Granada 25th

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Film Title: Heart of Soul

Description: A Documentary by Granada Television to celebrate the 25th. Anniversary of Wigan Casino

This has to be one of the better documentaries about Northern Soul in that it avoids getting involved in issues regarding sub-cultures but concentrates almost exclusively on the music. The original Casino DJ's Russ Winstanley, Richard Searling and Kev Roberts offer their thoughts on what the Casino represented and the direction in which Northern Soul is taking now. American soul singers Edwin Starr, Brenda Holloway and PP Arnold, who have all put down roots in the North of England, explain why, whilst Andy Wynne, Sandy Holt, and Lester Wardle present us with the opinions of former members. Even cashier, Hilda Woods, who sat at the door taking the money gets the chance to remeniss about what the place was really like. In short, anyone and everyone who had anything to do with Wigan Casino makes a contribution and gives the programme a very balanced perspective. Classic Northern Soul records, which have been sensitively selected, are played in the background and add a nice backdrop (if you'll pardon the pun) to the interviews being given.

The programme is not compartmentalised and maintains a vibrancy throughout by rapidly jumping between central themes. If I were to isolate its characteristics however certain patterns tend to emerge. The interviews with the DJ's were particularly interesting in that they not only presented us with factual information but they flavoured it with personal anecdotes of their own. By contrast the interviews with the former members varied in quality. Andy Wynne (Who pinched the Casino sign before they pulled it down) and Sandy Holt (The dance champion) were quite articulate in their recollections. Unfortunately Lester Wardle went way 'over the top' when he explained how the hairs used to stand up on the back of his neck when he walked into the Casino or how he fell fits of depression when the place closed down. Both Sandy Holt and Andy Wynne conveyed affections admirably without resorting to any embarrassing exaggeration.

Another cringe inspiring interview came from spotty 'Suedehead' Bob Vincent. His involvement seemed gratuitous as he was probably still wetting his nappy during the days of the Casino. He may have a deep seated love of all things from the seventies but his homespun philosophies were both irritating and irrelevant. Much more meaningful were the comments of Pye Records Executive Dave McAleer who came as close as he dare to admitting that his company's exploitation of Northern Soul and the resulting publicity had a negative influence on the movement as a whole.

Of all the interviews however the ones I enjoyed most were those of the artists. P.P. Arnold with her manic laughter came across as one very scary lady, but when she did speak she made considerable sense. Herself, Brenda Holloway and Edwin Starr all displayed a paradoxical mix of pride and humility. Pride in the fact that they were still 'stars' of Soul Music, but humility in their appreciation of the people from Northern England. They were grateful for the stardom that British folk had given them long after being forgotten in their homeland.

Anyone wanting to delve into the history of Wigan Casino could do a lot worse than start with this video and it is possible to order it from Granada. Unfortunately the prices they charge are exorbitant so you'd be better advised trying to find a friend who's taped it. Alternatively you might be able to get a copy by looking in the small Ads of the Soul Press. Some people keep copies of these and similar documentaries which they offer to reproduce for a small fee.