The Salvage Gang

A likable early effort from the Children's Film Foundation production company. This 50-dd minute black and white outing has recently seen air time thanks to the efforts of the UK Talking Pictures TV channel, which has been showing a whole back catalogue of selected produce.

This one's a typical effort that sees a likable group of kids going out of their way to correct a wrong (in this case, to replace a damaged saw blade). To this end, they take on a series of odd jobs in the seemingly deserted streets of London, only to hit upon the idea of becoming a salvage gang, i.e. collecting scrap iron for cash. Hijinks and hilarity ensue in equal measure.

I find that there's very little to dislike about CFF films and THE SALVAGE GANG is no exception. Most importantly, the main cast members are likable, particularly Ali Allen. Watch out for future DR WHO companion Frazer Hines in an early appearance. Much of the humour comes from what turns out to be a comedy of errors, with plenty of slapstick humour and amusingly over the top turns from the supporting adult players. Eagle-eyed viewers may spot Wilfrid Brambell, typecast even at this stage of his career as a tramp.

Having seen many of these CFF films over the last few years-mainly courtesy of Talking Pictures TV channel-I place this one up high in my list of favourites.

Reason-for a change, there is no skulduggery, cheating, bullying, villains (and no obligatory dunking in a pond or river!), and no anxieties to be salved in the final moments. No, here we have a warmhearted little tale about an engaging "gang" of kids in post-War London doing a variety of odd jobs in amusing situations to get enough money to buy a new saw for the Dad. (They have damaged the original when constructing a rabbit hutch.)

There are two main interests I feel-filmed in crisp B&W in 1957/8 we see many London streets notable for little traffic, evidence of bomb damage, bomb sites, and reconstruction going on. The movie location websites give particularly extensive coverage to this film.

Secondly, it evokes the spirit of that time-the kids just get out there and use their initiative; adults might grumble a bit but are generally sympathetic and tolerant; workers (like scrap merchants, lorry drivers, builders) have time for the kids and can be generous. OK, there's a danger of those of us who grew up in those times having rose-coloured memories, but I can certainly recall having similar adventures; one example-when making a trolley (go kart) the chaps in a local garage cheerfully drilled some holes for us in the axle of the 'pram wheels we'd found. Imagine that happening now!

And it's heart-warming to see the gang including a girl and also a boy of mixed race-decades ago.

A quite delightful little film.

Charming story. Excellent views of post blitz London.

This film was made by the Children's Film Foundation.They were made by the British film industry to show on Saturday morning to the Children's matinée only.The actors and technicians all worked for scale.So there were famous names both behind and in front of the camera.The tramp who went to sleep on the bed looked familiar.It was not till the end credits that I realised that it was Wilfred Brambell.However the most interesting aspect of this film is the route taken by the children as they push the bed.We see the city the way it was after the blitz but before the reconstruction.Worth viewing if only for that.A cheerful story which would have kept the kids interested.

I failed to recognise Fraser Hines but did recognise Wilfred Bramble. One of the best CFF films that I've seen so far with a very unusual plot with great performances from everyone. Seeing a lot of London as it was was a bonus. Well worth a watch.