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Kilmarnock

A view of the town and its industries in the 1920s

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Description

This is a promotional film, probably commissioned by the local authority from a local cinematographer which presents the town of Kilmarnock, an industrial and tourist centre. The film paints and idealist picture of an industrial centre. Local landmarks depicted include: the Cross, Kilmarnock, where 800 motors per hour pass through; King Street where business and buses did bustle; Portland Street; John Finnie Street from the station; Dundonald Road; a fire engine in London Road; the war memorial; the Technical School; the Dick Institute Public Library and Museum; Dean Castle and Dean Park; Burns' Memorial in Kay Park; Middleton Park housing scheme; the countryside around Kilmarnock; an aerial view of the town; Kilmarnock railway station and shots of the London train.

Questions & Activities

Questions

  • What was Kilmarnock famous for back in the 1930s?
  • What is Kilmarnock famous for today?
  • What type of image do the filmmakers want to portray of Kilmarnock?
  • What kinds of transport can you spot in the film?
  • What do you notice about the roads and why do you think this is?
  • Dean Castle is described as a 'venerable pile'. What does this mean and why is it described in this way?

Activities

Local History: Plan a new film about Kilmarnock today and select the locations and activities you wish to feature.

Media Studies / Art and Design: This film focus a great deal on the sporting and cultural life of Kilmarnock. Discuss the patterns and rhythms to the film narrative.

Music: Compose music inspired by the images in the film, then re-cut the footage to your own music.

English / Social History: Research Robert Burns' connection to Kilmarnock.

English: Export an image and write a postcard back to the folks at home in Glasgow ('Up the Watter') from your resort hotel on the seafront explaining all the fun you are having. Mount an exhibition of the different postcards in your school.

History: List the places that you recognise in the film. How have they changed.

Music / Computer Studies: Create an appropriate soundscape and music to add to this film in Moviemaker or iMovie.

Media Studies / Tourism: Storyboard a film about your local town to showcase activities and sights of local interest for tourists. Then go out and film your storyboard.

Clip Details

Record Id 007-000-002-115-C
Resource Rights Holder Courtesy of East Ayrshire Council
Project Ref 0769
Date 1928
Genre Amateur
School Subject Social Studies, History
Subject Matter Local History, Tourism
Who Kilmarnock Town Council (probable sponsor)
Where Dean Castle, Kilmarnock
Attributes Black and White, Silent
Clip Length 10:56
Film Length 10:56