0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles
0:00:05 > 0:00:10- The film "The Last Days Of Dolwyn" - opens with a shot of a reservoir.
0:00:10 > 0:00:16- The camera focuses on a monument - marking where the village stood.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20- The village was drowned in 1892.
0:00:20 > 0:00:25- At five years of age, - I remember standing by the lake...
0:00:25 > 0:00:29- ..with my father and older brother.
0:00:30 > 0:00:35- The cameras were behind us. - People told me not to look back.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38- But I kept looking back.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42- I remember them - having to shoot several takes.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- I was amazed - at how good the film was.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- It had so much passion.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- Many people remember the film - and who was in it.
0:01:01 > 0:01:06- Local people acted in it. - It has created a wonderful myth.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- We're all going to be deported - - to England!
0:01:11 > 0:01:16- We see the old village as it was, - and I get to see my old dog.
0:01:17 > 0:01:22- It was a film made in our village - - part of our heritage.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39- THE DROWNING OF DOLWYN
0:01:39 > 0:01:43- Fifty years ago, - the "The Last Days Of Dolwyn"...
0:01:44 > 0:01:47- ..was filmed at Rhyd-y-main, - near Dolgellau.
0:01:47 > 0:01:52- Many local people - have sweet memories of this film.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58- It was to change the lives - of those who were involved in it.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03- My brother, Richard Burton, - took part in this film.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- This was his first - screen appearance.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- Rich's mentor and friend, - Emlyn Williams...
0:02:15 > 0:02:20- ..wrote and directed the film. - He also played a leading role.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26- Many famous Welsh actors - appeared in it...
0:02:26 > 0:02:32- ..as Emlyn Williams tried to portray - a 19th century Welsh village.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37- Local residents - made a valuable contribution...
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- ..both seen and unseen.
0:02:44 > 0:02:51- In the film, I was in charge - of the dog, Mot, and the sheep.
0:02:51 > 0:02:56- I had to make sure that Mot - kept an eye on these sheep.
0:02:56 > 0:03:01- Maurice Browning, a monoglot - Englishman, was a shepherd.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06- He had to sing a Welsh folk song - on the riverbank.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17- My job was to make sure - Mot and the sheep kept quiet.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20- It wasn't easy.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- We had to do it more than once.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27- The dog and the sheep - had to be quiet.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32- The weather wasn't good - when they were filming in July.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- What did you do?
0:03:36 > 0:03:38- What did you do?- - I hid behind a hedge.
0:03:38 > 0:03:43- Mot knew I was there - but he stayed and watched the sheep.
0:03:45 > 0:03:50- We had to stay there until - the film people were satisfied.
0:03:52 > 0:03:59- The children of Rhyd-y-main school - also joined in the excitement.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- I lived in this house behind me...
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- ..so I was a favourite for a part.
0:04:11 > 0:04:17- There were three of us from - the school, two boys and one girl.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19- I played ball with him.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25- I remember the ball was colourful - and filled with cotton wool.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- We were by the river, - playing with the ball.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35- When Hugh Griffith left the village - on a horse and cart...
0:04:37 > 0:04:42- ..Meinir and I were playing - by the wall and I raised my arm.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- You can see it in the film.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- My friend Dewi - was in the window of our house.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- I was lucky to be out playing.
0:04:52 > 0:04:58- Clem Owen from Dolgellau got the - job of driving the stars around...
0:04:58 > 0:05:00- ..in a big American Chrysler.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05- I worked in a garage at that time, - just after the War.
0:05:06 > 0:05:12- One day, we had a call to go down - to the vestry in Bontddu...
0:05:15 > 0:05:20- ..to fetch the stars - and take them to Rhyd-y-main.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- A film was being made there.
0:05:26 > 0:05:32- It was very new to me and I didn't - really understand what was going on.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37- I was feeling quite nervous - at the thought of it.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- I had heard of Emlyn Williams.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- But I had only seen him on film.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- Believe me, I felt quite nervous.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- My brother and sister - were extras in the film...
0:05:54 > 0:05:59- ..with a boy from the USA - who was here on holiday.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06- They said, "Goodnight" - to Edith Evans after the service.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11- But you barely saw them. - If you blinked, you missed them.
0:06:12 > 0:06:18- My brother, his wife, and their son - had come over from America.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23- They stayed with us in the village - for a few days.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- Emlyn Williams - asked if he'd like to take part.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- He was so delighted.
0:06:33 > 0:06:38- They never saw the film in Wales, - but they saw it in Chicago.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42- That gave them great pleasure.
0:06:43 > 0:06:48- I'm pretty sure I'm the one - at the back of the chapel...
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- ..being held in someone's arms.
0:06:51 > 0:06:57- It looks like me at that age - - but of course it's a long time ago.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- Relatives say it- is- me.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- There was great enthusiasm here.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- I was one of seven girls.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15- We had to walk from Rhyd-y-main Hall - down to the village.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17- That's when they filmed us.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24- Two were from Dolgellau - and five were from Rhyd-y-main.
0:07:26 > 0:07:33- The total sum was three pounds - - a huge sum for an 11-year-old then.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- It was enough to buy a bike!
0:07:38 > 0:07:40- I remember the excitement.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47- The village centre was full of - people and action and noise.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52- Many people were shouting - at each other.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57- People were in their costumes. - I had to dress up for the part.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02- I had to wear braids and so on - - which was strange.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- We were eager to see the film stars.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- There was no television - in those days.
0:08:11 > 0:08:19- Russell Lloyd, - Associate Director - On one oc- the unit - were invited to have tea...
0:08:19 > 0:08:24- ..about six of us went to have tea - with Mrs Roberts.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- During the conversation, - somebody said...
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- .."Mrs Roberts, we're going to go - to chapel tomorrow"...
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- .."but I don't know - that we'll understand too much".
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- She said, "Yes, the whole service - is in Welsh"...
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- .."except for the collection"!
0:08:48 > 0:08:53- I came here with Hugh - when he was doing the film.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- There was a lot of excitement here.
0:08:57 > 0:09:04- Elen Roger Jones, - Hugh Griffith's sister Peop- - - in period costumes.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08- It was something new - - something special.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15- I've often wondered - why they chose Rhyd-y-main...
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- ..and not some other area.
0:09:21 > 0:09:27- Emlyn Williams had looked at sixty - villages in north and mid Wales...
0:09:27 > 0:09:33- ..before discovering Rhyd-y-main as - he travelled from Dolgellau to Bala.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- Here, he found what he wanted.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- A small, neat village - on the banks of a stream...
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- ..with no modern buildings.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- Workmen turned it - into one large film set.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- In front of the house - was a lamp and a well.
0:09:52 > 0:09:59- This bridge had been covered in wood - which made it look old-fashioned.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- Then there was the Dolwyn Arms.
0:10:02 > 0:10:08- In real life, a chapel deacon and - his wife lived in the Dolwyn Arms.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- We're standing here - in front of the Dolwyn Arms.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- There was no tavern in the village.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- They had put a small porch - on pillars here.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- It had "Dolwyn Arms" - written above it.
0:10:27 > 0:10:32- People came down from chapel - and in through this door.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- Straight from chapel to the pub?
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- Straight from chapel to the pub?- - Yes!
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- If you look - on the upper part of this wall...
0:10:43 > 0:10:50- ..you can still see traces of the - mouldings they did during filming...
0:10:52 > 0:10:57- ..to make the upper part of the wall - match the lower part.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- The only building which didn't - please Emlyn was the chapel.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- It was too large and too modern.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- The chapel was camouflaged.
0:11:10 > 0:11:16- The roof was completely covered - with bracken and vegetation.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- They painted one side of the chapel.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- In front of it they placed trees.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34- You could swear - they had grown there naturally.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- They were there for some weeks.
0:11:37 > 0:11:43- The chapel blended in perfectly - with the trees in the background.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- They had camouflaged it well.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- In placing pillars - outside the Dolwyn Arms...
0:11:54 > 0:12:00- ..Emlyn must have been influenced - by houses in nearby Llanfachreth.
0:12:01 > 0:12:06- He also borrowed the image - of the church at Llanfachreth...
0:12:06 > 0:12:10- ..for the old church - that stands above Dolwyn.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- Rhyd-y-main chapel - remains hidden in the film.
0:12:16 > 0:12:22- But this chapel, Bethel Llanfachreth - is an important location.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- Here, I can hear echoes - of Emlyn's childhood...
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- ..in a Flintshire village.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37- He would sit in chapel, listening - to the preachers' performances.
0:13:02 > 0:13:08- Preachers at important services - made a deep impression on Emlyn.
0:13:08 > 0:13:15- Richard was certainly influenced by - our local chapel, Noddfa, Taibach.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20- I've a theory that if I or - Hugh Griffith or Emlyn Williams...
0:13:21 > 0:13:26- ..had been born forty years earlier, - we would all have become preachers.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32- Until about 1925, there were - no Welsh actors that I know of.
0:13:32 > 0:13:39- The most important Welsh dramatic - figure then was Emlyn Williams.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- If Emlyn could do it, so could we.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51- At this time, Welsh actors started - moving into the professional world.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- Think about them - - Clifford Evans, Richard...
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- ..Emlyn, Hugh Griffith, - Stanley Baker.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06- I don't know why a group of them - suddenly appeared.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09- There was no nepotism.
0:14:09 > 0:14:14- No-one said, - "Why don't you give my mate a job?".
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- We all came together - at the right time.
0:14:18 > 0:14:24- To discover what Emlyn had in mind - when he filmed "Dolwyn"...
0:14:24 > 0:14:29- ..I looked at his scrapbooks - - now kept at the National Library.
0:14:29 > 0:14:34- He had collected press cuttings - and photographs of the production.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42- Meredith Edwards' name is missing - from the list of actors.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- I was just starting on my career.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51- I'd heard about this film. - I was in Liverpool at the time.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55- I was doing 'The Cherry Orchard' - at the old St James's Theatre.
0:14:57 > 0:15:02- I wrote to Emlyn, and fair play, - he said, "Come and see me".
0:15:02 > 0:15:07- The first time I met Emlyn Williams, - he was in bed...
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- ..eating his breakfast, - taking the top off his egg!
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- "Sorry, but I've been working - all night," he said.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- I said, "I'd heard - you were making a film".
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- "I'm very sorry," he said, - "but it's cast".
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- "But I would like you - to have been in it."
0:15:30 > 0:15:34- "You go back and get - as much experience as you can."
0:15:34 > 0:15:38- "Perhaps we could work - together again."
0:15:38 > 0:15:44- I did work with him, towards - the end of his life, on television.
0:15:45 > 0:15:51- Brook Williams, - Emlyn Williams' Son - He didn't- - y much.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- But he found them restful.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58- While waiting in his dressing room, - he used to write.
0:15:58 > 0:16:04- He had no idea what was going on - when he wasn't on the set.
0:16:04 > 0:16:09- He'd go out, they'd put him - on a mark, he'd say his lines...
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- ..then he'd go back and write - another scene for his next play.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21- A chap called Russell Lloyd - was a tremendous help to Emlyn.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- He knew films - and could also direct...
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- ..or stand behind the camera - and direct Emlyn.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- I was credited with being - Associate Director.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42- In fact, Emlyn rehearsed the scene - with the artists...
0:16:44 > 0:16:50- ..but it was up to me to decide the - set-ups, the artists' movements...
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- ..when they did this - and when they did that.
0:16:55 > 0:17:01- Also, the great thing of saying, - "Action!" and "Cut!" at the end.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08- I remember one wet day, - when nothing was happening.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- Everyone was feeling fed up.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- I went to the car to have a snooze.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30- Suddenly, I heard a noise - in the back of the car.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- I looked behind me - - and it was Emlyn Williams.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- He'd gone there for a snooze too.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- He told me he wouldn't mind - changing jobs with me.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49- He couldn't do anything - in such bad weather.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- I told him - I didn't think he'd like my job.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- With Emlyn, it wasn't so much - the conversation...
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- ..but the way he looked at you.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11- You didn't have to regard him - as some important man...
0:18:11 > 0:18:13- ..and yet he was important.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17- That's probably why - he was such a great man.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- Emlyn Williams - used to come to this cottage.
0:18:22 > 0:18:27- He came here every day - and my mother would give him tea...
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- ..and a sort of pancake. - That was a real treat.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- That's what we'd give him - as a real treat.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- Were you rewarded - at the end of the day?
0:18:42 > 0:18:44- Yes. A crate of grapes from London.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50- He was a very kind man.
0:18:52 > 0:18:58- He always knew how to treat people. - He got the best out of everyone.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- No-one refused him anything.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- There was great cooperation - between everyone.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11- The original script - is also at the Library.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- It's full of Emlyn's notes.
0:19:15 > 0:19:21- There's a lot of Welsh in it - - something Emlyn had to battle for.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29- In his later life, I worked with him - on a film in Anglesey.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- I got to know him. - He was a wonderful man.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- I told him I'd seen - "The Last Days Of Dolwyn"...
0:19:38 > 0:19:42- ..and was amazed - at how much Welsh there was in it.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49- He said he'd had trouble - with the producer.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- He'd say, - "Is this Welsh? It's got to go".
0:19:56 > 0:19:58- "Don't want that rubbish."
0:19:58 > 0:20:03- Emlyn said, "If that goes, - then the film's not made".
0:20:03 > 0:20:07- This was the first film - Emlyn directed.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- He had invested a lot in it.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17- It would have been so easy to say, - "Oh, alright, then".
0:20:17 > 0:20:22- At that time, there was - no Welsh Language Society...
0:20:22 > 0:20:27- ..no fuss about the language. - We all had to compromise.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- Emlyn made a stand.
0:20:33 > 0:20:33- Subtitles
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:20:36 > 0:20:42- In 1943, Emlyn Williams gave Rich - his first professional stage part.
0:20:44 > 0:20:49- Five years later, it was - Williams who put him on screen.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- That was the beginning for Rich.
0:21:06 > 0:21:12- Verdun Jenkins: Burton's brother - Emlyn Williams gave him the break - in "The- - olwyn".
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- I couldn't have been happier.
0:21:16 > 0:21:22- In general, it is remembered - because it was Burton's first film.
0:21:23 > 0:21:28- He was very striking - - handsome and photogenic.
0:21:29 > 0:21:35- For me, the one who stood - out was Richard Burton.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- He stood out with out a doubt.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46- His voice was remarkable - - when he spoke and when he sang.
0:21:48 > 0:21:54- You could tell from his voice - he would go far.
0:22:04 > 0:22:09- It was also a significant time - in Rich's personal life.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- He met Sybil Williams, - a young Welsh actress.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- She had a lovely personality.
0:22:18 > 0:22:24- Emlyn Williams initiated it all - and soon they were in love.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- Sybil was an extra - - a Welsh peasant lady.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- She told me this story later...
0:22:34 > 0:22:40- At the end of the day, the extras - would queue up for their money.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49- I don't know what they were getting. - Not much - about 2 10s.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57- She'd queue up - to be paid by the day.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- She realised there were - quite a lot of extras.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13- So, she said to another girl, - "Lend me your bonnet".
0:23:17 > 0:23:21- She swapped bonnets with the girl - and Sybil got in the line again...
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- ..and got another 2 10s - as a different person.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32- That's when she met Richard. - He was tickled by the idea.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37- It wasn't all hard work.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41- Emlyn gave the actors - a taste of Welsh culture.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45- Clem Owen remembers - one trip in particular.
0:23:46 > 0:23:52- I took them to Penybont Fawr, - home of the harpist, Nancy Richards.
0:23:56 > 0:24:02- My passengers were Emlyn Williams, - Richard Burton and Hugh Griffith.
0:24:06 > 0:24:12- They were all singing - I remember - Richard singing 'Aderyn Pur'.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17- He had a great singing voice.
0:24:18 > 0:24:24- Then, the roads became steeper - and the fog a little thicker.
0:24:29 > 0:24:35- On the right, there was a big - drop and Richard was scared.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41- He said "Clem, you're - a better singer than driver".
0:24:41 > 0:24:44- I'm sure he was afraid of the drop.
0:24:47 > 0:24:53- Also making his debut - was the actor, Dafydd Havard.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02- I was proud to work on the film - - glad to work on any film.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16- When Emlyn Williams asked - for a taxi, I said...
0:25:22 > 0:25:28- I was there for a week instead of - a day because it rained.
0:25:33 > 0:25:39- I was paid at the end - of every day on location.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44- I said, "Every time it rains, - I can buy a new suit".
0:25:44 > 0:25:50- After a week, Emlyn said, "You'll be - able to buy lots of new suits now".
0:25:53 > 0:25:58- Emlyn Williams asked me to help - Dame Edith Evans...
0:25:59 > 0:26:02- ..to master the Welsh accent.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05- She came from south-east England.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11- She picked up the accent - very quickly.
0:26:11 > 0:26:16- She was a great actress - and she prepared herself well...
0:26:17 > 0:26:22- ..to pronounce her lines - with a natural Welsh accent.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- She was the chapel cleaner.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30- I remember her being - very stately and grand.
0:26:33 > 0:26:38- Most chapel cleaners - are quite ordinary women.
0:26:38 > 0:26:44- I'm not so sure if she'd captured - the essence of such a character.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46- She had a strong personality.
0:26:49 > 0:26:55- In one scene, where Emlyn meets - Edith Evans in the chapel...
0:26:58 > 0:27:04- ..I wanted Edith up in the pulpit - and Emlyn sitting down.
0:27:04 > 0:27:09- Emlyn said it made her - more important than him.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13- I said, "That is exactly - what I want to happen.
0:27:14 > 0:27:20- For her to be more important than - him but not play as if she knew."
0:27:22 > 0:27:26- That is how the scene was done.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39- It was film debut - of the famous stage actress.
0:27:41 > 0:27:46- The extras' union was the FAA - - Film Artists' Association.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50- One of the extras asked Dame Edith - if she was a member.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54- She went to Emlyn and said...
0:27:56 > 0:27:59- "Emlyn, they say I can't work - in pictures...
0:27:59 > 0:28:03- ..unless I'm a member of the FAA."
0:28:03 > 0:28:06- What is the FAA?"
0:28:07 > 0:28:10- Despite his limited film work...
0:28:10 > 0:28:15- ..Hugh Griffith was given - a key role in "Dolwyn" by Emlyn.
0:28:16 > 0:28:22- This pleased his mother who wanted - him to keep his job at the bank.
0:28:24 > 0:28:30- Mam was very worried when - he left the bank to go to RADA...
0:28:31 > 0:28:37- ..but when she heard he had a part - in a film with a Welsh theme...
0:28:37 > 0:28:41- ..she changed her mind a little.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45- Hugh was a character.
0:28:45 > 0:28:51- He played himself a lot - he had - this magnificent face and eyes.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56- I loved his expression.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00- He looked as though he'd kill you.
0:29:00 > 0:29:05- Fifty years on, - I can still see those eyes.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09- Such penetrating eyes.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13- Was he mad or not?
0:29:15 > 0:29:18- Whichever, he was a great friend.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24- Every actor must be a bit - of a rogue or a vagabond.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29- That what they used to be.
0:29:30 > 0:29:35- It's essential to be a rogue - in order to act.
0:29:35 > 0:29:41- That's why I don't understand why - preachers and ministers act so well.
0:29:50 > 0:29:56- Despite playing comic characters, - Hugh had strong political beliefs.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01- He always spoke up for Wales.
0:30:02 > 0:30:07- I knew "The Last Days Of Dolwyn" - was being filmed in Rhyd-y-main...
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- ..and that Hugh Griffith was there.
0:30:12 > 0:30:18- So, I arranged a Plaid Cymru - meeting in Dolgellau...
0:30:18 > 0:30:21- ..with Hugh Griffith - as guest speaker.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26- I contacted him - and he was keen to take part.
0:30:26 > 0:30:32- I organised the meeting - at the library for eight o'clock...
0:30:34 > 0:30:38- ..and he said, - "Come to dinner with me beforehand".
0:30:39 > 0:30:45- Sitting opposite us at the table - was Richard Burton.
0:30:48 > 0:30:54- He was young and very handsome - and on the brink of stardom...
0:30:55 > 0:30:57- ..in "The Last Days Of Dolwyn".
0:30:58 > 0:31:02- He was extremely friendly.
0:31:03 > 0:31:09- I plucked up the courage to ask - him to join us at the meeting.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12- "Alright", he said.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16- Hugh Griffith - gave a brilliant speech.
0:31:18 > 0:31:23- At the end, he said, - "Richard Burton is with us tonight".
0:31:23 > 0:31:29- "He is a young actor - who will be famous one day."
0:31:31 > 0:31:33- "Richard, come here" he said.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36- "Right, I will", he said.
0:31:37 > 0:31:43- He spoke a little in Welsh - before he lost his confidence...
0:31:44 > 0:31:47- ..and changed to English.
0:31:47 > 0:31:52- However, his love of Wales - came through in his words.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58- I felt he was truly with us.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02- I'll never forget that evening.
0:32:04 > 0:32:10- Coincidentally, Hugh also speaks - at a public meeting in the film.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22- His words now seem prophetic.
0:32:22 > 0:32:28- Who could have foreseen the sad irony - in Emlyn's work of fiction?
0:32:31 > 0:32:36- Emlyn Williams' inspiration - came during a dry summer...
0:32:37 > 0:32:42- ..when he saw the remains of a - village at the bottom of a reservoir.
0:32:45 > 0:32:51- Fifty years ago, water wasn't - as controversial as it is today.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55- It became a political matter - when a few miles from Rhydymain...
0:32:55 > 0:33:01- ..the village of Capel Celyn in - the valley of Tryweryn was drowned.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31- The Tryweryn business - came to remind us...
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- ..when Tryweryn - near Bala was drowned...
0:33:35 > 0:33:39- ..it made us think of - "The Last Days Of Dolwyn".
0:33:39 > 0:33:45- There were many similarities. - There was some connection there.
0:33:45 > 0:33:51- Just seven years after - "The Last Days Of Dolwyn"...
0:33:52 > 0:33:55- ..that is exactly what happened.
0:33:56 > 0:34:01- Rumours were rife that - Liverpool was to drown Tryweryn.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07- It was incredible - - totally prophetic.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10- Every time I pass Tryweryn lake...
0:34:11 > 0:34:15- ..I always think of - "The Last Days Of Dolwyn".
0:34:22 > 0:34:22- Subtitles
0:34:22 > 0:34:24- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:34:26 > 0:34:32- After six weeks, it was time for - Emlyn and the crew to say goodbye.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39- I was asked to go to Bontddu...
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- ..to pick up Richard Burton.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48- The filming for "The Last Days - Of Dolwyn" had finished.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52- We were on our way to Dolgellau.
0:34:55 > 0:35:01- I helped Richard with his cases - on to the platform.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06- I can see him now - putting his hand into his pocket...
0:35:06 > 0:35:10- "Clem, here's a pound note - for a pint", he said.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14- I'll never forget it.
0:35:15 > 0:35:20- If I'd made him sign it, - it would be worth a lot now...
0:35:22 > 0:35:25- ..but a pound in those days - was a lot too.
0:35:27 > 0:35:32- Wages were low - - a pound was a great help.
0:35:35 > 0:35:41- Some of the houses in Rhyd-y-main - were re-created in the studio.
0:35:44 > 0:35:50- Emlyn's son recalls being let loose - on the set during his holidays.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54- I was dressed up as a little boy.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58- If I appeared in a scene - by mistake...
0:36:02 > 0:36:04- ..if I wandered off, - it would be alright...
0:36:04 > 0:36:10- ..because I looked like one - of the kids in the village.
0:36:11 > 0:36:17- I had quite a good time - we were - told to play games in the street...
0:36:18 > 0:36:23- ..and pretend - the camera wasn't there.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27- The most boring thing was - the fact that the camera was there.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31- People would shout "Quiet, Please!".
0:36:33 > 0:36:36- The film was released in early 1949.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41- Many remember seeing it - - for different reasons.
0:36:42 > 0:36:47- When the film was shown in Bangor...
0:36:48 > 0:36:52- ..a bus full of locals - went to see it.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56- It was an exciting day.
0:36:57 > 0:37:02- I remember going to Bangor - to see the film.
0:37:03 > 0:37:08- It was so exciting - and we had free admission.
0:37:09 > 0:37:10- Cis said to me...
0:37:14 > 0:37:18- .."Verd, our Rich's film - is at the Plaza in Swansea".
0:37:19 > 0:37:21- Let's all go and see it.
0:37:21 > 0:37:26- We were thrilled. - The whole family queued up.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30- Someone knew my sister, Hilda.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34- "That's Richard Burton's sister!"
0:37:36 > 0:37:39- He was Richard Jenkins then, - of course.
0:37:40 > 0:37:46- We all went in without paying - a penny - what a night!
0:37:47 > 0:37:51- I saw it at the cinema in Bala...
0:37:52 > 0:37:55- ..and I took my two children.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59- It was a new thing for them.
0:38:00 > 0:38:05- By then, their grandmother - had moved to the village.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09- They were familiar with Rhyd-y-main.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17- In the scene - where the flooding begins...
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- ..and the water thunders - through the village...
0:38:22 > 0:38:26- ..and into the houses - and through the houses...
0:38:28 > 0:38:33- ..my children were frightened - - they were shouting and screaming.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38- They were so frightened - I had to take them out.
0:38:39 > 0:38:45- Gwilym Hughes is - in The Guinness Book of Records...
0:38:45 > 0:38:49- ..for having watched - the highest number of films ever.
0:38:49 > 0:38:55- Gwilym Hughes, Film Expert - I've seen "The Last Days - Of Dol- - es.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59- What do you think of the film?
0:38:59 > 0:39:03- It's not Oscar material - but it is a piece of history.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07- It's a historical document.
0:39:09 > 0:39:15- "Dolwyn" has a clever script. - It is deceptively complex.
0:39:16 > 0:39:21- Some might expect a tale - of English against Welsh...
0:39:21 > 0:39:24- ..but it's not that simple.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29- The villain of the piece - is a Welshman.
0:39:30 > 0:39:35- Emlyn Williams' plays a Welshman - who's turned his back on his people.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40- When asked if he's a Welshman, - he replies...
0:39:40 > 0:39:44- "I've been out of Wales for - twenty years. I'm a cosmopolitan."
0:39:44 > 0:39:48- "Dolwyn" is a tale about - a man who takes revenge...
0:39:49 > 0:39:53- ..on the village that disowned him - for stealing from chapel as a boy.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57- Years later, he returns - to take his revenge.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01- I found it a very realistic film.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07- It never got the credit it deserved.
0:40:08 > 0:40:13- Russell Lloyd, Associate Producer - I enjoyed it as much as any film.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17- It may be looked upon now - as a bit old-fashioned...
0:40:18 > 0:40:22- ..but then it was old-fashioned - in those days.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27- I enjoyed it...
0:40:28 > 0:40:33- ..but there was too much - melodrama and singing.
0:40:35 > 0:40:41- Some singing was needed - but not so much of it.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48- Today, I look at the film - in a different way.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52- I feel nostalgic.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58- The strong acting - still comes across today.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03- It's fifty years - since Rhyd-y-main became famous.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11- Fifty years is a big slice - of anyone's life.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16- The young have become grandparents...
0:41:20 > 0:41:23- ..and young actors have grown old.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26- The stars are now screen legends.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32- Hugh Griffith became a famous actor.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37- He won an Oscar for 'Ben Hur'.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42- Emlyn Williams worked mainly - in theatre.
0:41:42 > 0:41:48- "The Last Days Of Dolwyn" was - his first and last film as director.
0:41:48 > 0:41:54- The one who received the greatest - career boost was my brother, Rich.
0:41:57 > 0:42:02- Years later, I saw him - - when he'd gone to America...
0:42:05 > 0:42:09- ..and I said to myself, - "You were right".
0:42:10 > 0:42:16- We're lucky - - Richard was born in the south...
0:42:17 > 0:42:20- ..but in a way, - he was born in the north too...
0:42:21 > 0:42:23- ..since he made his first film - in north Wales.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27- We should be proud - that we can all share him.
0:42:30 > 0:42:36- Actors and authors know a story must - have a beginning, middle and end.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40- Life is also like that...
0:42:41 > 0:42:43- ..with birth, life and death...
0:42:44 > 0:42:46- ..a beginning, a middle, and an end.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52- My brother's story begins - at Pontrhydyfen in 1925...
0:42:54 > 0:42:58- ..and ends in Switzerland - 58 years later.
0:43:00 > 0:43:06- The family feels it that Rhyd-y-main - was the turning point in his career.
0:43:07 > 0:43:13- That's when his career - started in earnest.
0:43:14 > 0:43:20- I remember seeing Rich - at Stratford-on-Avon in 'Henry V'.
0:43:21 > 0:43:27- He came on stage and stood still - - no movement at all.
0:43:27 > 0:43:30- Everyone was looking at him.
0:43:30 > 0:43:36- I thought, thank you, Emlyn Williams - for "The Last Days Of Dolwyn".
0:43:43 > 0:43:48- I'm glad Rich had his screen break - in a film with a Welsh theme.
0:43:49 > 0:43:55- Despite making some 60 other films, - only one other, 'Under Milk Wood'...
0:43:56 > 0:43:58- ..was filmed in Wales.
0:43:59 > 0:44:02- Despite being fifty years old...
0:44:02 > 0:44:06- .."The Last Days Of Dolwyn" - still has its own charm.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09- I think it's a lovely film.
0:44:10 > 0:44:16- It's a classic of a kind - and a part of history.
0:44:17 > 0:44:21- It was the first chance - to see Welsh actors...
0:44:23 > 0:44:27- ..in this lovely village. - Isn't it lovely?
0:44:27 > 0:44:30- I'm glad Emlyn has had recognition.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34- I unveiled this plaque for him.
0:44:35 > 0:44:38- I'm glad they remembered Emlyn.
0:44:39 > 0:44:45- It was a golden age for Wales when - the Welsh made the film "Dolwyn".
0:44:47 > 0:44:50- Lovely - I hope it lasts forever.
0:44:50 > 0:44:50- .