Scotland's Moving Image Archive at National Library of Scotland preserves over 100 years of Scottish filmed history reflecting 20th century social, cultural and industrial heritage. The films capture the lives of ordinary people across the generations and celebrate the achievements of Scottish based film-makers.
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Peddlers' Progress
Join four clean-cut intrepid youngsters on an awfully big 1940s adventure as they sing and cycle their way around the youth hostels of scenic Scotland in glorious colour. Tally ho!
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Overview
Set off on an awfully big adventure around scenic Scotland in this amateur 1940s travelogue, filmed in colourful Kodachrome. Four clean-cut intrepid youngsters sing and cycle their way round youth hostels by way of Ben Nevis, Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Glasgow, Edinburgh Zoo, Queensferry, Dundee, Auchmithie and Alford. Good, wholesome fun with plenty of fresh air, corduroy shorts and lashings of ginger beer!
This fun amateur film was donated to the Scottish Screen Archive in 2008, but little is known about the young people depicted, the only clue being the credit 'E.J.G.S. Film Productions' shown at the beginning. Could this refer to the group of friends it follows? The film may have been shown just to family and friends, or the film makers may have belonged to a cine club, with regular screenings of members' work. Many films donated to the Scottish Screen Archive remain mysteries; the people featured may be unknown, but their stories offer heartwarming and tantalising insights into the lives of the people who made them.
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