This film has been shown on UK terrestrial TV - the last time being a Sunday afternoon in March 1990 when I recorded it onto videotape. My main reason for watching was the spellbindingly beautiful actress Judy Huxtable, who here represents the pinnacle of English Perfect Dollybird - at once sexy and vulnerable. The male lead is played by Anthony May, who also appeared in the film The Triple Echo. Skip Martin, probably best known for his role as Hoptoad in the film The Masque Of The Red Death, appears in a small role at a party which is still going on while other people are getting up for work! The songs are superb - I don't know who sings the title song as used in the film, but Englebert Hunperdinck also recorded it and had a hit single with it. Why hasn't this film been on TV in so long? Why isn't it available on DVD ? And why aren't I married to Judy Huxtable ?
29 Reviews
Charming Musical Short
BJJManchester28 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
A popular short film,LES BICYCLETTES DE BELSIZE is pleasantly set around fashionable Hampstead in North West London,with very little dialogue and virtually maximum supply of original songs.It was often shown on UK TV,who now seem to have sadly lost the broadcasting rights,and has been unseen for some years.The story of a young man cycling around the quaint streets and alleyways of Hampstead and Belsize Park,being pursued by a little girl,and falling for a young woman via her poster image,is slight and whimsical,but is given a considerable lift by the elaborately produced musical soundtrack and good photography.There are many features,even by modern standards,that do not give as much attention,time and care as the songs and music here,merely a short film.It all helps to make the film linger rather likably in the memory,as does the local colour of this famously well to do area of the British capital city.The charm factor is occasionally laid on slightly too thick,with some of the musical lyrics and imagery a trifle too schmaltzy,but it's targets are achieved mostly with success,and it remains a relaxing,easy going and pleasing way to spend half an hour.
RATING:7 out of 10.
RATING:7 out of 10.
Lovely time piece
fostrhod11 August 2022
This lovely little film, a 30 minute short film features a boy in search for the love of his life who he had just crashed through on his bike. She was the model on a advertising poster.
It's all very quaint, that's not a put down but a big compliment featuring a score written by Les Reed and Bart Mason and a wonderful theme song sung by Englerbert Humperdinck (?) On yes I forgot to mention it's a silent movie with what little dialogue sung by the cast, that makes it a musical I guess lol .
It's all very quaint, that's not a put down but a big compliment featuring a score written by Les Reed and Bart Mason and a wonderful theme song sung by Englerbert Humperdinck (?) On yes I forgot to mention it's a silent movie with what little dialogue sung by the cast, that makes it a musical I guess lol .
A time capsule
projectmogul22 June 2008
For those interested in this film, I felt it worth mentioning that it is now available via Optimum Classic/Studio Canal (optd1142) on the same release that features Norman Cohen's utterly wonderful 'The London Nobody Knows'. As you might expect, the DVD is lovingly assembled and the print quality of both films is superb.
Juxtaposing both on the same disc carries some editorial weight: Cohen's London is genuinely (and properly) post-apocalyptic, still reeling from the human and economic tragedies of the Second World War, whereas Hickox describes a shimmering fantasy which, for the fortunate few, was not a million miles from the truth.
Juxtaposing both on the same disc carries some editorial weight: Cohen's London is genuinely (and properly) post-apocalyptic, still reeling from the human and economic tragedies of the Second World War, whereas Hickox describes a shimmering fantasy which, for the fortunate few, was not a million miles from the truth.
Curious Snapshot of Swinging London at the end of the Sixties
l_rawjalaurence15 December 2015
Often we are told in modern documentaries about the Sixties and how they transformed British society from a slightly stuffy, class-bound hierarchy into a freer, more hedonistic world. On the evidence of this curious short, we are also made aware of the truly bizarre elements of the period.
There is a plot (of sorts) - a young man (Anthony May) climbs out of a window after a night of passion, and embarks on a cycling trip around the highways and byways of the London suburbs of Belsize Park and Hampstead. He encounters a little girl (Leslie Goddard) and together they continue the cycling tour. On the way he looks at a poster of a beautiful girl (Judy Huxtable) - whom he later encounters in the flesh. The two of them go off together to enjoy a romantic idyll, while the little girl meets a beau of her own (Barny Reisz). The tale is broken up with a series of eminently forgettable musical numbers (by Barry Mason).
As Douglas Hickox's camera sweeps around the streets of NW3, we are made aware of the sheer bizarreness of London fashions at that time; the exotic color combinations and the fondness for tight-fitting trousers leaving nothing to the imagination. Kaftans are also in vogue, as well as sunglasses with excessively large lenses. It seems as if every Londoner at that time was out to make a statement and only appeared to look grotesque.
On the other hand, the camera contrasts the outlandishness of the people with the sheer normality of the environment - the narrow, winding streets with terraced houses at each side; the smoke billowing forth from the chimneys; and the relative lack of cars on the road. In 1969 it was still possible for cyclists to enjoy the freedom of the road without having to wear crash helmets.
There is a plot (of sorts) - a young man (Anthony May) climbs out of a window after a night of passion, and embarks on a cycling trip around the highways and byways of the London suburbs of Belsize Park and Hampstead. He encounters a little girl (Leslie Goddard) and together they continue the cycling tour. On the way he looks at a poster of a beautiful girl (Judy Huxtable) - whom he later encounters in the flesh. The two of them go off together to enjoy a romantic idyll, while the little girl meets a beau of her own (Barny Reisz). The tale is broken up with a series of eminently forgettable musical numbers (by Barry Mason).
As Douglas Hickox's camera sweeps around the streets of NW3, we are made aware of the sheer bizarreness of London fashions at that time; the exotic color combinations and the fondness for tight-fitting trousers leaving nothing to the imagination. Kaftans are also in vogue, as well as sunglasses with excessively large lenses. It seems as if every Londoner at that time was out to make a statement and only appeared to look grotesque.
On the other hand, the camera contrasts the outlandishness of the people with the sheer normality of the environment - the narrow, winding streets with terraced houses at each side; the smoke billowing forth from the chimneys; and the relative lack of cars on the road. In 1969 it was still possible for cyclists to enjoy the freedom of the road without having to wear crash helmets.
At Last !!
rikkaldo15 September 2003
No-one,that I know,has seen or heard of this beautiful film.It has been in my all-time favourites since I first saw it.I have only seen it once,on TV,but I have never forgotten it.A short film,yes,but a stunning evocation of late sixties attitude,love and London.Whoever has the rights to this film,please show it somewhere,anywhere!or even better bring it out on DVD.
"I've got a bike, you can ride it if you like, It's got a basket, a bell that rings,And things to make it look good."
morrison-dylan-fan22 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Taking a look to see what has recently appeared on Talking Pictures free online catch-up site, I noticed on a number of message boards posts about Talking Pictures having shown an obscure short film. Finding Sitting Target (1972-also reviewed) to be thrilling,I was intrigued to discover that this short was directed by Douglas Hickox, leading to me getting on my bike.
View on the film:
Introducing The Boy (played by a lively Anthony May) with a beautiful extended crane shot, director Douglas Hickox & cinematographer Wolfgang Suschitzky (who'd reunite with Hickox years later for 1973's Theater of Blood) play a Prog Rock, ultra-stylized Psychedelic atmosphere of spinning tracking shots, panning shots, and soft-focus close-ups over breezy crayon colours melting to The Boy and The Girl (played by an alluring Judy Huxtable) meeting each other.
Sending The Boy head over heels to a billboard of The Girl, the screenplay by Bernie Cooper, Francis Megahy and Michael Newling play the toe-tapping Musical numbers with a warm Folk charm, with a smart,limited use of dialogue between the songs highlighting the love that The Boy has for The Girl who caught his eye whilst he was on his bicycle.
View on the film:
Introducing The Boy (played by a lively Anthony May) with a beautiful extended crane shot, director Douglas Hickox & cinematographer Wolfgang Suschitzky (who'd reunite with Hickox years later for 1973's Theater of Blood) play a Prog Rock, ultra-stylized Psychedelic atmosphere of spinning tracking shots, panning shots, and soft-focus close-ups over breezy crayon colours melting to The Boy and The Girl (played by an alluring Judy Huxtable) meeting each other.
Sending The Boy head over heels to a billboard of The Girl, the screenplay by Bernie Cooper, Francis Megahy and Michael Newling play the toe-tapping Musical numbers with a warm Folk charm, with a smart,limited use of dialogue between the songs highlighting the love that The Boy has for The Girl who caught his eye whilst he was on his bicycle.
Belsize?
adrian-stern-117 March 2012
What an appalling film! Can't believe so many love it. And why Belsize? There's no such place! Belsize Park etc but nothing called just Belsize. Artistic license? Well I recognised a lot of Highgate and Hamstead but not much of Belsize Park. Well OK it's not supposed to be a documentary of the area and I really don't know what it is - a mishmash of slapstick, dream and resembles something we'd dream up after a good smoke back in the day. So I'll presume that's exactly how it was made - but why? What's funny is that when I saw the title this morning in a blog it rang a bell, one with sweet overtones - but that goddamn awful music! So atypical of 1969. Still there is one thing about the film that took my breath away - the extremely long shot at the beginning (4½ mins) over the roofs of Highgate. That alone is really worth watching over and over again. Brilliant photography!
in turn enticed, enchanted and enthralled
andrew-snelling24 September 2004
I saw this delightful film on first release as the second feature to "Barbarella" in, I think, late 1968. At first, it seemed not to have made too much of an impression and I promptly forgot all about it. Clearly though, something had been lodged in my subconscious, because the next time it was dusted off and aired(on Channel 4 I believe in the 70's) a previously muffled bell rang very loudly and I managed to snatch most of the soundtrack via a portable cassette recorder with its built in rubbish microphone. (This was, after all, before the days of VCRs). That audio tape was played and played to destruction. I realized I had, in turn, been enticed, enchanted and enthralled by the wonderful, simple storyline and the superb Les Reed / Barry Mason songs. I did manage, on the next showing, (again on Channel 4) to make a half decent video recording, which I still have and cherish to this day.
Now.... the results of some research... and I want to absolutely refute the suggestion by my wife that this is an obsession (she was with me in the cinema on first viewing and can't understand what all the fuss is about - how can I tell her that she is my Julie?)...
I spoke to "de Lane Lea" - who are still in business - and they, in turn, put me onto a lovely guy called Louis Elman who worked on the film (although I don't know in what capacity - any info?) and he had fond memories of the production. From his suggestions I tracked down the current copyright holders. They are Canal + Image UK Ltd who are based at Pinewood - they don't have a website, before you rush off to look! - and will provide a video copy from the original film stock for £75 plus Value Added Tax. Telephone (UK) +44 1753 631111 fax +44 1753 655813 ask for "Charlie".
More good news - the soundtrack was released in March '69 on LP by Polydor, number 583728. NB IT'S ON THE FLIP SIDE OF TWISTED NERVE. Download it (along with a few others in a compilation) at this site:
http://www.basichip.com/digitalgold/mp3003-06/mp3003-06.htm
It costs $15 or so. I can really recommend it, the quality is terrific. And you get a super image of the original album cover! Check out the FAQ page first:
http://www.basichip.com/digitalgold/faq.htm
Now.... the results of some research... and I want to absolutely refute the suggestion by my wife that this is an obsession (she was with me in the cinema on first viewing and can't understand what all the fuss is about - how can I tell her that she is my Julie?)...
I spoke to "de Lane Lea" - who are still in business - and they, in turn, put me onto a lovely guy called Louis Elman who worked on the film (although I don't know in what capacity - any info?) and he had fond memories of the production. From his suggestions I tracked down the current copyright holders. They are Canal + Image UK Ltd who are based at Pinewood - they don't have a website, before you rush off to look! - and will provide a video copy from the original film stock for £75 plus Value Added Tax. Telephone (UK) +44 1753 631111 fax +44 1753 655813 ask for "Charlie".
More good news - the soundtrack was released in March '69 on LP by Polydor, number 583728. NB IT'S ON THE FLIP SIDE OF TWISTED NERVE. Download it (along with a few others in a compilation) at this site:
http://www.basichip.com/digitalgold/mp3003-06/mp3003-06.htm
It costs $15 or so. I can really recommend it, the quality is terrific. And you get a super image of the original album cover! Check out the FAQ page first:
http://www.basichip.com/digitalgold/faq.htm
Erm.... a man wakes up and tries to cycle off his roof but finds
MarlonBrandoPocahontas22 July 2009
a more sensible exit before crashing into a little girl at about 2 mph and seemingly is so concussed by this that he falls in love with a poster and starts singing to it, meanwhile by-standing and perfectly respectable looking strangers at a bus stop throw flour over each other....it deteriorates from there....
I was born in Hampstead in 1960 and saw this film when it came out and remembered nothing about it at all except for the 'young boy' at the end and the only reason for that is that he was a friend of mine at primary school. The shots of Hampstead village are naturally lovely but honestly that is it, the rest is complete rubbish, the story is complete 1960s hokum, and the music is downright awful..... Julieeeeee.... purleeeeze! I have been reading other viewers comments on IMDb in utter amazement. I can only think they took too many drugs around that time and are quite happily still experiencing the effects;-)
I was born in Hampstead in 1960 and saw this film when it came out and remembered nothing about it at all except for the 'young boy' at the end and the only reason for that is that he was a friend of mine at primary school. The shots of Hampstead village are naturally lovely but honestly that is it, the rest is complete rubbish, the story is complete 1960s hokum, and the music is downright awful..... Julieeeeee.... purleeeeze! I have been reading other viewers comments on IMDb in utter amazement. I can only think they took too many drugs around that time and are quite happily still experiencing the effects;-)
Les Bicyclettes De Belsize
jamwb15 July 2006
I MANAGED TO GET A COPY OF THIS GEM - NOW THE TEARS OF JOY & MEMORIES
It was 1974, I was 14 sitting up late watching Granada into the small hours of the morning. One of the final programs in the wind down slot was a short film called Les Bicyclettes De Belsize. I was instantly drawn to it, beautiful filming over peoples chimneys, brilliant music and a haunting atmosphere left me at the end of the show wanting more. That was never to be. I never saw the movie again.
Now 2006 in Australia, that haunting movie has returned to me, tears roll down my face as this very English movie comes flooding back to me. If anyone can help with a copy or wants to be rid of there's, please email me; to open communication. I am sure someone somewhere has a copy please help me, regards Jim
It was 1974, I was 14 sitting up late watching Granada into the small hours of the morning. One of the final programs in the wind down slot was a short film called Les Bicyclettes De Belsize. I was instantly drawn to it, beautiful filming over peoples chimneys, brilliant music and a haunting atmosphere left me at the end of the show wanting more. That was never to be. I never saw the movie again.
Now 2006 in Australia, that haunting movie has returned to me, tears roll down my face as this very English movie comes flooding back to me. If anyone can help with a copy or wants to be rid of there's, please email me; to open communication. I am sure someone somewhere has a copy please help me, regards Jim
I'm so glad I taped this film!
jo909017 December 2002
As a student, I was sent home on Wednesday afternoons to study. As I was on a media production course, I felt justified in spending the afternoon watching television - surely that constituted study! Channel 4 threw up this little gem one afternoon and being a lover of musicals, I was instantly transfixed. Luckily it was soon repeated in the same time slot and I was able to set the timer (I was working by then) to tape it.
It is a great 30 minutes of entertainment. Quirky chap sees his ideal woman on a billboard poster and falls in love. Woman is dissatisfied with her life because all she wants is love... so will they get together? I couldn't possibly tell you...
Judy Huxtable is so gorgeous and I love the song 'Julie'. The film was made before I was born but I still appreciate the fashions, cars and lifestyle portrayed on screen. I did write to Channel 4 a year ago to ask if they had any plans to show it again but apparently they no longer own the rights. What a shame. An absolute diamond.
It is a great 30 minutes of entertainment. Quirky chap sees his ideal woman on a billboard poster and falls in love. Woman is dissatisfied with her life because all she wants is love... so will they get together? I couldn't possibly tell you...
Judy Huxtable is so gorgeous and I love the song 'Julie'. The film was made before I was born but I still appreciate the fashions, cars and lifestyle portrayed on screen. I did write to Channel 4 a year ago to ask if they had any plans to show it again but apparently they no longer own the rights. What a shame. An absolute diamond.
Magical !
dis-616 January 2005
This is one of those films that once seen stays in your mind always - initially for the haunting theme ( Engelbert Humperdinck's most bearable work ! ) but then for a dreamy London unsurpassed until Four Weddings/Notting Hill
It is also one of the films that should have been made more readily available on video or DVD - thank goodness for those rare TV showings on Channel 4. £75 for a video seems high but in this case it would be worth it.
Strange that some of Peter Cooks ( Judy Huxtable's husband at this time ) like The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer and The Wrong Box are also woefully unavailable. Oh for a legal short run on-demand DVD press.
It is also one of the films that should have been made more readily available on video or DVD - thank goodness for those rare TV showings on Channel 4. £75 for a video seems high but in this case it would be worth it.
Strange that some of Peter Cooks ( Judy Huxtable's husband at this time ) like The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer and The Wrong Box are also woefully unavailable. Oh for a legal short run on-demand DVD press.
Brilliant
dan_singh_donkhi8 April 2005
If like me you like inane 60s films this is right up your street and you should make every effort to see it. I taped it years ago - by chance I noticed in the TV listings a short 60s film was to be screened at somewhere around 3am on CH4 - so I taped it - and loved it. The shots of Hampstead as it was 30 or so years ago were fascinating. After a while the tape was stored away in the garage, then the attic & I almost forgot about it having moved house a couple of times. Little did I know that some 15 yrs later I would dig it out & show it to my daughters (aged 6 & 4) - they absolutely love it and insist repeat performances regularly!
Les Bicyclettes to appear in BFI Mediatheque
robin-baker-115 December 2006
Very pleased to advise that the unique charm of LES BICYCLETTES DE BELSIZE will soon be available to experience again - this time at the forthcoming BFI Mediatheque. LES BICYCLETTES will form part of a collection of 100 films and television programmes about, and set in, London.
The Mediatheque opens in London at BFI Southbank/NFT in early 2007 and offers users free access to hundreds of British films and television programmes that are not currently available on DVD.
Further information is available at http://www.bfi.org.uk/about/news/2006-09-29-bfi-southbank.html
The Mediatheque opens in London at BFI Southbank/NFT in early 2007 and offers users free access to hundreds of British films and television programmes that are not currently available on DVD.
Further information is available at http://www.bfi.org.uk/about/news/2006-09-29-bfi-southbank.html
A double romance
summerwine4 July 2002
Bogie and Bacall, Fred and Ginger, The Boy and The Girl - undoubtedly three of the great romances of 20th century cinema. Did ever a film hero have to contend with as much as The Boy to win The Girl? I mean, he had to search half of north London for her on a bicycle which was far too small and what about that huge Rolls with three bruisers on board, slamming the door in his face? Les Bicyclettes is a double romance, firstly of The Boy and The Girl, and secondly of beautiful Hampstead. I was in London last September with my bike and I cycled down the High Street (the King of Bohemia is sadly all too modern but happily, Chic is still a clothes shop) and along those other picturesque streets and stairways. Forget Star Wars et al and their hunger for special effects. This delightful Sixties short cinema has a magical, innocent and honest appeal. A simple script, minimal words and haunting music.Above all, it has charm. I think I saw The Boy and The Girl sitting in a cafe on the High Street, both now in their early 60s but still as fashionable and still in love. But why Belsize which is a good half mile down the road?
No one will know it, but it's a magical gem!
jakestavrinides20 August 2005
Bar the slapstick and the redundant bus stop scene, this poignant love story has stayed with me since I first saw it as a child on ITV then C4 in the 80's. Lucklily my VHS copy is still fine taped from C4 sometime in 1989. The music, magic and romance is much more than most movie musicals ever achieve. Has anyone ever wondered where the two stars are now? Best song in my opinion is the one Julie sings "All I Want is Love?" I could marry her if I was so inclined! I will look out for that soundtrack and am so glad to see others have enjoyed this simple masterpiece. Email me if you love this film too! Wouldn't it be amazing to have a screening in North London at a cinema for all lovers of this. We could all arrive on bikes and wear 60's bohemian gear!
An American Review
Robwiener26 January 2012
I saw this in 1970 when I was 15 years old as a short with a main film I can't recall. It has stayed with me all these years and now I find from reading these other reviews that the unforgettable nature of this sweet film is a shared experience among viewers who are my contemporaries. I find it interesting that all the other reviewers are British while I am the sole American. I think that I must have developed an instant crush on Judy Huxtable. To this day I still listen every so often to the title song as recorded by Humperdinck. I was prompted to write this review because for the first time in 42 years I was able to see this film again in four parts on YouTube and I am happy to report I still find I have a crush on Judy Huxtable. It is a rare film that can transport you back to your youth.
Beautifully Shot Time Capsule
naffcaff29 July 2022
Some chap on a bike pursues a girl around London to an Englebert Humperdinck song. That was my first impression after seeing this film in the early 90s as a late night filler on Channel Four. I decided to give it another chance last night and I'm glad I did.
Director of Photography is Wolfgang Suschitzky, better known for his work on iconic films like Get Carter. His opening complex camera moves along the rooftops of Hampstead had me hooked and the high standard of cinematography remains throughout this short film.
Anthony May performs well as the love-struck hero and Judy Huxtable also delivers as the girl of his dreams.
The main selling point in 2022 is the welcome trip back to the late 60s, the clothes, the cars, the perception of a happy and carefree era. The storyline and the songs may border on soppy old tosh at times, but there's nothing wrong with a touch of innocent tosh now and again.
Director of Photography is Wolfgang Suschitzky, better known for his work on iconic films like Get Carter. His opening complex camera moves along the rooftops of Hampstead had me hooked and the high standard of cinematography remains throughout this short film.
Anthony May performs well as the love-struck hero and Judy Huxtable also delivers as the girl of his dreams.
The main selling point in 2022 is the welcome trip back to the late 60s, the clothes, the cars, the perception of a happy and carefree era. The storyline and the songs may border on soppy old tosh at times, but there's nothing wrong with a touch of innocent tosh now and again.
"Glamorous, Fashionable"
hernebay20 November 2001
I haven't seen this short 1960s film for at least 10 years now, and yet I retain an intense fondness for it. Perhaps, as a Londoner born and bred (albeit in Fulham, south-west London), I savour it for its portrait of a particularly glamorous part of London (Hampstead and environs), at a particularly fashionable time (the late 1960s). (Whenever I walk around certain parts of London I feel myself to be back in the 1960s, and the Hampstead/Highgate area is one such part.) I recommend that anyone within commuting distance of London book a day (or afternoon) of walking over Hampstead Heath and adjoining area, and that anyone else within remote-control distance of a VCR record this evocative little film at the next opportunity.
This little gem now available on DVD
jantzenuk11 September 2010
As per the other reviews this is a great short of one aspect of swinging London in the Late 60s. Captures that simplistic starry eyed view of the end of the swinging Hippy era.
Now available on DVD from Amazon (and others) for the very reasonable sum of approx £7.50. As a bonus it comes with another short from 1967 which depicts on film some of the contents of the book "the unknown London". This shows some "lost forever or about to be lost forever aspects of London during the 60s redevelopment era. Some for the better and some... well let's leave that for debate.
For all you lovers of LBDB get of your seats and order a copy NOW!
Now available on DVD from Amazon (and others) for the very reasonable sum of approx £7.50. As a bonus it comes with another short from 1967 which depicts on film some of the contents of the book "the unknown London". This shows some "lost forever or about to be lost forever aspects of London during the 60s redevelopment era. Some for the better and some... well let's leave that for debate.
For all you lovers of LBDB get of your seats and order a copy NOW!
Fell in love with her on the spot
seantheslug13 October 2018
Really is nostalgic this, a curio from the swinging 60's but it's all well done, Francis Megahy, Douglas Hickox, Wilfred Shingleton..
De Lane Lea studios, Les Reed Orchestra.. names to conjure with..and well Judy Huxtable is the ultimate waif, petite, pretty, gorgeous.. one of the most beautiful girls I've ever seen..
Talking Pictures might show it, with a tweet request..
Cinema short, as long as it needs to be.
okonski15 February 2001
In the days when there was a main film, and a 'B' picture to fill the space, cinemas wanted to squeeze in more showings, so out went the 90 minute 'B' features and in the '60's came the 'short'. Les Bicyclettes was one of those, yet after 30 years it still evokes warm memories of a simple story, hardly any dialogue, and beautiful music.
As a short, it'll never make it to DVD release, but if it appears on TV, take the time out to watch it - calling it chewing gum for the eyes is not a disservice, but it is strange after all this time I can't remember what the main film was I saw with it! The short does invariably appear on broadcast TV as a filler, however these occasions have becoming less as the use of channel 'fillers' give way to network promotions.
As a short, it'll never make it to DVD release, but if it appears on TV, take the time out to watch it - calling it chewing gum for the eyes is not a disservice, but it is strange after all this time I can't remember what the main film was I saw with it! The short does invariably appear on broadcast TV as a filler, however these occasions have becoming less as the use of channel 'fillers' give way to network promotions.
Does anyone know the Byclettes De Belsize route?
jahnelll12 February 2008
Saw this film a the British Film institute recently and was entranced by it. I live in Belsize Park, and recognise so many of the little streets and lanes such as New End Road and Pilgrims Lane.
I can't make them all out though...does anyone know if a 'Byclettes De Belsize' walking or cycling route exists? I want to follow his exact journey through modern day hampstead to see what's changed. It's quite haunting..all these years later I was walking down a path behind the Holly Bush and suddenly realised I was walking where he first bumped into the little girl! If anybody knows where it all starts and finishes though that would be great!
I can't make them all out though...does anyone know if a 'Byclettes De Belsize' walking or cycling route exists? I want to follow his exact journey through modern day hampstead to see what's changed. It's quite haunting..all these years later I was walking down a path behind the Holly Bush and suddenly realised I was walking where he first bumped into the little girl! If anybody knows where it all starts and finishes though that would be great!
Raspberry Fields Forever
richardchatten27 September 2022
You won't get any prizes for guessing the provenance of the title of this charming little cross between 'La Ronde' and 'The Red Balloon' that delightfully does for Hampstead what the latter did for Paris.
Like the classic 'Les Parapluies de Cherbourg' the youthful characters communicate with each other only in song, but it's unlike Demy's earlier film the conclusion is far more sweet than bitter.
Although inevitably characterised by the usual sixties gimmicks like zooms and shots through a fisheye lens, they're so gracefully employed by veteran cameraman Wolfgang Suschitzky that they don't in the slightest compromise the delicate mood.
Like the classic 'Les Parapluies de Cherbourg' the youthful characters communicate with each other only in song, but it's unlike Demy's earlier film the conclusion is far more sweet than bitter.
Although inevitably characterised by the usual sixties gimmicks like zooms and shots through a fisheye lens, they're so gracefully employed by veteran cameraman Wolfgang Suschitzky that they don't in the slightest compromise the delicate mood.
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