Description: The film follows the construction of a typical vessel through the various stages from the shaping of the ribs which will be attached to the newly-laid keel, through the finishing and riveting of the plates, to the final painting and outfitting. However, only the external elements of the ship's construction are shown - no attention is paid to the installation of engines or between-decks structures. The film uses two narrative devices: 1. a small boy who assists various workers throughout the process of construction; and 2. a steel plate which, defaced by a patriotic slogan, is easily identifiable and recurs at various stages, being finally painted and the slogan obliterated. Emphasis is placed upon: a. the continuity of life in the shipyard. The boy will become an apprentice, learning skills handed down "from father to son, from brother to brother." b. the unique personality of each ship, attributable to the individual work of craftsmen. The film ends with the launching of the completed vessel which will go to swell Britain's merchant fleet. In the shipyard another keel is already being laid.
Production Details: British Council (Production sponsor)
Merton Park Studios (Production company)
Lewis, John E (Production individual)
Musk, Cecil (Production individual)
Bishop, Terence Egan (Production individual)
Rogers, J (Production individual)
Alwyn, William (Production individual)
Beaumont, C (Production individual)
Rhind, Al (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords: ceremonies, British - event-related: ship launching (object name)
industry, British - ships (object name)
GB, England (geography)
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Subtitle language: None
Technical Details: Format: 35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 2
Footage: 1464 ft; Running time: 16 mins
