The Day Britain Stopped

May 14, 2003 1:30 PM

The Day Britain Stopped tells the story of what might happen if the 'integrated' transport system in the UK fails. On BBC Two last night, it made for shocking viewing and would doubtless have caused some people to question the idea of leaving the house, let alone getting on a plane to go anywhere. You can watch the full ninety minute programme online by following the link above if you've got the time and the Real One player.
posted by feelinglistless (15 comments total)

I like the idea of putting TV programs on the net, but a 90 minute documentary at 34K.. I've watched all sorts of things over the web, but seriously.

It was a really good show though. I had to fly today, and couldn't get certain images out of my head on the runway. Scary thing - it genuinely could happen here, as anyone in Great Britain will know.
posted by ascullion at 1:51 PM on May 14, 2003

I know what you mean about the streaming. I'm glad I taped it last night. Certainly worth watching a few more times.

I had planned to write a review of the piece but it's pretty difficult to make sense of in words. I will say how gratify it was that so many other news organisations were prepared to offer their services to make the thing as authentic as possible, and congratulate the acting of the interviewees in the programme; very easy to forget that this hasn't happened yet / hopefully won't ever happen.
posted by feelinglistless at 2:05 PM on May 14, 2003

That would make a good novel.
posted by gottabefunky at 2:32 PM on May 14, 2003

I'm watching it now - what absolutely great actors the British are. Thanks, feelinglistless!
posted by MiguelCardoso at 2:43 PM on May 14, 2003

I just hope you doughty, redoubtable license-payers appreciate how much we foreigners enjoy this free service. ;)
posted by MiguelCardoso at 2:47 PM on May 14, 2003

The point being?
posted by Joeforking at 3:21 PM on May 14, 2003

That would make a good novel
Done - scroll down to "Gridlock"
posted by dg at 4:40 PM on May 14, 2003

Enjoy it while you can Miguel. Once the charter (ie, license fee) has been renewed in 2006, the Beeb has plans to make accessing the site abroad a subscription-only service ...
posted by feelinglistless at 4:44 PM on May 14, 2003

Yeah, gridlock's a very worthwhile book. If any mefites want to borrow it, I'd be happy to lend it if you pay Postage&Packing. I'm in the netherlands, so the americans will be better off buying it probably..
posted by fvw at 6:15 PM on May 14, 2003

There appears to be something of a tradition in Britain of apocalyptic mock-documentaries. Anyone remember Threads?

The Day Britain Stopped uses a similar format (i.e. using the stories of "average people" to illustrate a much broader picture.) I'd be interested in the comments of anyone who's seen both ...
posted by bright cold day at 8:34 PM on May 14, 2003

A fantastic program. Thanks for the link.
posted by Inkslinger at 8:40 PM on May 14, 2003

If you guys like fictional what-if documentaries, check out Nothing So Strange, which chronicles the assassination of Bill Gates.
posted by ed at 9:35 PM on May 14, 2003

Since the UK governement paid for this film, what is the politics? I'm not from the UK and don't know the details but in parts it refrences the deregulation of the water system as cause for the lack of information leading to a jam-up.. Greens?
posted by stbalbach at 5:17 PM on May 15, 2003

Since the UK governement paid for this film

BBC Charter

The BBC is regulated by a Royal Charter and its accompanying Agreement. These recognise the BBC's editorial independence and run to 2006.
posted by Summer at 3:12 AM on May 16, 2003

Actually I think you'll find the UK public paid for this film through the license fee ...
posted by feelinglistless at 2:25 PM on May 17, 2003