It is not possible to really say WHY a particular film means so very much personally. It is now over half a century since, with a friend of the time, I saw "The Valley of Song" more than once at The Rex Cinema (long demolished) in Dewsbury Road, Leeds. We were both ardent lovers of "The Messiah" and while the film did not predominantly involve the music it was central to the story. The film was fascinating in it's convincing portrayal of Welsh valley life and of the huge part that the mining industry played in the community. The film was perfectly made and the acting by all concerned was superb. In this technically miraculous age there is still a great comfort in the "atmosphere" of the older black and white films - you feel more a part of the story and the action than in any of the present day "blockbusters." Cinema going in those days was a wonderful experience - today's multiplexes showing one film only per session and with crisps and popcorn requiring a second mortgage do nothing for me I'm afraid !! One particular scene in "The Valley of Song" which remains with me after 50 years is a close up of one of the two rival ladies deeply rendering a line of her aria - "The Glory o-o-of The Lord" with great gusto !! If ONLY one of the television companies would show this memorable film again I should, of course, record it to keep. VERY happy memories of what was, in my opinion and that of many others, a far better time to live.
