Guide to British Music of the 1960s
August 2024
DVD Review
Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush
British Film Institute
Released: 2015
This film, released in 1968, is a real period piece. It has the feel of the sexual liberation and awakening of the time, at least how we may view it today. The 1960s are seen as a decade of sexual liberation, especially after the arrival of the pill in 1964. Consequently everyone was "at it". Well maybe not but there was certainly a liberalisation of attitudes and people were out to enjoy themselves. London was "apparently" swinging and it was a great time to be alive. So we are told.
Jamie, played by Barry "Mind Your Langage" Evans is caught up in the excitement of the Swinging Sixties. He lives in Stevenage, a new town to the north of London. It's a great time to be young especially when beautiful girls are throwing themselves at you. Best friend Spike (Christopher Timothy) encourages Jamie to sow his wild oats and lose his virginity. With his lack of experience Jamie is somewhat clumsy. His actions or the words of Jamie and Spike would certainly raise a few eyebrows in 2024! Despite plenty of "options" available, Jamie is focused on Mary played by Judy Geeson. Finally, they get time away together.
All this happens in the new town of Stevenage. At the time the town was seen as up and coming and a blueprint for the future. An extra on the DVD is a promotional film for Stevenage. This extra and the shots of Stevenage will be very interesting to those who know the town. Roundabouts, cycle lanes, the shopping centre and 1960s estates say much about the town and are very recognisable almost 60 years later.
Like many British films of this era there is some great music. The title theme is from Traffic featuring Steve Winwood. Winwood's former band, the Spencer Davis Group also appear playing a fete. This is Spencer Davis Group Mk 2 with Phil Sawyer on guitar. Andy Ellison from John's Children also has a entry on the film's soundtrack. Listen out for Utterly Simple, Picture of Her and many more.