Northern Soul - A Film by Elaine Constantine

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Northern Soul (2014)

 Director: Elaine Constantine


Storyline:

'Northern Soul' is the story of a youth culture in the 1970s which changes a generation. It tells the tale of a nightclub based movement which developed in Northern England. The film is an authentic and uplifting account of two young boys whose horizons are opened up by the discovery of black American soul music. No longer satisfied with the prospect of a small town life and a factory production line, they dream of going to America to discover super rare records which will help them become the best DJs on the Northern Soul scene. The difficult journey forces the two best friends to confront rivalry, violence and drug abuse as their friendship and loyalties are tested to the limit. - IMDb





Trailer:


Notes from watching the film:

> Set in Lancashire 1974.
> Mentions the warehouses in America full of obscure black music. - Where people would find records that no one else has ever heard.
> Focuses on working class - who Northern soul was popular with.
> DJs would cover up the titles of songs on records so no one else could find the songs.
> Showcases the record label Ric-Tic from Detroit.
> Characters wear Solatio shoes - a popular shoe brand in the 70s.
> Includes artists such as Frankie Valli and DJs such as Ray Henderson.
> Includes references to Bruce Lee whose films were popular in the 1970s - kicks used in Northern soul dancing.
> Includes the drug culture of the Northern Soul scene - amphetamines/speed.
> Mentions how dancers used talcum powder on the dance floor to help with spinning.
> Characters visit popular Northern Soul club Wigan Casino for an all-nighter and Stoke for an all-dayer.
> Characters carry bowling ball style bags covered in Northern soul sewn on patches.

Soundtrack Examples:

> Billy Butler - Right Track
> Edwin Starr - Back Street
> Shirley Ellis - Soul Time
> The Four Seasons - The Night
> Los Salvadores - Stick by Me Baby

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