Deadly history of Grand Prix

FILM makers... producer John Matthews (left) and director Rich Heap

Film-maker charts F1’s killer years
A DOCUMENTARY by a Saddleworth filmmaker charting the deadly past of Grand Prix motor racing gets its TV premiere on Sunday.

Producer John Matthews’s latest film, “Grand Prix: The Killer Years” will be shown on BBC4 at 9pm.

Greenfield has already enjoyed an exclusive screening of the documentary when it was shown at the Railway pub in November.

The film charts the era of Grand Prix motor racing from 1960 to 1973 when it was common for drivers to be killed while competing. It’s billed as “the story of when Grand Prix was out of control.”

Mechanical failure, lethal track design, fire and incompetence led to the deaths of dozens of young drivers. They had become almost expendable as eager young wannabes queued up at the top teams’ gates waiting to take their place.

The film features many famous drivers including three times world champion Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, double world champion Emerson Fittipaldi and John Surtees OBE.

It’s publicity states: “This exciting but shocking film explores how Grand Prix drivers grew sick of their closest friends being killed, to finally take control of their destiny.

“After much waste of life, the prestigious Belgian and German Grand Prixs would be boycotted, drivers insisting that safety be put first.

“But it would be a long and painful time before anything would change. And a lot of talented young men would be cut down in their prime.”

Mr Matthews, who lives in Uppermill and whose company is called Bigger Picture Film, said: “It’s very powerful, very sad and interesting. A lot of people don’t know about this story.”

It’s received praise from critics with Radio Times describing it as an “exemplary documentary”, the Daily Express critic calling it “the best documentary I’ve ever seen” and the Daily Telegraph as “fascinating and moving in equal measure”.

The film, directed by Mr Matthews’ friend Rich Heap and narrated by Denise Cooke, took more than six months to make and was produced in Mr Matthews’ offices in Manchester and Saddleworth. It’s being distributed by BBC Worldwide.

It is a follow-on from the 44-year-old film maker’s previous production called “The Deadliest Crash”, which was nominated for a prestigious Grierson Award and was also shown on the BBC.