Our Darling Daughter - 1963

Reviewed by Malcolm Stephens - July 2006

A couple show off their daughter in a multitude of scenarios until the daughter revolts.

Standard 8mm. Directed by Lez Perry. Story by Philip Grossett. 9 minutes.   

Our Darling Daughter

Reviewed by WBJ Higgins - 1976

The main 8mm production of 1963 was written round the young and very photogenic daughter of the Chairman, Reg Rogers. This was essentially an outdoor film and the weather that June was unusually hot and sunny. The indoor shooting took place at Reg's flat at Lawrence Weston; and with 2½ kilowatt of lighting and closed windows (why closed windows?) the crew and cast suffered considerably for the cinematic art. Norman Stevens' van transported the unit to Severn Beach for a picnic lunch. Reg Fiddes, who died the following year, came along to help with certain musical problems although he was by no means well. He found the stairs to the flat most trying and difficult with his considerable breathing problems; but he was a most cheerful member of the team.

The story, by Philip Grosset, was a serious one: it was to symbolize the rebellion of a grossly over-protected daughter against the parents. The cash allowed for the production was £15 though a further fiver was later forthcoming.

The unit used Becket Hall club room for one shot, taken on a club night, of young Tina as Florence Nightingale ministering to wounded soldiers at Scutari. A ruined street to represent a French war-damaged scene was needed and an advert appeared: WANTED. Machine gun or mock-up of one as used by French resistance during War. Jack Aston telephoned Bristol Civil Defence to ask if they knew of any war-damaged streets. He went to look at their Netham Depot, sited then on the left hand side of the road as you go north from Netham Lock. Every facility was there - it was like a professional set for a war film. Permission was readily given to film on the site and amid the rubble, twisted metal and "bombed" buildings. With the help of Mr. Harry Croker of Civil Defence, a hair-raising sequence was shot. Mr. Croker and his men wired up some bangs to add realism and the cameraman reported that it was impossible to see anything immediately after the explosion.

Director-producer: LES PERRY

Production assistant: Jack Aston

Camera: Joe Higgins

Lighting and exposure: Ron Elson and Norman Stevens

Cast: Tina, Jan and Reg Rogers, Julie and Philip Grosset