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The Flipside of Dominick Hide (1980) - Alan Gibson & Jeremy Paul

So, it turns out that flying saucers aren’t occupied by little green men from outer space after all, but by time travelling civil servants from the year 2130. At least, that is according to this television film from 1980 that was filmed as part of the acclaimed BBC’s Play for Today series.

2130, 131 years after the nuclear apocalypse of 1999; society has become very ordered. Out of necessity, people have learned to take orders, to follow rules. If one is told not to go outside because of the radioactivity, then one is likely to follow that order, and so, obedience has become something of a habit. Dominick Hide (Peter Firth), tired of his sanitised, empty life, craves more. When we first encounter him, he is returning from one of his missions (his duty is to monitor the 1980 London traffic system.) He is shown in close-up revealing his melancholy and disconsolate face. He has had enough of watching, he wants to interact.

His mischievous 116 year-old, sorry, make that 115 year-old (she has a tendency to exaggerate) great aunt Mavis (Sylvia Coleridge) gets the plot moving. She tells him of his great-great-grandfather, also called Dominick Hide, who may have been living in London in 1980, Port Beale she thinks (Portobello is the consensus view of three inebriated 1980 Londoners.) Dominick becomes determined, much to the chagrin of his wife, Ava (Pippa Guard), to do what is forbidden by his intimidating superior, Caleb Line (Patrick Magee), to land on the flipside (the time travelled to), and search for his great-great-grandfather. In 1980 he meets the stunningly beautiful Jane (Caroline Langrishe), who runs a shop on Portobello road; she and her friends are enlisted by him in his quest to find Dominick Hide.

As with most science-fiction, The Flipside of Dominick Hide, is as concerned with ideas as much as with anything else. The fantastic central conceit that I mentioned in the opening line, that of flying saucers housing time travellers, and flying saucer spottings being those of careless time travellers, is inspired. Also, ideas about the dangers of interaction by time travellers, although well worn from countless science-fictions, are painted here afresh with images (although be it, not actually physically shown) of buildings crumbling and people disappearing.

That’s not to say that this is a film just of ideas. Any film that has a world-weary, directionless main protagonist named Dominick Hide who sets off in search of someone called Dominick Hide, and ends up finding love (twice over) and a new lease of life, is always going to be about more than just ideas. The contrasts between Dominick’s 1980 life and his 2130 life are fascinating. Exciting and new in 1980, staid and lifeless in 2130. In 1980 Jane may have introduced him to passion and beauty, but she has also introduced him to fear and shame. Dominick in turn, for better and for worse, introduces these new emotions to those around him in 2130. 1980 begins to bleed into 2130. Dominick and Ava begin to relate. Dominick’s engineer comes out of the closet. The lifeless come to life.

The futuristic elements of the production are surprisingly credible. The fashions, are for once, not outlandish and silly. And technology has not lost sight of common sense and basic human needs. But, the most intelligent aspect of the film is the language used in 2130; one can easily believe that the English language, that like all language is an organic evolving thing, would have changed to the subtle level that is heard here.

Funny, thought-provoking, moving, visually arresting (surprisingly so for a television production, its use of dissolves are particularly interesting), well acted, and above all else, quite unlike anything else. How refreshing to find a piece of science fiction with neither violence, nor even the threat of violence. A lesser sequel followed in 1982.

About the Author

Iain Stott is a 32 year old aesthete from the north west of England.

Where can I get a custom color lacquer to restore my 1985 Gibson Flying V to its original appearance?

I have a 1985 Gibson Flying V which was originally a dark metallic charcoal gray color. At some point over the years, the guitar was damaged and repaired, but in the course of the repair it was refinished (poorly) in a different color.

No matter what paint you use, it will not be considered an original paint job, even if the finish is professionally done and the colors match up with the original, it still takes a hit in its collectable value if any.
If you are interested in the charcoal finish, you can use car paint and have places custom mix it for you to match your color or whatever color you want it to be. Car paint and guitar paint are essential, the same. You can also try mixing the paints yourself. If you go to Home Depot or Lowes, or some Benjamin Moore paint stores, you can find a similar color. Those stores typically mix the paint themselves and have formulas to make those colors. Im not sure if they will tell you what it is, but you can ask. Obviously, IM not saying to buy house paint to do it, just get the ratio of colors to mix.

Gibson Flying
Randy Rhoads Gibson Flying V Guitar Review Dave Davies and Jimi Hendrix, used them too

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Flying $5.69 Flying

How to Pack Your Ski Equipment for Flying

Have you ever gone on a ski trip not knowing how to pack your luggage only to find out that the stuff you brought is going to cost you extra money? This can add a lot of unwanted stress to your trip and take out a chunk of your spending money while on vacation.

Knowing how to pack for your trip in advance can take care of the extra stress and won't cost you that much needed spending money.

The first thing to do, when flying with your ski equipment, is to know the airlines policy on sporting equipment. Most airlines allow you to substitute you equipment for one piece of baggage though weight might be an issue since most airlines only allow 50 pound for each bag. The overweight limit amount is usually around 25 dollars extra per bag so pack wisely. You don't want to have to buy an extra seat just to fit your luggage on board the plane.

Many airlines allow you to pack one set of skis, boots, and ski poles as one bag even if tagged separately. Speaking with an airline manager is going to get you the best information. Some airlines suggest purchasing a special bag to place everything in and it will help to make checking your bags a lot easier when the time comes. This will also help you know how much you can put into this bag so you will be able to check the weight at home and you will know if you will be required to pay the extra expense of your baggage being overweight.

Here are few suggestion when packing your skis in that ski bag. You don't want your skis rattling around or damaging your poles. Wrapping your skis in bubble wrap first then wrapping a pair of ski pants and your ski coat will give the protection and room for more clothing in your other bags. Your boot bag is also a good place to put your helmet, gloves, scarves, and hats also allowing more room in your other luggage.

You will not only need the equipment needed for skiing but your clothes can play a role in how much you pack. Many think that you will need to pack an over-abundance of clothes, but keep in mind how often you will be on the slopes.

If you plan on being in the snow most of the day then only a few pieces of clothing will be needed for the rest of the time, this will allow more room for all the rest of your gear. Because there is so much you need to wear while skiing to keep warm, you will want to practice packing everything. This will help you to eliminate the unnecessary articles of clothing allowing room for gear such as sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes, special ski sock, hats, and sunscreen. You would not want to forget the essentials at home and have to pay the resort price which can be costly.

I know from personal experience that the time spent packing my ski gear before hand makes for an easier and more enjoyable holiday.

About the Author

Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It is one of the fastest growing on line travel websites. To see an example of why Direct Holiday Bookings is growing so rapidly have a look at Holiday Villas

Gibson Flying