The
Crystal Palace
Foundation

Four films are on this DVD

Festival in London
This film is a colourful introduction to the exhibition, produced by the Crown Film Unit, and features the superb 'Festival March' composed by William Alwyn.

Just two weeks before the Festival closed, The Observer newspaper decided to make a film of the exhibition in full swing before it vanished forever. Journalist Patrick O'Donovan wrote and narrated the commentary as he tours the event in the company of Sir Hugh Casson, the co-ordinating architect.

The film begins reflectively on the derelict site after closure, and then turns back to review the exhibition. Together they discover the events, including an evening dance outdoors featuring waltzing in heavy overcoats and trilbys!

Directed by Maurice Harvey and Jacques Brunius, this film was Richard Massingham's last production.

Brief City
Shot on the South Bank site during the Festival of Britain 1951. We see the varied styles of architecture employed in the Exhibition and their relevance in relation to modern building techniques.

Brief City was made by The Observer during the last two weeks of the exhibition before it vanished forever.

This film was Richard Massingham's last production.

Family Portrait
This, the last film to be written and directed by Humphrey Jennings, was made on 'the theme of the Festival of Britain".

Looking back on the history of Britain, the film turns over the pages of history as a person might turn over the pages of a family album.

Jennings also considers the importance of Europe to the country's future.

Family Portrait was the last film written and directed by Humphrey Jennings. Looking back at the history of Britain, the film turns over the pages of history as someone might browse through a family album. Jennings also considers the importance of Europe to the country's future.

Designed in Britain
Britain prides herself on the good appearance, combined with perfect utility, of the goods she uses and sells.

This film offers an imaginative impression of British design in a variety of articles ranging from furniture, textiles, kitchenware and fine china to new buildings and towns.

Skilfully edited, the film carries only the minimum of commentary. The visuals combine with a contemporary music track specially scored to match quick changes of colour, mood and scene. Terence Conran was technical advisor.

Black & white and colour.

Total running time 66 minutes