A series of nine documentary films on topical issues. 4: Blizzard
The blizzard that engulfed the South West of England in February 1978 was the worst in living memory on parts of Exmoor.
Marooned and alone hill-farmers searched frantically for their flocks buried under tons of snow. This film begins as farmer Tony Takle is digging his sheep from huge snowdrifts. Some are dead, some alive, and some moribund. Worse follows as his ewes, all of them in lamb, abort, or themselves die, enfeebled by their ordeal.
But the cycle of the season brings relief. A flock that was all but destroyed is saved. But it has taken one year of unremitting toil to undo the work of one terrible night.
Film cameraman PAUL KANWAR Film recordist JOHN HORE
Film editor ANDREW WILLSMORE
Produced and narrated by ROGER MILLS