This is a charming snapshot of an unsophisticated side of London in the 1950s, beautifully shot and edited with touches of wicked humour; for example, a deliberate cut between a hand reaching into a tub of live bait, and a hand stuffing food into the owner's mouth! The subjects of the film-maker's camera seem to be having a lot of fun on their hot summer Sunday, although some of the older citizens look distinctly disapproving -- sometimes owing to an erroneous assumption or two...
There is no dialogue, although synchronised sound effects are used over the music to highlight the action; the sound of confused voices at Speaker's Corner, for example, as the rival orators gabble their assorted causes. Few of the landmarks have changed much over the years, and the habits of park-loving Londoners don't really seem to have changed that much either.
This documentary is both a valuable document of its era and a loving celebration of traditional park life, and remarkably entertaining into the bargain.
There is no dialogue, although synchronised sound effects are used over the music to highlight the action; the sound of confused voices at Speaker's Corner, for example, as the rival orators gabble their assorted causes. Few of the landmarks have changed much over the years, and the habits of park-loving Londoners don't really seem to have changed that much either.
This documentary is both a valuable document of its era and a loving celebration of traditional park life, and remarkably entertaining into the bargain.
