John Grierson

Production

John Grierson

Born April 26, 1898 · Kilmadock, Stirlingshire, Scotland, UK

Died February 19, 1972 · aged 73

John Grierson (1898–1972) was a pioneering Scottish filmmaker and producer who shaped the documentary film movement, earning recognition as the father of British and Canadian documentary cinema. He famously coined the term "documentary" in 1926 and championed the idea that film should serve as a tool for social education and reform. As the driving force behind the British documentary movement, he …

Known For

Miss Robin HoodMiss Robin Hood · 1952
Miss Robin Hood
8.11952
MovieComedyCrime
In this delightful fantasy adventure, a mild-mannered writer of adventure stories for girls finds himself presented with an intriguing proposition from an elderly fan. She suggests that they conspire to steal a secret whiskey formula from ruthless distillers, who themselves stole it from her family in years gone by. With the recipe back in hand however, it's not long before they attract attention from the Inspectors of Scotland Yard.
Daily RoundDaily Round · 1937
Daily Round
1937
MovieDocumentaryComedy
“Catching up with gossip, inspecting new ducklings, clambering over gates, walking across meadows - the life of a postman appears idyllic, but this Devon postie has some startling ideas about improving efficiency... The inimitable Richard Massingham, a doctor turned actor and filmmaker, co-directed this film, and appears in it as the testy Mr Proctor. This film was produced by John Grierson, often hailed as the father of British documentary. It was made for the General Post Office (GPO) Film Unit, one of the most remarkable creative institutions that Britain has produced. It provided a springboard for many of the best-known and critically acclaimed figures in the British Documentary Movement.” - BFI
BBC: The Voice of BritainBBC: The Voice of Britain · 1935
BBC: The Voice of Britain
1935
MovieDocumentary
A behind-the-scenes GPO Film Unit documentary (directed by Stuart Legg) that races from studio rehearsals and newsrooms to control rooms and transmitters, weaving speeches, music, and outside broadcasts—featuring voices like H. G. Wells and Ramsay MacDonald—into a kinetic portrait of how the BBC’s national “voice” is made.
The OracleThe Oracle · 1953
The Oracle
6.01953
MovieComedyFantasy
An Irish "oracle" foretells the next day's track results to a newspaperman, resulting in a national uproar.
You're Only Young Twice!You're Only Young Twice! · 1952
You're Only Young Twice!
6.11952
MovieComedy
Ada Shore (Diane Hart) arrives at Skerryvore University in Scotland in search of her long-lost uncle Connell O’Grady (Joseph Tomelty), who was once a subversive Irish poet but is now working under an assumed name as a University porter. Ada is mistaken by Principal Archibald Asher (Patrick Barr) as his new secretary, and she goes along with the impersonation. Archibald and Ada fall in love, which incurs the disapproval of the puritanical Professor Hayman (Duncan Macrae).
Night MailNight Mail · 1936
Night Mail
6.21936
MovieDocumentary
This documentary short examines the special train on which mail is sorted, dropped and collected on the run, and delivered in Scotland on the overnight run from Euston, London to Glasgow.
Our Dumb FriendOur Dumb Friend · 1930
Our Dumb Friend
10.01930
MovieAnimationComedy
Marionette parody of Charlie Chaplin.
The Brave Don't CryThe Brave Don't Cry · 1952
The Brave Don't Cry
6.01952
MovieDrama
At Balloch Moss mine in Scotland, water comes through a seam bringing a torrent of mud into the mine and flooding the pit shaft, resulting in 118 men being trapped, with nine missing. The only means by which the rescue team can bring the men out is through some old abandoned workings which are now full of gas and thus will cause delays in any rescue attempt.

Filmography

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