Ok. Fair enough. It’s been quite a while, I’ll give you that…I’ve been stupidly busy with my day (proper) job, but have compiled, yet again, a collection of random bits and pieces of film from the ‘net, that have been doing there rounds here at HQ.

You might like some of it, you probably won’t like some of it, that’s fair to say. Anyway, below are some links to some of the things that have flashed onto the screen and into the retina of late, for better or worse…

Crackheads Gone Wild.
Not too much I can say about this. Not one of the most comfortable films to watch. The only thing I’ll say is that it will get you talking about the subject. And don’t watch it if you’re of a nervous disposition.In a typically cracked-out stylee, this film is in about 6 parts on YouTube. The link I’ve posted here is for the first part, the rest of ‘em are in the Related Videos list, when you start watching.

Bod and Breakfast.
After “Crackheads Gone Wild”, you’ll need to lighten the mood. Here’s an episode of 70’s kids TV classic; Bod.

London Underground Map Design.
Yes it’s the geeky film of the bunch, but it’s bloody brilliant. Put simply, your standard Tube/Metro/Subway map kind of looks similar, anywhere in the world. Yes, the Americans will say their system is the best. Yes the French will bang on about Art Deco stations. But, when it comes to sorting it all out, and figuring out how to get from A to B, it was an English man (Harry Beck) who did the job.

This film is a documentary about his map system whereby he did not draw things in any real kind of geographic reference. Instead, he worked on a series of lines and interconnecting points, that were far more easy to understand. The style and functionality of his design work is amazing.I’m not explaining this the best, here. Do yourself a favour. Watch it and learn something. Trust me.

Factory: From Joy Division to the Happy Mondays.
Yes, it is yet another programme about how cool Manchester music was in the 80s and 90s. The thing is, this is done properly. A BBC made documentary charting the rise and fall of Factory Records, the heartbeat of the Manchester scene, and responsible for a whole heap of stuff. Good interviews, wicked footage of loads of bands, the Hacienda……good stuff. Worth a watch, for sure. (Nice one to J for sorting me out this link)

Sabotage
Talking of trains. Here’s a 1936 Hitchcock film about a bad guy who has plans to blow up London’s tube network. The story really based around his wife. Its adapted from the Joseph Conran book “I Married A Murderer“. Great thriller. Well, it’s Hitchcock, isn’t it?

Right. Well there you go. Those few films should keep you out of trouble for a while. Remember to say no to crack, and to think about a tube map next time you’re sweating like a northern monkey trying to figure out how to get from Balham to Finchley….You could not have any kind of map, and be high on crack, trying to get around…..Remember kids, say no to drugs, and don’t play on railway lines!