The films were generally narrated in the style typical of newsreel films with a principal voice-over while letting the images tell the story. The narration was generally spoken over the natural sounds of the subject being discussed such as motor traffic or the activities within a workplace and with musical accompaniment. People who were featured in the programmes were seldom heard to speak unless as background sound, their activities and interactions with others generally being commented upon by the narrator. Otherwise the subject of the film or clip would address the camera directly or perform in a given situation, both in a staged and a scripted manner whereby the narrator could often add a humorous or ironic comment in the context of the subject. On occasions an expert or professional in the field of the subject could be seen to present the film directly to camera and provide voiceovers. However, in the most part, the narration of the films was provided by well known celebrities and presenters of the time including Raymond Baxter, Eamonn Andrews Wynford Vaughan-Thomas and Sid James, but the majority of the films were narrated by actor Tim Turner. At the end of each film the caption "Take a Look at Life Again Soon" would appear on screen.
When the first issue of Look At Life 'Marrakesh' was released in March 1959, it was hailed in the trade journals as an 'exciting venture in film journalism' and Rank announced this innovation would have 'a more lasting impact than the present ephemeral newsreel content.' [2] Look at Life was a popular formula but did become rather frozen in time with its light-hearted presentation and jaunty theme tune and despite subtle changes to the opening titles, their graphics and the introduction of the Rank 'gong' logo at the beginning of later films. Television led audiences into a documentary world that had more grit and less glamour than the relative escapism of the cinema and by 1969 Rank could no longer ensure the survival of the series and the concept waned just as other newsreels and magazine films also available at that time, such as the Pathé Pictorial which was shown on the rival ABC cinema circuit, and as cinema audience continued to decline rapidly on the verge of the 1970s.
Over 500 episodes were produced altogether. Digitally restored from the original film, the Look at Life series is now licensed by ITV Studios Global Entertainment, previously known on screen as Granada Ventures and distributed by Network Distributing. Many of the films have not been seen in full since their original showing in the cinemas, although a number of films have been previously released on Super 8 and more recently on DVD in themed categories. These include Look at Life - Swingin' London, which explores elements of contemporary London life, work and traditions and Look at Life - On the Railways, which represented the great changes that were taking place to Britain's railways in the wake of the modernisation programme and the decline of steam. However Network has gradually released box sets of the films in volumes. Volume 1 - Transport is a four disc compilation released in 2010 and contains 54 films on the theme of transport. Look at Life Volume 2 - Military was released in June 2011, while Volume 3 - Science was released in September 2011.
Two further volumes, Volume 4 - Sport and Volume 5 - Cultural Heritage, were for release in August and November 2012 respectively. Volume 6 - World Affairs was released on 1 February 2013. On 10 August 2015, a seventh volume "Business and Industry" was released
Date of Feature |
Title |
Synopsis |
1963 |
Figure it Out |
The story of computers: from electronic tape and punched cards, to austere-looking robots. |
1963 |
Keeping Clean |
An interesting look at the new mechanised way of cleaning. |
1963 |
The Destroyers |
Pests come in all shapes and sizes, from the woodworm and grain weevil to the homely city pigeon. This film shows the research which goes on to control them. |
1963 |
Back-Room of the Sky |
At Boscombe Down, on the edge of Salisbury Plain, every part of a new plane is tested, and it is then flown to its operational limit. Not only are the aircraft tested, but also the men who fly them. |
1963 |
People of Power |
A close look at the operation of the Berkeley Nuclear Power Station. |
1963 |
Second Chance |
This moving film shows an achievement in which science and humanity have combined to offer the 100,000 people in Britain who have lost a limb a chance to live happy and useful lives. |
1963 |
Key of the Door |
A look at the educational centres where training in technical subjects is aiming to keep pace with the demands of this scientific age. |
1963 |
You Can't Catch Much from a Fish |
‘Look at Life’ went to see what the six months’ compulsory quarantine means to the 3,000 dogs and 500 cats brought into Britain each year. |
1963 |
Men Under Pressure |
This exciting film shows the work of the men who build tunnels below water level, and the scientific and medical care that ensures they suffer no ill-effects from their unusual occupation. |
1964 |
Fings are Getting Smaller |
Taking a look at how everything is being reduced in size in the new compact age. |
1964 |
Salute the Engineer |
More and more engineers are needed to keep pace with developing industry; this film offers a glimpse of the wide range of jobs they undertake. |
1964 |
So Much Flattery! |
Few realise how far the art of imitation has developed. Synthetic furs and jewellery, artificial flowers and copies of great paintings, ‘marble’ made of laminated plastic, and that most quotidian of imitations – artificial teeth. |
1964 |
Having a Baby |
A look at the medical and social services available for both hospital and home births. |
1964 |
Power Needs No Passport |
Stretching across Western Europe is a network of electric power stations, linked by the transmission lines that span a continent. This is the story of an ever-present problem: Europe’s increasing need for electricity. |
1964 |
Wealth Under the Sea |
A trip to the North Sea to follow the search for oil. |
Date of Feature |
Title |
Synopsis |
1964 |
By Bread Alone |
A look at what is happening in the baking industry as scientists try to find out why bread doesn’t keep fresh longer and to solve the problem of staleness. |
1965 |
Frontiers of Medicine |
Machines are playing an increasing part not only in the treatment of disease, but also in helping to find out the causes of illness. |
1965 |
Sugaring the Pill |
Large numbers of pills are consumed every year; this film takes a look at the growth of the pharmaceutical industry. |
1965 |
Beating the Racket |
A look at what is being done to reduce noise levels. |
1965 |
Will Taps Run Dry? |
Much of Britain faces a water shortage every year. This film reveals the complex business of ensuring that the taps don’t run dry. |
1966 |
Treading on the Gas |
Following the ships that come from the Sahara Desert bringing methane gas. |
1966 |
Boxes of Tricks |
The teaching machine – the educational box of tricks – is being used increasingly today in schools, universities and industry. |
1966 |
The Givers |
Britain’s National Blood Transfusion Service came of age in 1967. It was the first of its kind in the world; Britain was and is today the best organised and equipped. |
1967 |
What Price Ideas? |
Taking a look at the new inventions that are being made in Britain today. |
1967 |
Cleaning People |
A look at the dry-cleaning business and the work of the chemists behind it. |
1967 |
Press-Button Farms |
A revolution is taking place down on the farm – the machines are taking over, so that the modern farmer can operate his farm almost single-handed. |
1967 |
Keeping Tabs on Space |
A look at Britain’s first spacecraft, UK3, and how it was created, tested and launched. |
1968 |
Brain Drain |
The brain drain, mainly in young scientists and engineers, has risen to a rate of 6,000 men a year. Why do they go? |
1968 |
North Sea Commuters |
A film providing the background to the tapping of the vast supply of natural energy that Britain has discovered on her doorstep. |
1969 |
Their Lifeline - The Nile |
A film about the colossal Aswan High Dam – Egypt’s greatest hope for the future. |
Date of Feature[7] |
Title |
Synopsis[8] |
1959 |
Marrakesh |
A look at Morocco’s historical third city. |
1959 |
The divided city |
A look at the two very different faces of Berlin. |
1959 |
Operation Noah’s Ark |
The building of Africa’s Kariba dam created a vast lake, meaning death for the animals marooned on higher ground; this film shows the work done to save them. |
1960 |
Seaway |
A look at the opening of the Saint Lawrence seaway. |
1960 |
Village of Violins |
A visit to the village of Mittenwald in the Bavarian Alps, where for 300 years violin-making has been a traditional craft. |
1960 |
Gibraltar’s new day |
Gibraltar has been a British outpost since 1704. This film visits the island as it prepares to become a holiday destination. |
1960 |
The Wind of Change |
A look at developments and achievements in Africa during the 1950s and 1960s. |
1960 |
Power for Africa |
A further look at Africa – in particular its increasing capacity to harness its waters. |
1961 |
Rolling out from Rio |
Six hundred miles inside Brazil stands the new capital Brasilia, one of the 20th century’s most imaginative projects. |
1961 |
Lady of Japan |
A look at the development of Japan, and especially Tokyo. |
1961 |
Flags over the Temples |
A look at the impact of the south-east Asia treaty organisation (SEATO) in Thailand. |
1961 |
City of Crisis |
A film that takes another look at the crisis-torn city of Berlin. |
1962 |
A Problem of People |
A film examining the ways in which Pakistan is tackling its immense refugee problem. |
1962 |
Eagle’s Nest |
Berchtesgaden, in the Bavarian Alps, attracts visitors from all over the world; many come to see Hitler's ‘Eagle’s Nest’, a feat of construction that survived World War II. |
1962 |
The Maple has New Leaves |
A film showing the emigration to Canada of a typical English family. |
1962 |
Chasing the Dragon |
A look at illegal drug trafficking in Hong Kong and the problems of heroin addiction. |
1962 |
The Trail leads Upwards |
A visit to a native Canadian family, and a look at the construction of a new bridge across the Niagara river. |
1962 |
G.H.Q. Middle East |
A mixture of the old and the new: a look at G.H.Q. middle east at Aden. |
1962 |
The Wall |
A visit to Hadrian's wall in Northumberland, and a more detailed examination of the Berlin wall. |
1962 |
Out of the Sun |
A look at immigration from the West Indies into Britain. |
1962? |
Common Market |
An assessment of the progress of the Common Market during a period in which its member countries have begun to remove trade barriers. |
1962 |
The Changing River |
A film looking at the changing face of the River Rhine. |
1962 |
Millions on the March |
Following the state visit of Queen Elizabeth II, this film looks at India’s development in terms of farming and industry. |
1962 |
Call from the Wild |
A look at wildlife protection in North and South Rhodesia, and the development of national parks. |
1963 |
Out of the Bush |
A look at the emerging independent countries of Africa, featuring images of life in both the village and the city. |
1963 |
Men of the Woods |
For centuries the men of Berchtesgaden have earned their living from the trees that surround them; now mechanisation is eroding their traditional skills. |
1963 |
Forging New Links |
The story of Ulster began when James I obtained money from the city of London to colonise the north of Ireland. This film looks at Ulster’s role in Britain’s productivity. |
1963 |
Gypsy Holiday |
Each year, Europe’s gypsies make a pilgrimage to the Camargue – the wild corner of France where the Rhône meets the Mediterranean. |
1963 |
Pick of the Bunch |
A look at wine producing in France and Germany. |
1964 |
The New Australians |
A trip to Australia to see how the country is coping with its large intake of immigrants. |
1964 |
Men of the Snowy |
Few migrants have ever found a more spectacular role than the men working together on Australia’s vast project to harness the waters of the Snowy River. |
1964 |
Singapore is Youth |
A look at a modern, forward-looking Singapore. |
1964 |
Off the Sheep’s Back |
Australia has 15 times more sheep than people, with wool providing nearly half of the country’s export earnings. But how does Australia envision its future? |
1964 |
Constant Hot Water |
A film looking at the volcanic zone of New Zealand, and the hot water it produces. |
1964 |
Tide on the Turn |
This film looks at the economic and social impact of foreign industrialists in the Irish republic. |
1964 |
Malta Milestone |
With the demise of the great naval dockyard, Malta has sought new ways to generate income... |
1965 |
Women at Sea |
A look at the various seafaring jobs for women – from work on the great passenger liners, to merchant navies. |
1965 |
James Bond’s Island |
A look at post-independence Jamaica, and the country’s hope to gain a firm footing in the modern world. |
1965 |
Volunteers for Service |
Part of the contribution made by Britain to assist newly independent countries in increasing their skills and knowledge. |
1965 |
Men Against the Sea |
For centuries the Dutch have fought against the sea: this film looks at the delta plan – a spectacular sea-defence scheme. |
1966 |
The Curtain Changes |
A look at the frontiers between Eastern and Western Europe. |
1966 |
On Top of the World |
A look at the changing way of life in Lapland – the vast tract of forest land that stretches across the north of Norway, Sweden and Finland, and into Russian. |
1966 |
Swedish Pattern |
Look at life goes to Sweden to examine the country’s pioneering way of life – and potential influence on Britain. |
1966 |
Market by the Danube |
A visit behind the iron curtain to Hungary to see how it has changed. |
1966 |
The Beach |
The world’s most famous beach is the Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro. But overlooking it are the shacks of the world’s poorest people. |
1966 |
Face Lift |
A tale of two cities looking at the ways in which Paris and London have set about cleaning up their appearance. |
1966 |
Incas in bowler hats |
The majority of the Bolivian population is Indian, with traditions dating back to the Incas. But the problem of uniting the Bolivians of Indian and Spanish descent remains. |
1966 |
One in Six |
A look at Luxembourg, a country of 1,000 square miles and, in the early 1960s, a population of 50,000. |
1966 |
An Island Awakes |
Sardinia was once considered a depressed area; this film looks at the changes resulting from a major development plan. |
1966 |
City of All Nations |
A visit to São Paulo in Brazil, a city which is growing continually each year. |
1966 |
The Six Come Closer |
A close look at the European Community, showing some of the problems that the common market has had to solve. |
1966 |
Jobs Where You Like |
A film examining one of the most exciting aspects of the common market: the free movement of migrant workers. |
1966 |
Pipeline to Plenty |
A look at how Kuwait is coping with its newly acquired wealth, and the provisions being made for the future. |
1967 |
End of a Polish March |
A look at the lives of Britain’s Polish community. |
1967 |
Once Upon a Time... |
A trip to Denmark to look at the Danish way of life. |
1967 |
Living on a Volcano |
Ascension Island is home to many families, who sometimes work there for up to two years. |
1967 |
Chinatown |
A look at the world of the Chinese who have made Britain their home. |
1967 |
Inside Russia 1: Fifty! |
A film providing a background to the achievements of the Russian people – expressed in great housing schemes, giant dams and, of course, the conquest of space. |
1967 |
Inside Russia 2: The Heiresses |
A look at the role of women in the soviet union – from helping to build new flats to running factories, driving buses to presiding over divorce courts. |
1967 |
Inside Russia 3: Childhood |
A film that traces the story of Russian children, through kindergarten, school and university. |
1967 |
Inside Russia 4: The Woken Land |
Although Siberia conjures up a picture of exile and slave labour, the new Siberia has modern cities with young populations. This film explores life east of the Urals. |
1968 |
Winter Blossoms |
A look at the rapid changes taking place in the Algarve, with the planning of luxury development schemes along the coastline. |
1968 |
Man of the Desert |
A look at changes taking place in Tunisia, ten years after it gained independence. |
1968 |
Something New Under Everest |
Nepal, once a forbidden country, is opening up; this film offers a picture of life in one of the world’s most picturesque countries, as old customs give way to new ideas. |
1968 |
A New Shade of Red |
A look at the changing pattern of Czech life during the upheaval of 1968. |
1968 |
Coming of Age |
A film about India; what has been achieved, and what still remains to be done in the sub-continent where problems are never small ones. |
1968 |
Home is Tibet |
A film looking at Tibetan refugees, and the way in which their Dalai Lama has kept the scattered community intact. |
1968 |
The Sinking City |
A look at the efforts being made to prevent Venice from sinking. |
1968 |
Escape into Riches |
A look at the spiritual wealth of India – as expressed in her art and design, her music and dance, and her sculpture and architecture. |
1969 |
In the Shadow of the Wall |
Behind the Berlin wall is a death-strip with electrified fences and watchtowers; this film also looks at the rebuilding of West Berlin, and the hope of reunification. |
1969 |
After the Queen’s Visit |
In 1968, the Queen paid a state visit to Chile – the first British reigning monarch to do so. This film considers what the future holds for this country. |
1969 |
Look at Man |
Look at life visits the Isle of Man to discover why it wants greater independence. |