This film is part of Free
BBC - Droitwich
The building and launch of a new long-wave radio transmitter - just as the TV age is about to be born.
Overview
Even as it geared up to launch its first television service in 1936, the BBC still saw radio as its key priority, as this efficient and informative account of the building and launch of a new long-wave transmitter shows. The new mast, at Droitwich in Worcestershire (more specifically, just outside the village of Wychbold), replaced the now-obsolete Daventry. It is still the BBC's most powerful long-wave transmitter.
Efficiently directed for the GPO Film Unit by Harry Watt, this can't quite match the GPO's classic (and rather better-funded) BBC - Voice of Britain, released the same year. But if you can get past the stiff narration by BBC announcer Stuart Hibbert - which makes today's 'BBC English' seem like broad Cockney - this is a genuinely enthralling documentary, describing a true triumph of British engineering. Among other eye-opening facts, we learn that a 300,000 gallon reservoir was needed to cool the six 175 horsepower (130 kW) valves; and that the conductivity of the soil was a key consideration. Most astonishing - and alarming - is the sequence showing the erection of the mast, 200 feet taller than any previous. This massive structure is put in place not by a crane, but by four 'top men' who, after a half-hour climb each day, work suspended on a single, small, wooden platform at the mercy of the winds. This government film is a public record, preserved and presented by the BFI National Archive on behalf of The National Archives, home to more than 1,000 years of British history.
Related
Easter Holiday Activities Easter Holiday Activities
News 1957 6 mins Silent Location: Birmingham
Out and about across the Midlands to see what people do with their Easter Monday holiday. Spring is in the air with time for swimming, funfairs and a good honest pint.
Droitwich Brine Baths Droitwich Brine Baths
News 1975 6 mins Location: Droitwich Spa
With ten times the salt of sea water, the brine baths at Droitwich Spa are prized for their health benefits. But are they at risk from cuts?
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Luke Bean of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Samantha Arnold of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.
Horace Ové on Pressure Horace Ové on Pressure
Inside Film 2005 36 mins
The acclaimed director discusses his landmark film in this interview from 2005.
Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 28 mins
Directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor dig deep into their thrilling biopic Baltimore, in discussion with Nadia M Oliva.
Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film
Inside Film 2024 17 mins
Actor Herbert Norville discusses working with the pioneering filmmaker on his groundbreaking 1975 drama, Pressure.
Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective
Inside Film 2024 77 mins
An impassioned discussion on the life, work and legacy of the eminent filmmaker Horace Ové, chaired by Samira Ahmed.