This film is part of Free
Inter-city Magic
Not-so-special special effects add the magic touch to this kitsch British Rail commercial.
Overview
In the year of Star Wars, rather more homely SFX are the magic ingredient of this good-humoured British Rail ad. The travelling matte photography may seem laughable compared to today's green screen effects, but the creative concept neatly encapsulates the message: InterCity equals comfort, speed and value. Plus, seen through the post-privatisation rear-view mirror, British Ral's much-maligned catering looks unbelievably luxurious.
The ad was produced by British Transport Films, BR's experienced in-house film unit. Famed for longer documentaries, in the 1970s BTF also competed with external producers for BR's advertising contracts. The director of this particular commercial was freelancer Paul Dickson – a veteran filmmaker best known for his fine documentaries David (1950) and The Undefeated (1951). Dickson subsequently freelanced across practically every sector of British film and TV - commercials included.
