If your formative years were anything like mine then how you felt growing up in the early 70s can probably be best defined by one word. Awkward; standing on the precipice of teenhood was just that - a precipice. If you've forgotten what exactly hanging around looked like in 1972 then I suggest you take three minutes out of your timetable and watch this amazing Super 8 footage of kids with the world at their feet - if they did but know it. In this reel (more like a time capsule, really) these lads & lassies can be seen displaying absolutely none of the attitude, confidence, or, for want of a better word, brazenness, their 21st century counterparts possess when the cameras are turned on them. The music, btw, is Slady - the UK's only all female Slade tribute band.
Bridgend, South Wales, c.1972/3 - Film c/o Roland Morris
Oh that is wonderful! You notice it too on those old editions of ToTP, a lot of the kids just freeze or giggle shyly when put in the spotlight (I'm still like that now), and o little in the way of posey show-offs. Is there even such a term as "showing off" banded about now? - my parents instilled it in me that it was a *bad thing*...
ReplyDeleteAnd the clothes!
Yes sums up how I was at that age in the early 70s. Absolutely none of the confidence our 21st century counterparts have.
ReplyDeleteI also recognise many of those outfits. I had the denim skirt and waistcoat, the wide trousers, zip-up cardi… Mostly from C&A I think.
C/Alyson - I knew this would resonate with you two! The girls in the film, and it is mainly girls, look (and act) like all the girls me and my friends were trying to 'get into' (no vulgarity implied, honest). Talk about Venus & Mars; two tribes, two sexes, two totally different ways of behaving and communicating. It's a wonder we ever got together!
DeleteAs a slice of social history this three minute film is absolutely priceless.
Amazing footage. A bit before my time, I was 2 in 1972, but I recognise the awkwardness and goofiness kids had when a camera was turned on them from a decade later. Nice scooter at the end too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Adam: that's the word I was looking for - goofiness. It's almost the polar opposite of showing off; showing off with absolutely none of the bravado you feel you should have but, you know in your heart of hearts, has deserted you.
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