I Know Where I'm Going

Stevie was talking about Scotland, the land of my roots, over at A Little Birdie Told Me So. It reminded me of another terrific film from The Criterion Collection, I Know Where I'm Going*, 1945, a collaboration of the renowned directing duo Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. I discovered this jewel last year and was bowled over by it! Where had it been hiding all these years?

Set in the Scottish Hebrides, a headstrong young woman, played by the extraordinary Wendy Hiller, (I just can't get enough of her) knows exactly "whereshe's going" with her plans to marry a wealthy lord. A raging stormprevents her from crossing to the island for the lavish wedding, and in the meantime meets a penniless Scottish laird, played by Roger Livesey.

Pamela Brown does an excellent job as one of the earthy villagers, who lives and hunts with a pack of bloodhounds. Finlay Currie and George Carney are also part of the marvelous, quirky cast, along with a very young Petula Clark. A charming village ceilidh scene is complete with authentic pipe music, ethnic Gaelic singing and dancing.

Whether you are an enthusiast for Scotland, or just a true romantic at heart, you will absolutely love this
delightful film full of castle ruins, legends and ancient curses. In my opinion, this is one of the best classic romantic films ever made.


Here's the words to the bewitching theme song:

I know where I'm going,
I know who's going with me,
The Lord knows who I love,
But the de'il knows who I'll marry.

I'll have stockings of silk,
Shoes of fine green leather,
Combs to buckle my hair
And a ring for every finger.

Feather beds are soft,
Painted rooms are bonny;
But I'd leave them all
To go with my love Johnny.

Some say he's dark,
I say he's bonny,
He's the flower of them all
My handsome, coaxing Johnny.

*Click on I know Where I'm Going

in the body of the text for a YouTube video clip