 |
|
The Edge Of The World
|
Article Index: [Background Info] [DVD Review] [Biographies] [Articles/Resources] [Link To This Article] Looking To Buy? |
Background Information: The Edge Of The World
[Top]
The Edge of the World is the first major project by British film-maker Michael Powell. The film is the story of the dangers of de-population of the outer islands of Scotland as it becomes harder to follow the old ways of life there. Robbie Manson wants to leave the island & explore the wider world. Robbies friend Andrew Gray & his sister, Ruth Manson are sweethearts & are quite willing to stay. Of their parents, Peter Manson is determined to stay while James Gray suspects that their way of life cant last much longer. But if Robbie leaves the island that will make it harder for the others because there will be one less young man to help with the fishing & the crofting. Powell had been making studio based quota quickies for some years but wanted to make a film about the depopulation of the Scottish islands ever since seeing a newspaper article about the evacuation of St. Kilda some years before. He wasnt allowed to film on St. Kilda but found another suitable island in Foula in the Shetland Islands to the North of Scotland.
Consumer DVD Review
[Top]
It has been 10 years since The Shadow of Death fell on the outer isles of Scotland. This is the tale of Peter Manson, his family & the last days of inhabitance on the island called “Ultima Thule” The Edge of the World. You will come to identify with the inhabitance & their plight. But with all the triumphs & tragedies the worst for me was when they let the cats fend for themselves & the dogs drowned.
The filming was spectacular & there is a social statement. Many facets go into making this a first class movie. The film was shot by Michael Powell on the island of Foula in the North Sea. Michael Powell is the visiting yachtsman that hears the story.
Biography: John Laurie
[Top]
John Laurie was an actor born in Dumfries, Dumfriesshire, Scotland. He is probably most recognisable for his role as Pvt. James Frazer, the gaunt-faced, intense, pessimistic undertaker in the popular BBC sitcom Dads Army from 1968 - 1977. The son of a mill worker, he abandoned a career in architecture to serve in World War One. After the war he trained to become an actor at the Central School of Speech & Drama in London & first acted on stage in 1921. A prolific Shakespearian actor, Laurie spent much of the time between 1922 & 1939, playing Shakespearian parts including Hamlet, Richard III & Macbeth at the Old Vic or Stratford-upon-Avon. He starred in all three of his friend Laurence Olivier s Shakespeare films. His early work in films included Juno & the Paycock, which was directed by Alfred Hitchcock. His breakthrough third film, reunited him with Hitchcock, in the directors film 1935 The 39 Steps. Other work included the farmer recruit in The Way Ahead, the brothel proprietor in Fanny by Gaslight & the repugnant Pew in Disneys Treasure Island.
Editors Choice: The Edge Of The World, View DVDology
Biography: Michael Powell
[Top]
 | There have been several well-known people named Michael Powell, including: Michael Latham Powell, a British film director. Michael K. Powell, current chair of the Federal Communications Commission. Michael Powell, owner of a well-known bookstore. Michael Powell, a professional lacrosse player.
Posters Of Peeping Tom Editors Choice: The Battle Of The River Plate, Battle Of The River Plate, Peeping Tom, The Red Shoes, Ill Met By Moonlight, Black Narcissus, The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp, A Matter Of Life And Death, View DVDology |
Additional Articles & Resources:
[Top]
Michael Powell: | Wikipedia Article * |
John Laurie: | Wikipedia Article * |
The Edge of the World: | Review | Wikipedia Article * |
John Laurie: | Wikipedia Article * |
The Edge of the World: | Review | Wikipedia Article * |
Link To This Article:
[Top]
©2004-2008 DVDArk.co.uk
* Some data on DVD Ark is derived from this GNU FDL article.