Storyline
Documentary about Queen Elizabeth Square, Sir Basil Spence's block of Brutalist style flats built to replace the Gorbal's tenements in Glasgow during the 1960s. His vision was based on architect Le Corbusier's ideas and inspired him to transform the Gorbals into a Modernist Utopia. The film is about the life and times of one building told by some of the people involved in its history. The block was dynamited in 1993 amidst controversy and the death of a spectator. It is mentioned in Pevsner's Notable Buildings of Britain. This film was shown on BBC Scotland's Ex-S strand in 1993. Produced by May Miller and directed by Conrad Blakemore. This film is posted for educational and research purposes only and is copyright of BBC Scotland. Archive material courtesy of the Scottish Film Archive and the film's contributors.
Cast & Crew
BS
Basil Spence
Self (Archival Footage)
LeadBW
Brian W Edwards
Self, Professor of Architecture
JK
Janice Kirkpatrick
Self, Graphic Designer
TS
Tommy Smith
Self, Artist
BJ
Bailie James Mutter
Self, Gorbals Councillor
What People Are Saying
0.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Conrad Blakemore's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. High Rise and Fall is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
