Victorian Carriages (1959)

Goring on Thames / Goring-on-Thames, Oxon.



L/S of a woman cleaning the wheel of a lovely red vintage carriage. There are many more behind her. Low angle M/S of the woman (Shelia Page) cleaning the carriage. Cut to another woman (Christine Bateman) putting the lamp on another carriage. An elderly man in bowler hat is sitting next to it, with a book in his lap. M/S of the man watching the carriage. High angle C/U shot of the book's pages - there are drawings of carriages in the book. C/U shot of the man's face.



Man is Mr George Matthey who collects and restores 19th century coaches. C/U shot of one of the carriages with a sign reading "London - Bath Royal Mail". Several shots of the coaches and other equipment necessary for their safe keeping: adjustable horse shoes, tools, over 100 years old postillion boots, first aid box... and - four great horses! M/S of a pair of beautiful horses being checked by a man wearing bright yellow jumper. M/S of Mr Matthey getting on one of the coaches ready to drive. M/S of another man (Mr Bill Davis) in red uniform, standing on top of the coach blowing traditional coach horn.



Mr Matthey runs a coach service down Thames Valley at weekends. L/S of the coach moving. L/S of the coach approaching the first stop. Coach stops to get the passengers on. L/S of a man in uniform placing a step ladder on the side of the coach so that passengers (two men and three women) can climb up. The coach is called "Perseverance" informs the voiceover and continues talking about its history. Great L/S of the coach and horses, with people enjoying the ride. M/S (point of view shot) of the horses and the road ahead. Low angle M/S of Mr Matthey with reins in his hands. M/S of an elderly man and young woman - the passengers. Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Sir Arthur "Bomber" Harris who, according to narrator "appreciates the symbols of yesterday..." Young woman is his daughter Jacky. L/S of the carriage drawn by two pairs of great horses.



Note: Combined print for this story is missing.
FILM ID:91.16

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