If you have never been to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and you ever get the chance to go, do take it! Living in the city, I've been many times over the years, albeit not for a while, but we were there on Saturday evening for the late performance (10.30-midnight) and 'old hands' as we are we were bowled over by it.
It's billed as "one of the world's most spectacular shows", and I don't think that's any exaggeration. The setting is part of it: on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, the castle itself as backdrop, the night sky above, the atmosphere is wonderful, and the performances by groups from all over the world, marked by skill, precision, and often humour, too, make it an enormously entertaining and uplifting event.
My photographs aren't up to much but the one above shows the massed bands with - projected onto the castle gatehouse - one of the scenes which represent the theme of this year's show, the natural beauty of Scotland.
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And now for something completely different: split into 10 Youtube videos of around 10 minutes each (there are 11 in total, but number 8 is unavailable, apparently) is A Conversation with Gregory Peck, a documentary made in 1999, which follows the man himself as he tours with his one-man show and relaxes at home and abroad with his family. It's a lovely late-life portrait.
Thanks for this. It has given me an idea.
I have recently offered to take a DVD along to a Care Home that has opened up in our area. They have a small cinema room and someone to operate the machine. I thought films of Hollywood musicals or such like would appeal to the older generation (and me as well). Well, it turns out they are too long. This sort of thing might be a better prospect.
Posted by: Barbara MacLeod | 07 August 2013 at 10:53 PM
Good idea, Barbara.
Posted by: Cornflower | 08 August 2013 at 09:29 PM