Holiday
UK, 1957
Director: John Taylor
Language: English
Colour: Colour
Runtime: 18 min
Short synopsis
An upbeat soundtrack accompanies images of ordinary people experiencing the many thrills on offer in 1950s Blackpool.
Long synopsis
Holiday is a vibrant observation of holiday-makers in post war Britain. The opening scene shows crowds excitedly disembarking from a train, as they start their summer holidays in Blackpool. In the series of vivid, colourful sequences that follow, the film evokes the fun-filled atmosphere created by the sense of freedom from the everyday routine of work. The cinéma verité style was achieved by a hidden camera, which explains why people look so at ease.
Accompanied by the expressive and lively rhythm of traditional jazz performed by Chris Barber and his band, the sequences show the thrills on offer in 1950s Blackpool. The swimming pool, the beach, the fairground is buzzing and bustling with families and happy couples. There are show jumpers, magicians, beauty contests, neon lights, the Blackpool tower - all the essential components of a traditional holiday by the sea.
Background information
About the film
Holiday was made by British Transport Films (BTF), a corporate film unit funded by British Rail to advertise the benefits of train travel. A train is only present in the first scene, but this impressionistic approach to marketing was intended to make people where a train journey could take them. The film, put together in the cutting room, was never planned as a major release. However, its use of an upbeat soundtrack, fast paced montage, colourful sequences and images of relaxed people, made it one of the most popular items in BTF's catalogue.
About the film-maker
John Taylor was going to be a carpenter, but started working as a film assistant for his sister's husband, filmmaker John Grierson, at the Empire Marketing Board in the 1920s. He got involved in the 1930s documentary movement and started to produce and direct many films that have now become classics of the genre. He continued working into the 1980s.
Teaching materials and additional materials
The teaching materials have been developed by practising teachers to provide a springboard for your own work with your students. Feel free to use and adapt them appropriate to your students' needs.
The additional materials, provided by the film-makers, can be used to develop your work with the film and deepen students' understanding of the process of film-making.
