The German Retreat and the Battle of Arras

[IanA]

I would be most grateful if you would take time to view my original postings in 'Western Front' and 'Chit Chat' sections. They explain my stance and the fact that I have no official status here. I am simply someone (not the first, by any means) who, having scrutinised the film library index at the IWM, is astounded at what is potentially available. The IWM, perhaps correctly, take the view that a commercial distributor would not find it financially worthwhile to circulate them on DVD and I am endeavouring to prove that there is, perhaps, more interest in such a project than they imagine. A high response to my poll would not guarantee a move at the IWM but I believe that they would be keen to circulate what they have to a wider audience and are simply restrained by financial reasons.

If you, like me, have seen the official films of the Somme and Ancre battles, you cannot fail to be moved by them. The narrative line is almost irrelevant - what we see are the real faces, the expressions, the life force of the men who were there at the time. Some shots may be posed but, for me, it doesn't matter: the films carry an overwhelming emotional content. We now know much of the background behind the sequences and can see their artifice but episodes like the stolid plod of the ammunition column over the undulating landscape cannot be faked. We can see into a future unknown to them and grieve for their approaching fate. The 'Regimental' series of films were shot in 1917/18 and, while having a general interest to students of the first world war, must be compelling viewing for those whose relatives actually fought within those units.

I hope that many pals will take the time to respond positively to this poll and that the result may be an enhanced appreciation of life and death on the Western Front.

Many thanks,

Ian

[Jonathan Saunders]

I have voted positively for both. Good luck with it.

Jon S

[marina]

Go for it!

Marina

[Greg Bloomfield]

I too, have the Somme and Ancre films.

A picture, as they say, paints a thousand words.

Best of luck.

Greg

[gporta]

I'm for it, too.

I hope they come out in a nicely indexed DVD.

Gloria

[Tony Lund]

I also have the Somme and Ancre films.

If any film made at the time becomes avalable I will buy it if I can afford it.

Tony.

[simon2]

I've already put the money to one side.

Hope this helps, good luck.

Simon.

[6th Shropshires]

I've already put the money to one side

Me to.

Annette

[Owen D]

I too have the double-boxed set of Videos Somme & Ancre.

Only watched them twice in all the time I've had them.

I might add the proposed DVDs to my collection but it would be on a massive list of wants but don't really need yet as kids need new shoes, bills need paying etc etc.

It would be good though if the TV production companies had access to some more footage so we don't constantly see the same shots every time WW1 comes up on the News or documentaries.

[spike10764]

I voted perhaps as most of my money is going on a house extension at present- so I couldn't for sure say I would buy. i would of course see how the films were reviewed on forum before finally deciding if I could scrape up the necessary.

I also agree with Owen D's sentiment about TV companies having access to more footage than they presently use...

[DCLI]

I too, have the Somme and Ancre films.

A picture, as they say, paints a thousand words.

Best of luck.

Greg

Always a pedant, that's me.

From and old Chinese proverb:

The quotation has wrongly been translated as: A Picture Is Worth One Thousand Words.

In fact, the literal translation is: A Picture's Meaning Can Express Ten Thousand Words.

Regards to all