This time next week it will all be over. It seems like people have been yakking on about the Oscars for ever. At least after next weekend we will know whether British talent has been recognised or not. British interest in the awards has been strong in recent years and, naturally, this is reflected in the resources of the National Register of Archives. As you would expect. So let’s follow the Yellow Brick Road to a magical land of make-believe. Click on the links and you certainly won’t be in Kansas anymore.
The Patient English
Of course, some folk say the British don’t stand a chance unless there has been an exceptionally poor crop of American movies that year. I’ll have no truck with such pessimism! This man took Hollywood by storm and deservedly so. Sadly, he is no longer with us. And it may be some time before the Isle of Wight gets a mention at the Oscars again. If you don’t know who I’m talking about you should get out more. To the cinema, obviously. Or click on this link.
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/searches/subjectView.asp?ID=P51752
I Know Where I’m Going
That’s a film title, that is. One of my favourites by perhaps the greatest creative partnership in British cinema. I love their films, especially that one about the mad nuns in the Himalayas. And Colonel Blimp was on the telly again recently, with its great duelling scene in the gymnasium. Yes, you don’t easily forget a film by this pair. Yet they never received joint recognition, though this man got one on his own for Forty Ninth Parallel. No, I haven’t seen it either. Keep clicking.
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/searches/subjectView.asp?ID=P36861
Sad is Good
I’m not afraid to admit that I shed a few manly tears when I went to see the film of Titanic. And who wouldn’t? She was such a lovely ship. Through the years it has often been a successful route to Oscar glory, if directors piled on the sentiment. Goodbye, Mr Chips comes into that category, though it may not strike a chord with younger readers. Well, it was released in 1939. The star is probably best remembered for The Thirty-Nine Steps and he left some interesting papers. As you will find, if you follow, etc.
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/searches/subjectView.asp?ID=P45398
British Films for British Directors
As arguments rage about the rise of economic nationalism, here’s a reminder that not everyone makes the journey to Hollywood. Sometimes the traffic is in the other direction. You may think this man is American, but I have my reasons, as you will see. I was watching his Paths of Glory on DVD the other day. Great stuff. “Ready to kill more Germans, soldier?” It’s amazing how many people don’t recognise that as a quotation and just think you’re being rude. 2001, Spartacus, you must have guessed by now.
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/searches/subjectView.asp?ID=P51876
Women Win Oscars, Too
Which sounds like a sequel, I know, but concentrate. Kate Wins let reminds me of Partick Thistle Football Club, they both tend not to win things. That could all change next weekend (though not for Thistle). Maybe women have to work that much harder. Here’s someone whose appearance in Passage to India marked an Indian summer in her career and finally brought her Oscar recognition. Wouldn’t it be great if Kate and India were both winners on Sunday night?
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/searches/subjectView.asp?ID=P868
Now, what to wear…
Alex Ritchie
Information Resources Manager
National Advisory Services
The National Archives
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
020 8392 5330 ext 2606
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