Didcot Atom Village (1947) 

Various scenic shots of the sleepy village of Didcot in Berkshire - fields, horse riding, tractors, children walking down a country road, old folks chatting, young boys playing football etc.
The government's new atomic research centre is near to all this pastoral glory. Over various shots of elderly local people, women hanging out their washing and farmers tending their sheep we are told that everyone in the village is worried about this new research centre. Bert Bailey - a local shepherd is concerned about the land where his sheep graze. C/Us of men in the local pub discussing the situation - these include Bill Bradfield, Fred Carter and Ben Mullins. Nice shots of these elderly men.
Various shots of the Harwell Government Atomic Energy Research Establishment. C/Us of security guard then L/S of him opening gates. Group of young women arrive at the gates for work. Group of young men follow. There is a new town which has been built to house workers at the research centre. Various shots of the prefab style houses. Security guards check lorries which arrive at the research station.
M/S of local women looking out across the fields at the research station then travelling along a country road in a horse drawn cart. "The villagers let them get on with it" states the narrator: "The Atom has nothing to do with them. It belongs to tomorrow. And tomorrow can take care of itself - and the Atom..."
Note: there is a suggestion of secrecy surrounding the research establishment. The villagers are wary of this new modern world just across the fields.
FILM ID:1289.21
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