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John Grierson was a pioneering Scottish documentary maker, often considered the father of British and Canadian documentary film. In 1926, Grierson coined the term “documentary.”
The gradient's against her, but she's on time W. H. Auden (Ft. John Grierson) – Night Mail (Commentary for a G.P.O. Film)
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There is a 1016ft summit in Beattock (called the Beattock Summit) which is part of the train’s route. Because of the slope of the summit, most trains required temporary assistance of a Bank Engine (and more specifically in this case, the pilot locomotive variant which pulls the train). Even after the extra support needed due to the gradient of the slope, the train however is still on time.
The train brings a variety of letters to a variety of people. The mail is open to all, rich and poor. The train itself is personified as a calm, methodical, and kind being, no mere bureaucratic functionary. It is always on time despite the “steady climb” as it barely disturbs the countryside. Warmth and fondness about the train suffuse the poem.
But a jug in the bedroom gently shakes W. H. Auden (Ft. John Grierson) – Night Mail (Commentary for a G.P.O. Film)
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