Snow (1963)

A while back I shared with you a video called 'Locomotion' made in 1975 by a film-maker by the name of George Jones.  It's a lovely little short film with a fantastic electronic soundtrack played, uncredited, by members of folk-rock group Steeleye Span.

Today I'd like to share with you one of his earlier films, 'Snow'.

Filmed during the 'Big Freeze of 1963', that saw snow drifts as high as 15 feet (4.5 metres) in some areas, the eight minute film is a selection of beautifully filmed sequences detailing the efforts of the rail workers to ensure the continued operation of the trains.

Apart from the fact that it is a fabulous little film what makes this of particular interest to followers of Wyrd Britain is the inclusion on the soundtrack of various sound treatments by BBC Radiophonic Workshop pioneer Daphne Oram.  The song that runs through the film is a version of 'Teen Beat' recorded especially by Johnny Hawksworth who is much better known as the composer of the theme tune for 'Roobarb', which I imagine many of you are singing right about now.

I hope you enjoy.



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Geoffrey Jones - Locomotion (1975)

This is the third of three films produced by British documentary film director Geoffrey Jones commissioned (according to the BFI) for the 150th aniversary of the introduction of the Stockton to Darlington Railway.

Even if you've little or (like me) no interest in trains this is still well worth 15 minutes of your time.

Constructed entirely from stills and old footage with no commentary or dialogue but with a stunning electronic soundtrack composed by Donald Fraser (incidentally the co-creator of the TV series "Rock Follies") and performed, uncredited, by members of folk-rock legends Steeleye Span.



His two earlier films, 'Snow' (from 1963 and also the bearer of a very fine soundtrack) and 'Rail' (1967) are both also available by clicking on their names back there.