This film consists of audio vox pops about various aspects of the city of Stoke on Trent accompanied by views of various subjects. The overall emphasis of the comments initially is negative highlighting problems of industrial decline and a low general quality of life, but the comments become more favourable - and the film ends on a positive note. We begin with an electric train approaching Stoke on Trent station accompanied by a folk song. The train passes ugly industrial sites before it arrives in the station. Shots of passengers on the platform with audio views critical of the look of the city approach. Street views in Stoke beginning on Liverpool Road with comments about the lack of amenities and the depressing image of the city. Views of terraced streets and the Bleak Hill works of Swinnertons Ltd.
The film then considers the declining state of leisure facilities with a montage of stills and film views of various pubs, cinemas, and theatres plus shots of playbills with comments pointing out how many such buildings are now closed. Views of pottery kilns with comments that things have actually been improved with a reduction in air pollution. Shots of washing hanging in a back yard. Shots of spoil tips and former clay quarry sites with a comment about their presence and how they can almost be considered beautiful. Views of canals showing industrial buildings that back onto them and modern pleasure craft which are beginning to become more popular on the waterways. This is followed by views of pollution in the River Trent and the Fowlea Brook which is said to be improved. Views of derelict land and then Hanley Forest Park which has been reclaimed from the site of Hanley Colliery showing how former industrial areas can be opened-up and landscaped. We then see Westport Lake Park with pleasure boats using the new facility, again highlighting this positive development. This is followed by views of former mineral railway lines that have been converted into footpaths. Views of a large spoil tip at Sneyd being reshaped.
The film next considers Victorian buildings that could be worth saving such as the Town Hall and Wedgwood Institute in Burslem. Shots of a new church in Burslem and stills of an old chapel in states of demolition. The poor condition of some of local factories are mentioned and we see views of various premises highlighting broken windows and decay. Some new housing shown with comments from older people on their new homes. Shopping is considered next with views of streets in Tunstall and a precinct in Longton which has many unoccupied businesses plus views of closed shops in Burslem. The biggest shops are in Hanley but the comments complain about the amount of traffic which leads into plans for new road building including shots showing the construction of the Potteries D Road.
The final sequence talks about the future development of Stoke-on-Trent with opinions on issues such as industrial development and plans for regenerating derelict areas of the city. Shots include a view of allotments. One council representative talks about how the city was 'exploited by industry' in the past and now wants to be a garden city. Many of the sound bites reflect that the city needs a better image. The final scenes show the train leaving Stoke-on-Trent station again.
Music: Bob Wilson
Research & Filming by Ray Johnson and John Goodwin
Thanks to:
Environmental Studies Group
BBC Radio Stoke on Trent
NCB Norton Colliery
British Rail
Potteries Motor Traction Company
Newcastle and Hanley Libraries
Wheatly's Tileries Limited
Sixth Form College
George VI Institute, Hanley
Polytechnic Graphics & Fine Art Departments
L.K. Robinson - Town Clerk
Sir Albert Bennett - City Councillor
Stuart Mustow - City Engineer
Michael Somorjay - City Planning Department
Stoke on Trent Socia Services Department
Edited and Produced by Ray Johnson and John Goodwin
Made at The North Staffordshire Polytechnic