Alan Whicker, that mustachioed gentleman traveller, the original dapper vagabond. It was in the last great daring crusade that he honed his craft as the director of cameramen of the Army Film and Photo Unit (AFPU), or the “Army Film and Punishment Unit”. This two-part documentary is cracking. We seldom get the filmmakers as subject matter, the images of war taken for granted (our YouTube pleasures). Their sole purpose was to document. It’s our record of that struggle, the spearhead evidence offered to new generations. Their weapons were film reel.
Television programme : Whicker’s War. Pictured is Alan Whicker in his uniform as part of the Army Film and Photo Unit. He spent part of World War II in charge of a team of men following the Allied advance through italy, recording key moments for newsreels and papers back home. Notes (Still) Tx:16/08/2004 09:00 This picture may be used solely for Channel 4 programme publicity purposes in connection with the current broadcast of the programme(s) featured in the national and local press and listings. Not to be reproduced or redistributed for any use or in any medium not set out above (including the internet or other electronic form) without the prior written consent of Channel 4 Picture Publicity 020 7306 8685 CHANNEL 4 PICTURE PUBLICITY 124 Horseferry Road London SW1P 2TX 020 7306 8685
TELEVISION PROGRAMME: WHICKER’S WAR – C4 – Alan Whicker – In this two-parter, showing as part of channel 4’s Battle For Italy season, travel icon Alan whicker (pictured) recalls his World War II experiences. Whicker’s War 11.jpg
Whicker talks of the danger of seeking that ‘perfect shot’. You may get it, but that entails being up close. And then you’re dead. Only Oliver Stone’s Salvador(1986) comes to mind here, *the* photojournalism masterwork.
N.B. More than half of Whicker’s team were killed or wounded.
Wanderings and ... wonderings. 