Glyndebourne (1961)

Glyndebourne, near Lewes, East Sussex. Various shots on the Sussex Downs; a blonde woman walks along and admires the view; some sheep sit in a field; some cows graze beneath a large tree; the woman walks off over the Downs. Several shots of the country house and grounds of Glyndebourne as commentator talks of how owner John Christie has realised his dream of making the place a Mecca for lovers of opera. M/S of a sign reading 'Lewes Station'; we see people getting off a train dressed in evening dress, then walking out of the station and across the road to get on a special bus with signs reading 'Glyndebourne' and 'Excursion' on it. Commentator explains that John Christie insists people coming to the concerts wear evening dress because they will take trouble over it, as he and the concert organisers take a great deal of trouble. The concertgoers arrive at the house and walk up the driveway; they have nibbles and drinks in the gardens where John Christie greets them; a couple tuck into their picnic (with champagne) on the grass. M/Ss of singer Duncan Robertson (a Scottish Tenor) looking over a music score in a secluded part of the gardens. Four men in evening dress play croquet on the lawn. Commentator says "When the opera begins, nature itself seems to listen in rapture"; we see various shots of the exterior of the house, M/Ss of open windows and flowers and plants in the garden as we hear the overture of 'The Barber of Seville' on the soundtrack. M/S of an old man with 'Glyndebourne' on a tape round his hat and an armband on who sits listening to the music; M/S of the lily pond. N.B. No footage of a concert here. Note: print used for telecine transfer is quite badly scratched; neg is cut and in bad condition. FILM ID:153.21 FOR LICENSING ENQUIRIES VISIT http://www.britishpathe.com/