder and the cafe owner; before them, the innovative invaders of 2,000 years ago...
On The Mark
Tim Turner
Shooting is big business in Britain today, and this film looks at that business – from the production and testing of guns to their use on moors and ranges.
Shares in To-morrow
Antony Bilbow
A study of the exciting world of stock exchanges and how a deal is done between a broker and a jobber.
Shelling Out
Tim Turner
This unusual film examines the world of shellfish – from the delicate-tasting oyster to the humbler mussel, and the sudden popularity of scampi.
What A Pet!
Tim Turner
A light-hearted survey of the pet world in general and the budgerigar part of it in particular. A film that every pet owner will love.
Ice Age
John Witty
The manufacture and multifarious uses of an abundantly available substance: ice!
And So To Bed
Antony Bilbow
A look at the manufacture of one of modern life's most important purchases, the mattress.
Coming, Sir!
Tim Turner
An interesting look into the developing hotel industry and the problems it has to face.
Tulip Town
Antony Bilbow
The Story of Spalding, told on the most significant day in the town's calendar: that of the annual Flower Parade, when over 8,000,000 tulip heads show visitors the glory of the tulip industry.
1961
For the Record
Jean Metcalfe
How Helen Shapiro's 1961 hit "Walkin' Back To Happiness" was recorded; pressed and distributed.
Jobs with a Thrill
Tim Turner
Think your job is too boring? See what these men do for a living.
Roses All The Way
Antony Bilbow
England's national emblem for centuries, the rose is our most fragrant export. This sparding film looks at the enduringly popular perennial gracing millions of gardens.
Disc 2[]
Date of Feature
Title
Narrator
Synopsis
Everything Stops For Tea
Tim Turner
Everything stops when the kettle boils! This is the story of what happens to our national beverage from the time it is landed at the London docks until it reaches our teapots.
Lights Up
Tim Turner
The subject of modern lighting is explored and a colourful and intriguing survey given of the people who make, experiment with, and use light.
Fish and Ships
Tim Turner
A look at the tough and exacting work of the deep-sea trawlermen. Science might aid them in their work, but in the end it is courage, resourcefulness and determination that really count.