In November 1978, Blantyre High pupils and teachers were celebrating. The School’s Film Society had picked up 3 awards including a top award for “International Amateur Film of the Year”.
Incredibly the winning film was chosen from 70 other entrants, many of them at University , rather than schools. The School won the Victor Saville Trophy and the Cosmo Award for best actor, which went to 5th year pupil, Craig Samson. Their film was produced over 2 years and they estimate more than 1500 manhours was spent on it, many of them out of school hours. It was entitled, “One Coke too many” , the story of a boy who became addicted to drugs.
The film was judged by accomplished Director Alan Parker, whom that year had directed cinema hits Bugsy Malone and Midnight Express. Alan commented later that the Blantyre High pupils efforts had been truly remarkable, producing a film that felt fresh and showed tremendous talent.
From the book, “Blantyre Explained” by Paul Veverka (c) 2017
Featuring Blantyre Project Social Media with permission. Strictly not for use by others on or offline, our visitors said,:
Elizabeth Grieve Jings I remember this film.
😁Nothing like it now. All before VCR and CDS!
😩