The Yorkshire Film Archive collects, preserves, and shows film made in, or about Yorkshire. Our collections are non-fiction, dating from the 1890s to the present day, and providing a rich and visually compelling record of all aspects of lives, cultures, landscape, industries, major events and everyday activities, many of which are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
Leeds A.M.
A wonderfully meditative film of Leeds before the mad morning rush, with the market stalls being filled, the streets being cleaned and a milk float ambling by.
From the collection of:
Overview
With the sun glowing red between cooling towns, a Radio Leeds DJ loads a 45 single onto his turntable to greet the early risers. George Hamilton IV’s version of Forever Young perfectly fits the serene pace of the film as it spans the sparse city streets, following the few who have risen with the dawn. Slowly the tempo rises as a Mike Oldfield number is next to go on the turntable, accompanying the office workers dodging around the busy traffic as the streets liven up.
This is one of a collection of highly accomplished films made by members of Leeds Mercury Movie Makers. They formed as a sub section of Leeds Cine Club in 1959 to specifically make 16 mm film (hence their alternative name of Group 16). This particular film was made by two prominent member of the time, Keith Overend and Ken Leckenby, who also made their own films. It isn’t known who the Radio Leeds DJ is seen in the film, although it is fascinating to see the various music players on display in his studio.
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