JAMES CAMERON'S YEAR

This film is held by the BFI (ID: 391130).

Synopsis

DOCUMENTARY. A personal report on the year 1965 by James Cameron.

Main title over stills of James Cameron and events of the year (00:25). Cameron introduces the programme outlining the major events, such as Vietnam (1:13). Travelling shots from US Army vehicle on patrol in Vietnam (1:47). Pan left of deserted village; soldiers patrol on foot (2:09). Interviews by Robert Kee (unseen) with American soldiers. He asks them why they are in Vietnam and if they are succeeding in their task. All cite the danger of communism as the reason for being there and all believe they are being successful and will win soon (3:55). Longer interview with a soldier who repeats earlier answers and comments on the South Vietnam army - they could not win the war by themselves (4:39). Soldiers on patrol at a village (4:48). Check point for civilians (?) (5:04). US artillery firing (5:26); observed by villagers; village being evacuated (?) (5:35). Artillery firing (5:46). Feeding villagers while barrage continues. Cameron (in voice-over) reports that there is hope for peace in the coming year (6:04). Cameron (to camera) discusses the great United Nations crisis when France and the Soviet Union refused to pay their contributions over the Congo crisis (6:20). Cameron continues (in voice-over) to relate the news event. Missing picture, evidently of the United Nations (7:40). CU of U Thant, Secretary-General of the UN speaking (voice not heard). Cameron praises U Thant and the UN in general (8:03). The Houses of Parliament from Parliament Square. The Square is decked out in flags of the Commonwealth (8:11). Entrance to Lancaster House (?) (8:15). Delegates at the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference; LS of the conference (8:19). Closer view of right hand side (8:22). Various shots of delegates (8:32) Harold Wilson (8:35). Various delegates outside in garden, including Harold Wilson (8:43-49). Cameron (in voice-over) thinks this will be last conference and that the Commonwealth itself will not last much longer. He cites the problem of Vietnam and Harold Wilson's peace proposal, and Rhodesia as huge obstacles to the organisation. Aeroplane lands (8:53). Photographers (8:57). Ian Smith, Prime Minister of Rhodesia, alights; seen with phographers (9:20). Robert Kee (unseen) interviews white Rhodesian family about their way of life and the possibility of majority rule. The father of the family answers (largely in voice-over) as the camera concentrates on the gardeners and maid bringing the family tea. The father expresses the view that black majority rule will be a long-term possibilty and describes long-term as fifty years (12:00). Vox pop of white Rhodesians stating their views against black majority rule and their support for UDI (Unilateral Declaration of Independence) (13:51). TV coverage of Harold Wilson's address to the United Nation's General Assembly in which the African delegates leave in protest about Britain's handling of the Rhodesian affair (14:09). Cameron (to camera) comments on the fact that it is International Year for Co-operation (14:48). Launch of American space rocket (15:01). Astronaut space-walking (15:26). The command module orbiting (15:43). Astronaut in space. Meanwhile, in voice-over Cameron states he is against `space' and predicts it will all end in tears (15:46). Teenagers screaming (15:51). The Beatles with their MBEs outside Buckingham Palace (16:08). Crowds (16:15). Beatles drive off in Rolls Royce (16:22). Cameron (to camera) discusses the South African authorities banning one of his books as `pornographic and obscene' (17:17). Shots of Wandsworth Prison as Cameron relates the escape of Ronald Biggs, one of the Great Train Robbers and the popular support for the escaped convict (17:37). The escaped golden eagle - `Goldie' - flying around and an attempt to catch it with a dead rabbit (18:26). Various shots of women's knees to show the latest fashions, the mini-skirt and the calf-length boot (over song `Kinky Boots' and Cameron's comments) (19:49). Cameron comments on the vogue for car stickers; various shots of stickers (20:33). Cameron (to camera) discusses the deaths of the year (21:06). Still of Vietnam War (21:14). Still of Adlai Stevenson (?) diplomat (21:19). Stills of Albert Schweizter (21:23). Stills of Ed Murrow ((21:47). Scenes of the Blitz over London during World War II. [Largely taken from BRITAIN CAN TAKE IT]. The original (?) radio broadcasts by Murrow of the events (23:34). Stills of Murrow (23:47). Cameron (to camera) comments on the fact that he is a grandfather and drinks to the new year (26:50). Series title and credits (25:25).

 

Titles

  • JAMES CAMERON'S REVIEW OF THE YEAR (Alternative)
  • JAMES CAMERON'S YEAR
Series Title:
THIS WEEK [ITV/Rediffusion, 1956-68]
 

Technical Data

Year:
1965
 

Production Credits

Production Countries:
Great Britain
Director
FORDYCE, Ian
Producer
MILNE, Alasdair
Editor
JORDAN, Roy
Editor
MILLS, Peter
interviewer
KEE, Robert
on-screen participant
Beatles
on-screen participant
BIGGS, Ronald
on-screen participant
SMITH, Ian
on-screen participant
WILSON, Harold
Photography
OSBORN, Ron
presenter
CAMERON, James
Production Company
Rediffusion
Researcher
COLEMAN, Bridget
Sound
JONES, David
Sound
SLADE, Freddie