Newly discovered film gives extraordinary first hand account of the General Strike

A newly discovered documentary film provides an extraordinary first-hand account of the General Strike of 1926. And it shows how close many of the strikers thought it brought them to a revolution.

This historic documentary, The General Strike – A Revolution Betrayed?, made in the early 1970s, was unearthed in the archive of radical filmmaker Platform Films.

Norman Thomas of Platform Films says that the power of the 70 minute film lies in its extensive use of first hand testimony of strikers and strikers’ relatives.

Thomas said:

This is the General Strike of 1926 as told by the people who actually lived through it. The film vividly illustrates how the strike was opposed by the full force of the British establishment but how close the strikers felt they came to success.

He added:

Many strikers believed they were on the verge of a revolution – a revolution that only failed because they were betrayed by union leaders.

It’s been a hundred years since workers across the country come out in support of over a million miners locked out of work for refusing to accept lower pay. Thomas claims the film contains vital lessons for present day trade unionists.

He said:

The film highlights the importance of rank and file solidarity across industries, highly disciplined grassroots organisation – and a deep distrust of union leaders!

The film also provides a unique insight into the human impact of the General Strike – an aspect, Thomas argues, that’s had too little coverage.

He said:

The film shows how people came out of the strike devastated. Whole communities were in pieces. The failure of the strike was a hugely traumatic event.

And Thomas added:

Watching the film, you get a real sense of how close the strike came to success. If it had succeeded, the strike would have undoubtedly changed the course of British history.

Award-winning radical filmmaker Platform Films has made the documentary available for screenings and viewings. You can get a copy of the film on memory stick, DVD or via an online link. The cost to institutions, including trades union councils, is £60. For individuals and union branches the cost is £20. There is no additional charge for screening the film publicly but donations are welcome. Email [email protected] for more details.

Watch a trailer of the film on YouTube.

Featured image via Platform Films