You are here:

Travelling for a Living

Name: Travelling for a Living
Director: Derrick Knight
Released: 1966
Duration: 44 min

Representation Score

2.4/10

Limited

1966

Director

Derrick Knight

Runtime

44 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The documentary offers a focused look at the Watersons, a folk group from Hull, as they navigate the 1960s music circuit. Its strength lies in its observational approach, which emphasizes the ability to act of the family members who drive the narrative through their professional lives. While the film presents a progressive perspective by centering women as essential musical contributors, it remains confined by the social context of the time. The cast is ethnically homogeneous, and there is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or disabilities. Ultimately, the film serves as a cultural study of a specific regional tradition. It succeeds in portraying a communal, non-conformist lifestyle, even if it lacks broader multi-layered diversity.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Travelling for a Living have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It focuses on the familial and professional relationships within the musical ensemble.

How does Travelling for a Living portray gender?

Fair

Norma and Lal Waterson are shown as key figures with significant influence in the group. This challenges traditional stereotypes by highlighting women as primary drivers of the ensemble's identity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Travelling for a Living?

Limited

The subjects appear ethnically similar, reflecting the localized demographics of the 1960s British folk movement. There is no indication of racial diversity among the cast.

How does Travelling for a Living represent religion and culture?

Good

The documentary highlights a non-traditional, itinerant lifestyle centered around communal musical heritage. It prioritizes the folk circuit over mainstream mid-century domestic norms.

Does Travelling for a Living include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no visible evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film's subjects.

Present on Screen

Highlights women as integral, influential members of a professional musical group.
Provides an authentic look at the communal and itinerant lifestyle of the folk circuit.
Centers the ability to act of the subjects through an observational documentary style.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting a very localized demographic.
Contains no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight-centered narratives.
Provides no visible evidence of disability representation.

Official Synopsis

Follows the life of Hull folk group The Watersons, which is made up of brothers and sisters Michael Waterson, Norma Waterson, Elaine Waterson (more commonly known as Lal Waterson), and their cousin John Harrison, as they spend a large amount of their time on the road in their van travelling between one folk club and the next.

How are these scores produced? →