Car Ferry (1960)

C/Us of signs reading Boulogne, Calais and Ostend; high angle M/S of cars lined up and waiting to drive onto a ferry, pan left and up to show the white cliffs of Dover beyond. The barrier for travellers to Ostend is drawn back and cars, bicycles and scooters start to go through to the customs shed. High angle L/S of cars going over a bridge towards the car ferry; tilt up to show ship in harbour.

M/Ss of cars driving towards the boat; destination Boulogne; some are stopped by officials. M/S from inside the ferry as the cars drive on. Mix through into M/S on the bridge of the boat where the Captain is standing with binoculars in hand and a sailor is working the engine room telegraph; C/U of engine room telegraph indicating full speed ahead. M/Ss of the ship pulling away from the dock. Commentator tells us "the ferries are operated by British Railways, and their newest ship, the SS Maid of Kent [seen here] was, in fact, built under the Transport Commission's modernisation plan".

Good M/Ss on board the boat of passengers looking out over the railings, walking around, taking photos and sitting on benches; it looks quite fresh! Most people have coats on, many women wear head scarves. M/S and C/U of a woman sitting out on deck, looking through her travel documents and checking three passports. M/S inside the ferry as people sit, read, snooze, chat and wear chunky jumpers in rows of seats. High angle M/S of three male passengers looking over the side of the ferry as we speed along; M/Ss of one of the funnels; then the Captain and Helmsman on the bridge.

Various M/Ss as the ferry comes into dock at Boulogne stern first. High angle M/S of three male foot passengers waiting for the ramps to be lowered; M/Ss of cars being driven off the ferry; one goes past with a caravan attached. High angle M/S of the cars driving along the bridge and elevated road away from the ship; M/S of cars going past; C/U of a road sign saying 'Keep right'; mix through into M/S from a moving car, driving along a street in a French or Belgian town.

Note: On file is a colourful leaflet on car ferry travel and a copy of 'British Railways Southern News' with details of the new ferry. Cuts exist - see other record.
FILM ID:109.21

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