Customer Reviews

Marvellous Metro-land! - By: D. Kelly, 19 Aug 2006
Metro-land is a delight! Made for the BBCin 1973, Metro-land is a classic eulogy to the people & places served by the Metropolitan Line.

As the leafy counties of Bucks, Herts & Middlesex yielded to the engines of the first steam underground, the pastoral world of Betjeman's youth gave way to the suburban dream of the railway planners. Betjeman contrasts the old & new ways of life as he follows the Neasden nature trail, visits the Pinner village fair, plays a round of golf at Moor Park & explores the historical houses along the line. From Baker Street to the forgotten station at Quainton Road, Sir John Betjeman is your guide on a very personal & unforgettable journey into Metro-land.

The DVD package includes a 24-page illustrated booklet written by the programme's producer, Edward Mirzoeff, which offers a fascinating insight into working with the poet as well as The Metropolitan Linein the News, which includes footage showing the Metropolitan Line extension to Stanmore (1932), the 1946 crash at Northwood, the Metropolitan Line Centenary Parade at Neasden (1963), the last working steam train on the line (1971), the 1999 & 2000 Steam on the Met events & the centenary of the Uxbridge branch (2004).

Here's hoping the BBC release some more of Sir John Betjeman's broadcastsin the near future (the "Thank God it's Sunday" programmes, "Time with Betjeman" & "Betjemanin Australia" for example).