Valley of Song

So this is an attempt by Associated British Picture Corporation,based at Elstree to try and copy the type of film then being made so successfully at Ealing Studios.However it doesn't quite come off.Whilst it is mildly entertaining the basic problem is that it relies far too heavily on national stereotypes.In this instance it is the Welsh passion for choirs.There is a lot of choral music featured in the film and if you are not partial to it then you will do as I did and fast forward through those sections.There are lots of familiar faces popping up in small parts.I even managed to miss Kenneth Williams who is referred to in the closing credits.

This charming film has never been available commercially and has not been seen on British television for many years. Fortunately the last time it was shown I recorded it to videotape and retained it. Its rarity is a great pity because the film is gentle, humorous and entertaining, genuinely recreating the atmosphere of a Welsh village of yesteryear where minor incidents become major events in the villagers' lives.

As film opens we see Geraint Llewellyn, excellently played by Clifford Evans, on a train returning to his native village of Cwmpant after being transferred back there for good from London. (Incidentally, for any railway enthusiasts out there, the opening shots of single line track were filmed on the long-closed Carmarthen to Cardigan line in South Wales on the approach to Conwil Station).

Immediately on his return he is offered the position of choirmaster to replace the recently deceased incumbent. He is persuaded to accept, particularly as their next production is the challenging 'Messiah'. With the choir assembled in the village hall, he hands out the major singing parts but Mrs Lloyd (Rachel Thomas), who has sung the contralto part for the past 12 years and who expects to do so again, is shocked when the part is given to Mrs Davies (Betty Cooper). She gives Geraint a piece of her mind with a display of controlled petulance and reminds him that she once came second on three occasions in the National Eisteddford. He reluctantly points out that her successes were "some time ago" at which Mrs Lloyd storms out dragging her poor son Cliff (played by John Fraser) with her. This leads not only to a split between the Lloyd and Davies families but between the village itself. And to make matters worse, Cliff Lloyd is courting Mrs Davies's daughter Olwen (played by Maureen Swanson). Happily the situation is ultimately resolved to everyone's satisfaction.

'Valley of Song' was the film debut of Rachel Roberts and she is superb as the village gossip 'Bessie the Milk', so much so that she virtually steals every scene in which she appears. Also in his second uncredited film part is Kenneth Williams, later to become much valued as one of Britain's great comedy actors but in this film, he is on screen for about 10 seconds and has only one line to say. Another notable moment is the brief appearance of Desmond Llewellyn (as the schoolmaster) who, a decade later, was to become well known as the 'gadget man' in the James Bond films.

These days, the film would be seen as very much a period piece. For instance, there is a scene where four coal-blackened miners are walking through the village and burst into song on seeing Geraint. Today, you would be hard pressed to find a Welsh miner let alone one who is prepared to sing in the street. To sum up then, a very gentle, if predictable story, well acted, nice location shots and if like 'old' British films and can handle all the Welsh singing, this would probably be the film for you.

It is not possible to really say WHY a particular film means so very much personally. It is now over half a century since, with a friend of the time, I saw "The Valley of Song" more than once at The Rex Cinema (long demolished) in Dewsbury Road, Leeds. We were both ardent lovers of "The Messiah" and while the film did not predominantly involve the music it was central to the story. The film was fascinating in it's convincing portrayal of Welsh valley life and of the huge part that the mining industry played in the community. The film was perfectly made and the acting by all concerned was superb. In this technically miraculous age there is still a great comfort in the "atmosphere" of the older black and white films - you feel more a part of the story and the action than in any of the present day "blockbusters." Cinema going in those days was a wonderful experience - today's multiplexes showing one film only per session and with crisps and popcorn requiring a second mortgage do nothing for me I'm afraid !! One particular scene in "The Valley of Song" which remains with me after 50 years is a close up of one of the two rival ladies deeply rendering a line of her aria - "The Glory o-o-of The Lord" with great gusto !! If ONLY one of the television companies would show this memorable film again I should, of course, record it to keep. VERY happy memories of what was, in my opinion and that of many others, a far better time to live.