And Did Those Feet ? (1965)

And Did Those Feet ? Poster

Lord Fountain hates his illegitimate twin boys as he does not seem to be able to produce legitimate heirs.

Overview
"And Did Those Feet?" is a 1965 British film directed by the distinguished filmmaker Gerry Travers. This musical drama utilizes the popular hymn "Jerusalem" written by William Blake as its main concept and depicts the 18th-century poet's impact on England's literary and cultural landscape. The movie is a special mix of historical narrative and poetic analysis with aspects of the 1960s culture and trends.

Plot Summary
The story centralizes around a controversial theory recommending that Jesus Christ went to Britain during his unidentified years, drawing inspiration from William Blake's poem which ended up being a hymn, "And did those feet in ancient time". The filmmakers used this narrative thread, mixing truths, guessworks, and vivid creativities to produce a moving, dramatic narrative.

The story starts with a question about the possible connection in between Jesus and the English lands, then slowly discloses into a depiction of William Blake's life and his contributions to British literature. It delves into the troubles faced by Blake in his time, his extreme views on society, his beliefs, and analysis of spirituality.

Artistry and Style
Filmmaker Gerry Travers effectively emphasizes the blend of fiction and viewpoint utilizing visual storytelling components. The movie's cinematography noticeably mirrors the tone of the narrative-- vivid, dreamy, and a bit mystic, similar to Blake's poems themselves. The portrayal of England's landscapes includes another layer to the movie, representing the poetic imagination of Blake.

Vital Acclaim
"And Did Those Feet?" got a warmly positive reception from critics and audiences alike. The film's distinct exploration of a spiritual figure, its invocation of William Blake's life, works, and influence, differentiated it from conventional films of that time. Furthermore, the movie's usage of historical insights, masterful storytelling, and captivating visuals to position a philosophical concern was hailed as daringly intellectual and narratively pleasing.

Conclusion
"And Did Those Feet?" is a good homage to among the most enigmatic poets, William Blake, and his creativity that traversed beyond standard paradigms. The movie functions as a poetic analysis of the impacts of his work, linking it perfectly with the legend of Jesus checking out Britain while concurrently diving into the poet's life, raising thoughtful questions about spirituality, religion, and literature.

Through this movie, Travers effectively provides a blend of mythology, history, and poetry to create an intriguing narrative, making "And Did Those Feet?" a distinct and thought-provoking cinematic experience. The movie boasts a remarkable amalgamation of reflective narrative storytelling, outstanding cinematography, and a wonderful musical score, making it a cult classic.

Top Cast

  • Kenneth Haigh (small)
    Kenneth Haigh
    Narrator
  • Patrick Troughton (small)
    Patrick Troughton
    Lord Fountain
  • Anna Wing (small)
    Anna Wing
    Nannie
  • Diana Coupland (small)
    Diana Coupland
    Maggie
  • Victor Lucas
    Towser Griddle
  • David Markham
    Timothy
  • Willoughby Goddard (small)
    Willoughby Goddard
    Bernard
  • Anna Bentinck
    Lucy