A QUEEN IS CROWNED

1953, 82 mins.

A record of the events of 2nd June 1953.

A documentary record of the coronation, A Queen is Crowned is of obvious historical interest. It begins with a brief examination of the extent of the Queen’s realm and the lead-up to the event itself, then concentrates on the parades and the key events of the service, minus the anointing which the filmmakers were denied permission to film. It’s accompanied by a portentous narration from Sir Laurence Olivier, written by Christopher Fry and hard to take seriously in its deferential solemnity. However, what makes the film extraordinary and worth watching - and rewatching - is the absolutely stunning use of Technicolor.  As a study in richly saturated colours it’s almost abstract, becoming an ecstatic reverie bathed in gold, red and green. The immediacy of the images really does give you an idea of what it was like to be there.

Network's Blu-Ray of this film is astonishingly beautiful and highly recommended.

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

1979, Jeff Stein, 111 mins.

A celebration of fiteen years of The 'Orrible Who

Sheer pleasure from start to finish, this is a collection of songs and interviews from the first fifteen years of The Who. It was originally intended to commemorate fifteen years together but when Keith Moon died during production, it became a tribute to the greatest drummer in rock history. He’s on wonderful form here, whether going mad during “Baba O’Reilly” or taking his clothes off on the Russell Harty show. The insight comes largely from the reliably eloquent Pete Townshend seen in conversation with Melvyn Bragg and a young Jeremy Paxman. But the songs are the thing and they’re quite wonderful. Pride of place goes to the almighty diptych from “Who’s Next” – “Baba O’Reilly” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” but we’re also treated to clips from Woodstock and superb versions of “A Quick One While He’s Away”, and “Magic Bus”.