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The Earth Remaineth

Rural idyll or shifting landscape? Harvest season and country life through a Wiltshire farmer's eyes.

1937 18 mins Silent

Overview

An old farmer talks of the ups and down of rural life in harvest season. Borrowing a line from the Bible for its title, this dramatised documentary reflects man's ancient relationship with the land, but also changing times for British agriculture. Pictures from the Wiltshire countryside offer a stirring visual experience, as well as a very clear impression of the challenges of the natural world.

Including recognisable classical music like Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony, the film conjures a romantic vision of the past as an antidote to a highly uncertain era. John Gifford's folksy narration of the farmer's thoughts is delivered with wry humour. "I had a job to make some of these lads film stars," he grumbles, as the camera surveys the young farmhands. "Bill here wasn't too willing and I don't blame him."

Director

Sherard Powell and Lewis G. Jonas

Featuring

John Gifford and Elliott Seabrooke

Country

United Kingdom

Location

Wiltshire

Language

No Dialogue with English subtitles

Subjects

Harvesting

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