Apaches

I was watching breakfast tv on Wednesday, and they were talking about British Safety information films, and they mentioned this one in particular. I was shown this when I was 11 and have never forgotten it, but could not remember what it was called. I am so glad to have found out and seen it again, just to confirm in my own mind, how horrific it actually is. It must be very effective though, as although I had forgotten the play aspect of the film, I remember in vivid detail each of the deaths. (And I have a terrible memory) It is brilliantly done-the way the sinister teachers and then the Mother of the girl, remove the belongings of each child who has died. I also love the way there is a twist at the end, and also the way it brings back memories of playing outside when I was young-there were a little group of us-me and my brother and sister, and the neighbour's kids, and also the odd visiting child from the village. We pretty much were out all day-we had loads of wildish places to play-though thankfully not a farm, but the games we used to play were not that far removed from those in the film. I had a great silver cowboy gun!

I have always had a healthy respect for health and safety-the real kind, not the modern over the top kind-and can always see potential accidents, which, hopefully helps me keep myself and other safe. (Do you put knives point up in the dishwasher? Don't.) You would be surprised at the number of adults that see it as ok to prop a heavy plank against a wall while they turn round to do something else, while the kids are still there. Every time I have quickly moved to lay the plank down, the scene with the gate has been at the back of my mind.

Anyway, if you have a spare 27 minutes, I would recommend watching this film.