Although this is the documentary that made Hannah Hauxwell famous it is not just about her alone but also features the Bainbridge family, who are returning to a bleak farmhouse they had previously abonded due to the harsh winters in Baldersdale, County Durham. Also included in the documentary is an 86 year old lady called Mrs Field who plays a role similar to the local squire, living in the faded grandeur of Lartington Hall with a posse of deferential old retainers she is feisty despite her years and disability. But, the stand-out character of the 45 minutes is of course Hannah Hauxwell, whose gentility and goodness shines out from her face and in her words and captured by the marvellous photography of Mostafa Hammuri. The whole programme is enhanced by the music of Vaughan Williams, so it's a treat for eye and ear.
2 Reviews
Classic British TV Documentary Worth Watching
paul_anson16 March 2024
This is a classic British documentary most remembered for covering the lives of cattle and sheep farmers in the Dale's of Northern England in 1973. A wonderful Vaughan Williams score provides a back drop. The cinematography is simply splendid.
The film largely follows the Bainbridges and Hannah Hauxwell, who subsequently became a minor media star. The film captures a bygone era, of isolated farmers trying to make a living in difficult circumstances with little money. Hannah, lives a most basic and lonely life but is a gentlewoman making the best as a single woman running a farm alone.
On a personal note I watched this as a young child, and I was struck by this compared to the Waltons - the only farming comparator I had. I remember wishing Hannah's life was like the Waltons. The loneliness of Hannah struck the whole Nation.
Olive Field the local 'Lady' hosting a thanks giving ball offers an interesting segue and links to the main theme of the hill farmers lives through contrast with her wealth.
The film can be found on YouTube, there are copies of different film quality so it's worth searching properly. A number of Hannah's other films are there.
The film largely follows the Bainbridges and Hannah Hauxwell, who subsequently became a minor media star. The film captures a bygone era, of isolated farmers trying to make a living in difficult circumstances with little money. Hannah, lives a most basic and lonely life but is a gentlewoman making the best as a single woman running a farm alone.
On a personal note I watched this as a young child, and I was struck by this compared to the Waltons - the only farming comparator I had. I remember wishing Hannah's life was like the Waltons. The loneliness of Hannah struck the whole Nation.
Olive Field the local 'Lady' hosting a thanks giving ball offers an interesting segue and links to the main theme of the hill farmers lives through contrast with her wealth.
The film can be found on YouTube, there are copies of different film quality so it's worth searching properly. A number of Hannah's other films are there.
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