British Pathe

Isle of Man.

L/S of huge palm trees with water in the background - tropical island setting. C/U low angle shot of the top of a palm tree. L/S of the 'tropical island setting'. Cut to completely opposite scene - cliffs, beach, green hills and a row of little white cottages. This is not a tropical...

Isle of Man.

L/S of huge palm trees with water in the background - tropical island setting. C/U low angle shot of the top of a palm tree. L/S of the 'tropical island setting'. Cut to completely opposite scene - cliffs, beach, green hills and a row of little white cottages. This is not a tropical island - this is the Isle of Man!

L/S of sheep in the field, green hills in background. C/U shot of the head of four horned ram (!?). Ram runs off after being inspected. Nice panning shot of a creek leading to a lovely stone bridge covered in ivy (or some other leaves). According to the legend this bridge is presided over by the Fairies. Cut to a country house with opened doors. An elderly woman walks out carrying a plate and a bowl. She places them outside - food and drinks for the little people. Legend says that 'little folk' live on the island and locals believe in it. They feed them and leave their old cottages for little folk to make use of. Someone could buy and redecorate some of the abandoned cottages very cheaply but that is not something local people would encourage. Several shots of abandoned cottages.

C/U shot of a big white cat with long front legs, short back legs and - no tail (!?). C/U shot of another cat, grey tiger one - without a tail (!?) C/U shot of two white cats being fed. They are famous Manx cats whose origins are unknown. Legend says they are "the off-shots of cats crossed with hares" but scientists doubt it. L/S of Laxey Wheel with its surrounding. Wheel was built over a hundred years ago to pump water out of the lead mines. Shot from the top of the wheel - trees, roofs, fields... C/U shot of the sign reading "Ballalonna Bridge (Fairy Bridge) Castletown 33/4m." High angle shot of the bridge. People greet the fairies when they pass the bridge. Shots of motorbike, bus and a car - all drivers wave when passing the bridge. M/S of a strange looking elderly man, Dr G. B. Gardner, self professed witch, sweeping the road. He places dust in a shoe - sweeping away bad luck. Great scenic shot of the sea and the cliffs.

Note: Combined print for this story is missing.