Summary: Film showing the variety of roles in the Royal Navy by illustrating four seamen, each working in a specific type of ship.
Description: Tony is a crew member on a British nuclear submarine, "a most remarkable vessel". As an artificer (naval engineer), Tony has an important role to play in watching and repairing the equipment. Life off-duty is glimpsed: watching a film ("Up Pompeii" with Frankie Howerd), sleeping in a cramped bunk. Next, we are introduced to 23-year old Alan, a marine engineer onboard a destroyer. Shot of a missile being fired at a remotely-piloted aircraft introduces brief description of destroyer role and of Alan's job fixing all manner of machinery. Opportunity for recreation shown - crew play cards, hockey, go swimming - and travel is highlighted, in this case Turkey (scenes of belly dancer, football game with locals). Shots of ships' galleys moves us to a minesweeper, where the third man, Harry is posted; as an Able Seaman he "does a bit of everything" including steering the ship and helping to haul in a dummy mine after an exercise. The minesweeper (M.1187 - HMS Upton, a RNR training vessel) sails on. Finally, Charley is introduced, a helicopter mechanic on HMS Albion, carrying helicopters and commandos. He makes a routine check on a Westland Wessex, which is then is lifted on deck where the rotors are "unfolded"; commandos appear on the deck lift and scramble to the helicopters, which take off. Charley's shore leave in Hong Kong: trip on Chinese junk, shopping, visit to Tiger Balm Gardens, meal in a floating restaurant and a Chinese opera. Film concludes with a shot of Tony's nuclear sub "blowing its way to the surface like a sperm whale", and a final reference to the choices available in the Royal Navy.
Production Details: Central Office of Information (Production sponsor)
Lion Pacesetter Productions (Production company)
Angell, Robert (Production individual)
Squire, Anthony (Production individual)
Squire, Anthony (Production individual)
Brinton, Roland (Production individual)
Morris, Johnny (Production cast)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: Colour
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Subtitle language: None
Technical Details: Format: 16mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 738 ft; Running time: 20 mins