A LIFETIME AGO - 
 HAROLD BAIM'S QUOTA QUICKIES

This is Malta

Registered: ​29th July 1959
Duration: 26 minutes
Feet: ​2476 feet
Board of Trade Certificate number: ​BR/E24551
Production Company: ​Harold Baim Film Productions (London) Limited

More Film Stills: ​at baimfilms.com (opens in new window)

This is the second in the series of the travel programmes. An island of great beauty, history and tradition, this is a fascinating look at the island which was awarded the George Cross for the bravery shown by its people during the Second World War.

Title and Credits:  
THIS IS MALTA

Story told by : Donald Holms
Research
: John Pollacco, George Farri, Joe Muscat Drago
Script Supervision: Glenda Baim
Editors: Howard Lanning, Dennis Lanning
Recordists : John Cape, Robert Walker, Walter Milner
Music: De Wolfe
Director of Eastmancolor Photography: Eric Owen
Guitarists : Tony Agius, Joe Borg
Produced and Directed by: Harold Baim

SCRIPT

A sunlit city glistens below us.

At the airport, a welcoming committee of friends and relations. Out of an azure sky, an airliner comes in to land on an island. Where the streets bear quaint names written in English and in the language of a country over which the skies are always blue. Where at the close of day, the sun sets in a blaze of glory and mystical appeal.

A land of flowers, of palms, and fruit bearing trees growing in profusion on a jewel set in the frame of the Mediterranean Sea.

Where strange craft glide over the waters. The sweet scented air, the sunshine and shadows, tell us that...

[Title: This is Malta]

Steeped in history, and a magnificent sight, Malta's Grand Harbour is one of the largest in the Mediterranean. Two and a half miles long, from its mouth to the innermost basin, the harbour is flanked by fortifications. Which for hundreds of years have resisted would be invaders, and which contributed in no small measure to the island's turbulent and enchanting history.

The Dghajsa is Malta's version of the Venetian gondola, and quite as romantic, it dates back to the days of the Phoenicians. Grand Harbour is a regular port of call for commercial shipping, and at times the traffic is intense. The island imports yearly some £20 million sterling of goods, in turn exporting famous Malta wares, canned fruit, vegetables of all kinds, wines, leather goods and even nylon stockings.

Passenger and cruise liners call here, for Malta is at the crossroads of all Mediterranean Sea routes.

One of the most thrilling sights of the island is undoubtedly its world famous Grand Harbour. On a peninsula in between sheltered inlets, stands the almost fairy like city of Senglea, rising like a castle from the deep blue sea.

Senglea is one of three old maritime cities and is a maze of gateways, streets, moats, tunnels and ancient fortifications. The eye saw, the ear heard, and the runner communicated the information to the guard who took appropriate action.

Today, the clash of armour is no more, and only the cry of the orange seller disturbs the peace of this fascinating old city as she disposes of the extra delicious fruit which the island exports in great quantities. Senglea city once a challenge to the armies of the past, now a fascinating and intriguing piece of history.

Rich in iron oxides and phosphates, Maltese soil, though shallow, is extremely fertile and the primitive plough is used just as it was in biblical times.

A low plateau, descending by gentle steps to a plain in the southeast. The island is mainly composed of limestone. When it rains, and that's not often, it does so in very heavy showers, which could damage the precious soil. Because of this, the fields are terraced.

Magdalena Valley, a climber's paradise, where the effort is fully rewarded by the magnificent views from the summit. Here the terracing can plainly be seen. Families work together on the land. The women do their share in the cultivation and growing of crops of all kinds.

She certainly looks happy in her work. And why not?

There are no rivers here, and water is drawn from natural underground galleries and carried through open stone channels to the fields. Horsepower motivates the drawing of the water. Even one horsepower can be very effective. The windmill, however, is quickly replacing the old method.

In the countryside, pumpkins ripen on the rooftops.

So to Marsaxlokk - almost unbelievably spelled m a r s a x l o k k - a typical seaside hamlet of a fishing community, holding fast to the old ways and customs. The local fishing craft, called a Luzzo, is a direct survival of the Phoenician ships of over a thousand years ago.

It is open house on wash day in Marsaxlokk, where the womenfolk do their chores in the open air and where a natural spring provides crystal clear water for this all important occasion. Hard to believe that it was here Napoleon's fleet once anchored. The village has changed little since that time. Wied iz-Zurrieq is another picturesque fishing village lying on a beautiful headland between two deep valleys. Its name stems from the Maltese word eshraque, meaning light blue. Nearby is the fabulous Blue Grotto, where the effect of the sun on the seabed is breathtaking. Wied iz-Zurrieq looks for all the world like a scene from a Hans Andersen fairy tale.

But the fairy story ends where drilling for oil begins. Already down to 6000ft, the economy of Malta will be a very different story if and when the gusher arrives. Rising to a height of 200ft from the water's edge, Valetta, capital city of Malta, is reached by lift in three minutes.

Kingsgate is the main door to the historic walled city of Valletta. A street of magnificent palaces, fine shops and buildings, this royal route is typical of any 20th century metropolis, different only in its contrast with other parts of Valletta.

Modern spacious buses link all parts of the island, and from here to any of the furthest parts does not exceed a journey of 60 minutes. Routes are not indicated by numbers, but by differently coloured buses. It's difficult to miss the bus if you know what colour you want.

Valletta is truly a meeting place of the nations. It's narrow, crowded streets bustle with activity.

The public library traces its origin to the year 1555.

Each thoroughfare seems to have an individuality all of its own. While Straight Street once was the scene of many duels.

The most valued production of all arts and crafts is the magnificent gold and silver filigree work, an industry some 400 years old. Many and varied are the perfect examples of the filigree workers art. The manufacture and design are minute in their detail. The lightness and transparency of some of the pieces is quite fantastic.

An art handed down from father to son, from generation to generation, the artificers in gold and silver have every reason to be proud in these days of mechanisation.

Here in this street of jewellers, articles are not priced, but gold is sold by weight alone.

The karrozzin was once the only mode of public transport. Another wonderful piece of architecture is the Auberge de Castille. Situated on a sloping site and towering over a large square, it was completed over 200 years ago.

The Palace Valletta is the official residence of the Governor of Malta. It was originally the Magisterial Palace. Many of the state apartments are decorated with friezes and pictures of inestimable value.

In the suburb of Floriana is St Anne's Street, an elegant carriageway which leads into the heart of Valletta.

The heavy tongues of the church bells are swayed to and fro by means of ropes. St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta is one of the most important monuments in the island. Built between the years 1573 and 1577, St John's possesses some of the most beautiful carvings and interior architecture to be found anywhere in the world.

Flowers seem to be everywhere. On the roadside, in the streets and in the squares.

Once part of the outer defences of the city is the Portes des Bombes.

Trees and flowers grow alongside the main thoroughfares in this delightfully different city. Local newspapers are published in English, and Maltese. International newspapers are always on tap. The people are proud of their nation and their heritage. The Government Gazette, a twice weekly official paper, is printed in Maltese.

And the children go to school here, just as they do everywhere. Education is compulsory, and free. Maltese plays a definite part in the curriculum of the 140 government primary schools.

Sought after by collectors everywhere, the country issues its own postage stamps. Also sought after by collectors are the distinctive pound and ten shilling notes. Coins are the same as those of Great Britain.

There are wonderful gardens, of which the Argotti is one of the foremost. These botanical gardens are attached to the University of Malta and contain a very comprehensive collection of plant life, including many interesting local species. Of special interest is the unique collection of cacti.

And so we take the road to Sliema, a 20th century resort. The word Sliema means peace. A most uncharacteristic town, Sliema has no history to speak of. The land upon which it stands was once completely deserted.

On the road to Conception, the old donkey cart is much in evidence. The place names are almost unpronounceable to the uninitiated, but when spoken, are decidedly melodious. A truly rural scene of sheep and goats grazing together at the roadside until at last we come to the 500 foot vantage point of Concepcion, from which we obtain a magnificent view of the three famous bays of Gnejna, Għajn Tuffieħa and Cote d'Or.

The coastline is 85 miles around and is indented with sandy bays and beaches. The warm blue Mediterranean is a swimmer's paradise. Most of the beaches face the North African mainland, which the island of Malta was attached some years ago. Some 200,000 years ago, to be exact. Because of the colour of its sands, this beach has been called Cote d'Or or Golden Corner, and there is all the usual fun to be had for the asking.

From Conception, we crossed the brilliant sunlit countryside to Mgarr, with its domed church and small farming community. Built by the generosity of the parishioners, who instead of cash, contributed 36,000 eggs, 7000 farm animals, vast quantities of fruit and vegetables. No wonder the church is referred to as the Egg and Poultry Temple.

And looking across the clover carpeted field, we see Mosta in the distance. Mosta church has the third largest dome in the world. 100 years old, 206ft high, it has pride of place in the hearts of the people. Visited by thousands, for the sheer beauty to be found inside. This magnificent modern temple has a unique story. During the last war, a 500lb bomb pierced the dome during a service. It damaged extensively the fine ceiling and floors, but not one of the 300 worshipers was hurt.

Built originally for defence purposes, doors or gateways lead into many of the villages. Here, at Żebbuġ, is a typical example. The principal city of Valetta depends for her water supply on the old capital of Mdina. This indispensable commodity is still carried as it was 350 years ago by means of aqueducts.

The road to Rabat, with the distinctive architecture of newly built villas, reminds one of Italy's Appian Way.

A much enjoyed delicacy is the prickly pear. When skinned and iced, it's a dish fit for a king. At Rabat, palm trees stand out in bold relief against the blue sky.

The wealth and magnificence of the island under the Romans in 200 BC is evidenced by the remains of palaces and temples. An exquisite mosaic floor in a remarkable state of preservation stands within the Roman villa in Rabat.

So we approach Mdina, a town dating from Arabic times. Known as the Silent City, Mdina is almost medieval. Let us follow the daintily shod Maltese women, dressed in the quaint black faldetta, through the main gateway of this picturesque and almost mysterious city, where the tranquillity is broken only by the sound of bells from the many beautiful churches.

From the formidable bastions and as we look towards Valletta and the sea, a panorama of unparalleled beauty unfolds before us.

Unique in the whole world are the ancient temples of Hagar Qim and Tarxien. Said to have flourished some 3000 to 4000 years ago, megalithic culture in the Maltese islands has left its mark in the fascinating remains of these temples. Stone idols, animals carved in relief altars, screens decorated with spirals and other patterns, fireplaces and ornamented corners stand as a silent testimony to a culture, the story of which no one really knows for certain. The mystical temples of Hagar Qim and Tarxien no doubt will keep their secrets for yet another 4000 years.

Opened in 1947, one of Malta's famous hotels provides a standard equal to any European capital. In the attractive open courtyard, meals are served.

Yes, it's good to relax for a while before joining in the more energetic life, and if so inclined, there are certainly quite a number of sports from which to choose. In 1868 the polo club was formed. A most distinguished member is His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. The game is played throughout the year, except for a month's break during the summer. Those who like a gun and a dog have opportunities to show how good they are. Talking of shooting, goals this time, the island boasts first division teams and competition is keen. Golf can be played on the lovely course at Marsa.

When man meets bus in some of the village streets, it's an unequal match. The man has to give way. The drivers themselves have to be very proficient, with sometimes only inches to spare. We again pass the fabulous church of Mosta, down roads flanked by flowering trees of all kinds, through the drowsy village of St Paul's Bay. Up hill and down dale until we reach Mellieħa, which lies on a high table land of some 400ft. Situated in the extreme northwest 13 miles from Valletta, the little township of Mellieħa is bounded by the sea on one side and on the others by fertile valleys.

It's an open air life here. Many and varied are the water sports, ranging from motorboats to water skiing, a thrill known only to those adept enough. It's high speed fun under the sun on the blue tideless Mediterranean Sea.

Below the sea too, the underwater brigade can do their stuff with camera, harpoon, or just looking at life on the seabed with its constantly changing variety of colour and marine life.

There is a sister island called Gozo, linked by a regular ferry service. This island of Gozo, with its flat topped hills, has more vegetation than Malta, and its cliffs are more majestic and rugged. Charming fishing villages spring to life in the summer, when many families come over to savour the unsophisticated life where time seems meaningless and leisure is the keynote. From Xlendi we take the road to the bay at Marsalforn, past sheep and goats with the shepherdess at the roadside. Marsalforn possesses its own particular appeal.

No visit to Gozo is complete unless one sees the famous lace being made. The light fingered dexterity of this old lady has to be seen to be believed. Local lace is characterized by the eight pointed Maltese cross pattern. The work is beautiful in its conception and execution. The traditional gift to royalty, the exquisite designs are unique and much sought after.

Our last look at Gozo is from a cliff top overlooking magical Calypso Bay.

Established by the Grand Master Antoine de Paule, in 1625, The San Anton Gardens in Malta contain an abundance of ornamental trees, plants and orange groves.

These gardens adjoin the palace, which is now the residence of the Governor of Malta. In bygone days it was the Summer Palace of the Grand Master. A riot of colour, the gardens at San Anton are a delight to the eye. The scent of the flowers, the constant changes and mixtures of botanical life leaves the visitor with a thousand memories.

Five miles from San Anton, the Verdala Palace commands a view of scores of miles over the countryside. Way below the palace is a roadhouse built in 1958. Though modern in style, the roadhouse blends with the rustic surroundings. Its location is fantastic. Perched on a ledge overlooking valleys of orange and lemon trees, oaks, pines, cypresses and olives, its terrace drenched in sunlight, there is almost a French Riviera touch about the whole scene.

So appealing has our journey been, let us take our last look from the air at this jewel of the Mediterranean. Below us, the ancient temples stand out in bold relief. Wied Iz-Zurrieq, the fishing hamlet of painted boats. The fabulous Blue Grotto. The lovely twin cities of Rabat and Mdina. Mosta's wonderful church. And on St Paul's Island, the statue of St Paul, who was shipwrecked here in A.D. 58. It was he who converted the Maltese to Christianity. The beach of Cote d'Or, where many a happy hour was spent. A fascinating, mystical, lovely island. Yes, this is Malta.

[The End]

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