News on Screen

Series

Series Name

The March of Time 3rd Year

Issue

Issue No.

2

Date Released

1937

Length of issue (in feet)

1949

Stories in this Issue:

• 1. Dogs for sale
• 2. Railroad Renaissance
• 3. Scotland: Highland Problems

Story

Story No. within this Issue

3 / 3

Summary

The March of Time synopsis: "Scotland’s Highland Problems" an episode in the latest issue of the March of Time brings to the screen a new subject of major interest to everyone in Great Britain. The wild, beautiful country of Scotland is internationally famous as a sportsmen’s paradise, yet few people realize the dire poverty of its Highlands, the miserable plight of the descendents of the ancient clans, who face extinction unless help is forthcoming. The March of Time traces the tragic history of these people, shows how the short-sighted and selfish policy of feudal-minded land-owners in the 19th century drove their tenants to seek a livelihood abroad. Post-war depression has steadily worsened the lot of those remaining.
Today, belated recognition of the Scottish Highlands as one of Great Britain’s most depressed areas brings plans for their rehabilitation. Efforts are made to subsidise small holdings, a new housing programme is put in hand. Munition factories spring up on remote districts safe from danger of air attack. But perhaps greatest hope lies in the development of the Highlands’ most valuable asset, its water power. In the shadow of the great dams, conduits and generators now being constructed, we see the Highlander persisting, unchanged, in his age-old way of living. Can he, his spirit broken by centuries of hardship and oppression, solve the problems which industrial progress is forcing upon him?

Researcher Comments

This story was made for the British edition and was not shown in the USA.

Keywords

Agriculture; Social conditions; Scenery and travel

Written sources

Monthly Film Bulletin   Vol.4 No.44 31 August 1937, p162.
The March of Time Promotional Material   Publicity brochure, Used for synopsis

Credits:

Production Co.

Time Inc.