Documentary News Letter (1947-1949)

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DOCUMENTARY FILM NEWS 105 Films Shown at Edinburgh Owing to the large number of films shown at Edinburgh this year we are unable to publish full critical reviews. The following is a survey of the films shown, classified according to the country of origin together with a brief summary of the theme. ARGENTINE Sleeping Villages (23 minutes). A survey of the life and customs of the Colla Indians, an obscure nomadic tribe, which lives in the desolate highlands on the borders of Argentine, Chile and Bolivia. AUSTRALIA Britain Down Under (20 minutes). A picture of Tasmania, illustrating its close resemblance . in customs, climate and geography to those of the British Isles. Honey Blossom Trail (11 minutes). The story • of how an Australian bee-keeper maintains his supply of honey by moving his hives from one area to another as the blossoms become exhausted. Spotlight on Australian Ballet (50 minutes). I his film tells the story of the development of native ballet companies and ballet in Australia. It also includes a number of excerpts from classical ballets. AUSTRIA The Organ, Queen of Instruments (23 minutes). An historical survey of the principles and development of the organ, leading up to the rebuilding of the great organ upon which Anton Bruckner composed much of his music, and a performance of his Te Deum. BELGIUM Agneau Mystique (9 minutes). A detailed examination of the famous Van Eyck triptych of the Paschal Lamb at Ghent. Chansons de Toile (12 minutes). Flax-growing and the preparation of linen in Belgium, together with examples of some of the uses to which the finest linens are put, such as the weaving of tapestry, etc. Rubens (70 minuter. A study of the painter Rubens, his life and his art. A brilliant use of the camera aided by the superimposition of lines reveals the painter's ideas and discloses aspects of form and composition, which make this an outstanding example of the contribution that the film can make to the appreciation of art. The World of Paul Delvaux (10 minutes). An analysis of the work of the surrealist painter Paul Delvaux, in which clever cutting and camera movement combine to give a vivid pic ture not only of the technique but also of the mind of the artist. BRITAIN A Plan to Work On (28 minutes). This film illustrates the solution of some of the problems of town planning, based upon the evolution of a town planning scheme for Dunfermline. A valanche Patrol (25 minutes). A film, made in Switzerland, which shows the precautions which are taken to safeguard against damage from .avalanches. Charting the Seas (20 minutes). A survey of the Hydographic Service of the Navy, which shows details of the way in which sea depths, tides, wrecks, coast lines, etc., are charted. Eyes to See With (19 minutes). The importance of using one's eyes. This film takes for its theme the idea that many people miss much of the beauty of the world because they do not use their eyes sufficiently, and illustrates some of the things which can be experienced if they develop their powers of observation. Hill Sheep Farm (22 minutes). The life and problems of the Scottish hill sheep farmer through the cycle of the year. Lord Siva Dances (23 minutes). Made partly in India, this film shows examples of classical Indian dances and their modern variations in different parts of the country. Mining Review No. 10 (10 minutes). One of a series of monthly magazines, produced for the National Coal Board. It includes items on fluorescent lighting, dust suppression, women canteen workers and scenes from a May-day gala in Edinburgh. New Town (10 minutes). A cartoon illustrating the importance and the improvements in health and amenities which will result from the new satellite towns which are now being planned. Measurements for Engineers (32 minutes). The work of the Metrology Department of the National Physical Laboratory in making and checking the gauges and other standards which arc essential for accuracy in all engineering work. School in Cologne (17 minutes). Made with the assistance of German technicians, this film shows the physical and human difficulties which the authorities face in trying to rebuild an educational system in war-ravaged Germany. Scottish Universities (21 minutes). The history, traditions, difficulties and future possibilities o( the four Scottish universities, St Andrew's, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Steps of the Ballet (30 minutes). An explanation of the basic steps of ballet dancing, followed by a demonstration of the growth and development of a completed ballet. The Edge of the World (65 minutes). This feature film is a revised edition of the earlier one of the same name. It tells the story of the life of members of a community on the remote island of Foula in the Hebrides. Cut off from the mainland in winter, they live in the primitive conditions of their forefathers the year round. But eventually difficulties are too great and they leave to seek their fortune on the mainland. The Story of Printing (42 minutes). Part of a visual unit, this film, which is divided into sections, tells with model simplicity and clarity the story of the origins and development of printing from the earliest time to the present day. They Travel By Air (22 minutes). Designed as a staff training film, this shows in an amusing fashion the difficulties that BOAC personnel must expect and the importance of the service they render to their passengers. Three Dawns to Sydney (61 minutes). Flying from Britain to Australia, the aeroplane is a link between many different people in many different countries. The film tells the story of an incident in the life of people in Sicily, Palestine, India. Singapore and Australia respectively, as the plane passes over them. Waverley Steps (31 minutes). This is a film about Edinburgh, which attempts to evoke its atmosphere by interweaving a number of small unconnected incidents in the life of people who live there. Your Children's Sleep (22 minutes). Designed for parents, this film shows how children need sleep for their physical and mental development. It illustrates some of the causes of bad or disturbed sleep, which with understanding and good management can be overcome. Your Very Good Health (11 minutes). A cartoon which illustrates the advantages of the new National Health Insurance scheme. BULGARIA Men of the Mists (19 minutes). A story of the lives of the men who man the meteorological stations in the high mountains of Bulgaria and who therebs provide a weather forecasting service of great importance. CANADA I / ' of Hostility (25 minutes). I his is the second in B series designed to illustrate the psychological background o( social maladjustment. It tells the storj of a girl who, because