The British Film Institute (BFI) has announced two Blu-ray titles from its Flipside line, devoted to previously 'lost' British films. On January 25, 2010, '
That Kind of Girl' (Gerry O'Hara, 1963) and '
Permissive' (Lindsay Shonteff, 1970) will come out in collectable numbered packaging, accompanied by extensive illustrated booklets with enlightening contributions from special guest writers.
That Kind of Girl
In 1960s London, a beautiful continental au pair finds herself wrestling with the affections of an earnest peace-protestor, a dashing young toff and a roguish older man. But fun and freedom turn to shame and despair when she finds that her naivety has put the health of her lovers, and their partners – including the well-meaning Janet (played by Big Zapper's Linda Marlowe, in her first role) – at risk.
Stylishly shot in crisp black and white, and set against a backdrop of smoky jazz clubs, 'Ban the Bomb' marches, and evocative London locations, this finely-tuned cautionary tale was the directorial debut of Gerry O'Hara (All the Right Noises, The Brute).
Special features:
- The People at No. 19 (J.B. Holmes, 1948, 17 mins): an intense and effective melodrama which explores the themes of adultery, sexual hygiene and pregnancy from the perspective of an earlier era
- No Place to Hide (1959, 10 mins): a snapshot of the 'Ban the Bomb' march to Aldermaston
- A Sunday in September (1961, 27 mins): a compelling documentary, from the director of Black Beauty, about a nuclear disarmament demonstration in London, with Vanessa Redgrave, Doris Lessing and John Osbourne
- Robert Hartford-Davis interview (1968, 14 mins): That Kind of Girl's producer discusses his film career and production methods
- Extensive illustrated booklet featuring essays from novelist Cathi Unsworth and director Gerry O'Hara
Permissive
With its effective blend of gritty location work, brooding flash-forward devices, and a soundtrack by cult acid folk and prog rock legends Comus, Forever More – who also star – and Titus Groan, Permissive is a dark British counter-cultural artefact that's shot through with grim authenticity.
As a bonus, this release includes Stanley Long's ultra-rare 'Bread', a film that explores the same cultural milieu as Permissive (and features its own bona fide cult British rock band, Juicy Lucy), although it takes a somewhat more light-hearted approach to its subject.
Special features:
- Original trailer
- Bread (Stanley Long, 1971, 68 mins): whilst hitch-hiking back from the Isle of Wight Festival, a group of friends decide to stage their own music event. But how will they afford it?
- Bread – mute deleted scenes
- 'Ave You Got a Male Assistant Please Miss? (1973, 4 mins) an unreservedly '70s take on the safe-sex message
- Extensive illustrated booklet with contributions by I Q Hunter and rock singer Lee Dorrian, and Comus band-members' recollections of working with Lindsay Shonteff
Due to an issue with materials, another title in BFI's slate, 'Privilege', will only be released on DVD in January, with a Blu-ray edition to follow later in the year.