Description
From the British Film Institute
Black Five: The Last Days of Steam DVD
1 DVD
Year: 1967-1970 Director: Paul Barnes; Colour; Optional subtitles; Running time approx: 22 minutes PLUS 31 minutes extra material.
£15.00 WITH FREE UK POSTAGE
Three films by Paul Barnes which both celebrate and regret the final days of steam on the railways – preserved by the BFI National Archive and remastered for DVD release in 2008 to mark the 40th anniversary of the end of steam.
Black Five (1968) In 1968, engine-men faced the last months of steam haulage on Britain’s mainline railways. For those who worked on the Black 5 locomotive the inevitable progress to diesel and electric prompted mixed feelings. This film records their reminiscences of these great machines. The workersí comments are an elegy to a time gone by, to skills no longer needed, and they make a poignant background to the beautifully filmed images of the heavy iron beasts trundling their way to the end of the line. Filmed around Carnforth station in Lancashire.
The DVD also contains two other short films by Paul Barnes:
The Painter and the Engines (1967) The painter David Shepherdís race against time to record the magic and romance of steam during the last weeks of the locomotive.
King George V (1970) The history of the celebrated locomotive, taken out of service in 1965 but given a home in Hereford.
Also included: Illustrated booklet containing newly commissioned essays and notes.
