- Actors: John Betjeman
- Format: PAL
- Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: Exempt
- Studio: DD Home Entertainment
- DVD Release Date: 31 July 2006
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B000GB7GS2
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 37,011 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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DVD Description
Presented by Sir John Betjeman, this is a nostalgic tribute to the people and places around the Metropolitan Line of the 1920's, and the change from the idyllic world of Betjeman’s youth into the sprawl of suburbia.
Betjeman originally evoked the spirit of Metro-land in three poems - ‘Harrow-on-the-Hill’ (‘When melancholy autumn comes to Wembley/And electric trains are lighted after tea’) ‘Middlesex’ (‘Gaily into Rusilip Gardens/Runs the red electric train’) ‘The Metropolitan Railway’ (‘Early Electric! With what radiant hope/Men formed this many-branched electrolier’).
In 1973 Betjeman reached a wide audience with this celebrated documentary for BBC Television documenting an unusual and memorable journey through Metro-Land
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
113 of 114 people found the following review helpful
Metro-land is a delight! Made for the BBC in 1973, Metro-land is a classic eulogy to the people and places served by the Metropolitan Line.
As the leafy counties of Bucks, Herts and Middlesex yielded to the engines of the first steam underground, the pastoral world of Betjeman's youth gave way to the suburban dream of the railway planners. Betjeman contrasts the old and new ways of life as he follows the Neasden nature trail, visits the Pinner village fair, plays a round of golf at Moor Park and explores the historical houses along the line. From Baker Street to the forgotten station at Quainton Road, Sir John Betjeman is your guide on a very personal and unforgettable journey into Metro-land.
The DVD package includes a 24-page illustrated booklet written by the programme's producer, Edward Mirzoeff, which offers a fascinating insight into working with the poet as well as The Metropolitan Line in the News, which includes footage showing the Metropolitan Line extension to Stanmore (1932), the 1946 crash at Northwood, the Metropolitan Line Centenary Parade at Neasden (1963), the last working steam train on the line (1971), the 1999 and 2000 Steam on the Met events and the centenary of the Uxbridge branch (2004).
Here's hoping the BBC release some more of Sir John Betjeman's broadcasts in the near future (the "Thank God it's Sunday" programmes, "Time with Betjeman" and "Betjeman in Australia" for example).
As the leafy counties of Bucks, Herts and Middlesex yielded to the engines of the first steam underground, the pastoral world of Betjeman's youth gave way to the suburban dream of the railway planners. Betjeman contrasts the old and new ways of life as he follows the Neasden nature trail, visits the Pinner village fair, plays a round of golf at Moor Park and explores the historical houses along the line. From Baker Street to the forgotten station at Quainton Road, Sir John Betjeman is your guide on a very personal and unforgettable journey into Metro-land.
The DVD package includes a 24-page illustrated booklet written by the programme's producer, Edward Mirzoeff, which offers a fascinating insight into working with the poet as well as The Metropolitan Line in the News, which includes footage showing the Metropolitan Line extension to Stanmore (1932), the 1946 crash at Northwood, the Metropolitan Line Centenary Parade at Neasden (1963), the last working steam train on the line (1971), the 1999 and 2000 Steam on the Met events and the centenary of the Uxbridge branch (2004).
Here's hoping the BBC release some more of Sir John Betjeman's broadcasts in the near future (the "Thank God it's Sunday" programmes, "Time with Betjeman" and "Betjeman in Australia" for example).
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Metro-Land [DVD] If you are ,like me,of an age where you respected bus conductors,feared park-keepers,loved your teachers,grinned at passers bye then you will love this DVD. Its not so much a huge Betjamin thing but the type of thing he puts over very well. Slightly nervous of the camera (which makes him all the more endearing)he follows the line both past and present(well his present) to its end in green fields. it is not however a train buffs film,much more about the places and characters he meets along the way, extremely entertaining,,,Mike Kingdon.....
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
A wonderful nostalgic look back from the 1980's to an even earlier time at the area of London know as Metro-Land.
Getting the poet-laureate John Betjeman to do the commentary was great. He was a perfect match for this.
The accompanying 20-page booklet was not to be missed with all its insights and "making of" type notes. Some of the stories are really funny and make you pay more attention to the viseo itself.
Getting the poet-laureate John Betjeman to do the commentary was great. He was a perfect match for this.
The accompanying 20-page booklet was not to be missed with all its insights and "making of" type notes. Some of the stories are really funny and make you pay more attention to the viseo itself.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Baker Street to the Midlands?
I had forgotten how good this programme was when it was shown way back in the seventies. It is a very entertaining and informative account of the development of the Metropolitan... Read more
Published 2 months ago by M. M. Jordan
Nostalgia at it's best
Metroland by the late great Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman,is a unique and fascinating look at his travels on the Metropolitan Line,with stories about the stations and places... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Travelling Man
John Betjeman- Metro-Land
A must for all reasons. The man himself, the period it was set in and a unique bit of history that combines the two, that will never be repeated.
Published 17 months ago by Peter Gatford
Superb
Fantastic,Classic,BUY it.This is a glimpse into the past and anyone who appriciates a great writer and poet should have this in their collection
Published on 8 May 2009 by Pinkbus
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