One Potato Two Potato (1957)

User Rating:

6.5/10   

Director:

Leslie Daiken

Writer:

Leslie Daiken (writer)

Genre:

Documentary | Short

Runtime:

23 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

An interesting snapshot of the past which is perfect if you watch it with nostalgia and recognition

The fine English weather sees boys and girls out playing in the streets and parks alike, engaging in the wholesome pastimes that they engaged in before they handed their broadband connection and Xbox 360's. This film follows them through the year – from summer to bonfire night and beyond, in a picture of English life as seen through the playtimes of its children.

Although Daiken was not a member of the Free Cinema movement, this film does seem to belong in the same collection because it is very much about real cinema, capturing the real lives of its subjects. In terms of substance this means the film is limited because there isn't really a narrative to follow even if there is action on the screen. As a result the appeal of the film will be more dependant on the viewer's sense of nostalgia (or lack thereof). It is interesting to look back at the children playing their games and rhymes in the street, park and even surrounded by the rubble of fallen buildings. It all contrasts well with modern society and as such the film succeeds as a realistic snapshot of a time and place. It is amusing to see how free they are compared to the modern fear of all risks and people that parents have (perhaps understandably). The games are also fun to remember – many of them were still around when I was a child and I imagine that some must have carried over still regardless of the sheer volume of "things" for kids to play now.

An interesting snapshot of the past then which is perfect if you watch it with nostalgia and recognition; without these though it might just seem a bit pointless.