Tyne Lives
Amber Films 1980
A not-entirely-successful attempt at putting a number of Amber’s projects together in the absence of a budget, the film does include some great footage of the river. It is structured around three people talking to camera about their experiences and commitments, real and fictionalised. Jim Murray, a union activist explains why, in spite of recognised contradictions, he retains his belief in, and support for union strength. Betty Hepple (also appearing in Amber’s films as Amber Styles) is a housewife, describing the dissatisfactions and frustrations of her struggle to get by. Arthur, a retired fish quay worker, talks about his work experiences and indicates his belief in working people’s struggle for a better deal.
The interviews are linked by a visual journey along the River Tyne, as a boat carries ash from a power station to the sea. The monuments of industrial Tyneside are juxtaposed with the campaign to save jobs in the factories that built them; a television show offers tawdry prizes as a family argue about money.
AMBER FILMS
Made with financial assistance from Northern Arts.
Location
Blaydon, Dunston, Scotswood, Elswick, Newcastle Quayside, Byker, Walker, Wallsend, North Shields - communities along the industrial stretch of the River Tyn
Credits
Camera: Peter Roberts & Peter Woodhouse
Sound: Roger Schindler & Graham Denman
Editing: Peter Roberts
Directed by: Peter Roberts & Murray Martin
Financial assistance: Northern Arts
Cast
Jim Murray
Arthur Thurston
Betty Hepple
Tom Hadaway
Keith Ballard
Christine Young
The 'Vic' Trio
The crew of Bessie Surtees
Connell-Brown Dance Studio
Save Scotswood Campaign Committee
Keywords
Barge, campaign, Community, Industry, Jobs, North Shields, Post-Industrial, river, Tyne, Unemployment, Wallsend, Dunston, Elswick, Scotswood, Quayside, Byker, Closure, Convenor, Social Security, Bingo, Waste, Ash, Pigeons, Filleting Machine, Tom Hadaway
Associated Work
RELATED WORK:
The Swing Bridge (Amber film bulletin), a longer version of the bridge sequence from the film.
Tyne Lives cue sheets; Log sheets (sound); Shot list; details of the Swing Bridge 1876 – (Master, RA Etheridge, July 21st 1978).
Scotswood Works Closure, photographs by Tish Murtha.
The Filleting Machine (Amber Films, 1981, AF/TFM), film drama scripted by Tom Hadaway - excerpts from the stage version toured by Amber/Live Theatre appear in Tyne Lives.
LVA 4103 – Slide set of Coal Staithes North East England.
Keeping Time (Amber Films, 1983, AF/KTI), film drama developed out of the work with the Connell-Brown dance school.
Step by Step, photographic exhibition & book by Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen. Follow link to see a free online presentation.
For a monthly changing selection of films and videos by Amber and its friends, visit www.sidetv.net.
For more information about Amber and its film and photographic work, visit www.amber-online.com