National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is currently unavailable
Video Player is loading.
Efaciwis a Ricriwtio
Machynlleth opens its heart to evacuees arriving from Liverpool and local men prepare to leave by responding to an urgent call-to-arms.
From the collection of:
Overview
Evacuee children from Liverpool disembark from a train and enter a new world – Machynlleth. Labelled and struggling with gas masks they are greeted by nurses, policemen and townsfolk who will provide them with temporary homes. Local men prepare to leave the town by joining a Territorial Army unit at a pre-war recruiting rally held at the town hall. As the military volunteers get their first taste of standing at attention, a dog wanders freely amongst them.
The “Men of Wales” joining up on Saturday 13th May 1939 were responding, as a poster indicates, to an “urgent” call-to-arms. With war looming, the army was hoping to double the size of all existing territorial battalions, in this case the Welsh Guards. When World War II actually started, the territorial units were all mobilised and absorbed into the British Army. The men march off, into what can only have been an uncertain future. Sharing a similar future were the evacuees, who are seen in this film arriving either during the ‘phony war’ or after bombings in Liverpool.
Related
Watch for free
Machynlleth - ysgol, dwr, gwyngalch Machynlleth - ysgol, dwr, gwyngalch
Non-Fiction 1937 9 mins Silent Location: Machynlleth
Exciting demonstrations of Beresford’s water pumps draw crowds of men and boys to Maengwyn Street and Felingerrig Bridge, Machynlleth.
Watch for free
Sioe Amaethyddol Frenhinol Cymru Sioe Amaethyddol Frenhinol Cymru
Non-Fiction 1954 25 mins Silent Location: Machynlleth
Long before Glastonbury’s mud hit the headlines, there was the Royal Welsh Show of 1954, which called for wellies, waders and good balance!
Watch for free
Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass) Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2011 33 mins
Over 30 years and 150 projects, the composer shares, with humour and passion, the intricacies of making film music.
Watch for free
Ian Neil (Masterclass) Ian Neil (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2012 74 mins
Neil selected soundtracks for 127 Hours, Shame, Kick Ass, Control and many more. He discusses the job and its complexities, referencing his own work.
Watch for free
Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.
Watch for free
Screenwriters' Lecture with Brian Helgeland Screenwriters' Lecture with Brian Helgeland
Inside Film 2012 27 mins
L.A. Confidential's screenwriter explains why he thinks writer's block is a myth, and reveals Clint Eastwood's unique powers of persuasion.
Watch for free
Olivier Assayas (Masterclass) Olivier Assayas (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2010 41 mins
Irma Vep writer/director Assayas moved from film journalism to filmmaking – a fascinating journey told with disarming honesty to Jonathan Romney.
Watch for free
Roger Corman in Conversation Roger Corman in Conversation
Inside Film 2013 61 mins
Jack Nicholson, Boris Karloff, Francis Coppola and making movies in five days – prepare yourself for Corman wisdom.