“The Sands Of Alang” Reviewed by Martin Cox
I just received my copy of “The Sands Of Alang”, Peter Knego’s latest DVD, and its an experience I highly recommend!
Peter braves India’s heat and monsoons along with the complexities of access to the remote beach at Alang, where much of the world’s passenger fleet ends its days, to begin a narrative that looks back into the history, design and service of intriguing and unique midcentury ships.
Peter reconstructs through interviews, contemporary and archival footage and photographs, all that went into their making: the maritime architecture; the shipyards; the furniture and artworks and the artists behind the unique interiors of some of his favourite vessels.
We get to see, (from the comfort of our monitors — without the heat, the wet, the grime, the rope ladders and the waiting!) the extraordinary and seldom-seen process of dismantling a ship into its raw ingredients.
With clever juxtapositions of his imagery, Peter brings to life from the ruins of its last days on the beach, the meaning, ambiance and history of a ship.
Maritime historians Maurizio Eliseo and Gordon Ghareeb make guest appearances, filling out the astonishing trove of detail and facts contained within this DVD, which is rich with Knego’s erudite and informative narrative. We are guided through a world few witness first-hand.
Knego unearths the ephemeral atmosphere of a mid century liner from the wreckage of its present, and like a master archeologist, he reveals the soul of the living ship.
“The Sands Of Alang” is an intelligent, moving portrait of the whole life of a liner and clearly made by someone seriously dedicated to his topic.
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Without Peters true dedication and heart rendering chronicles of a very sad place where our beloved ships find their ultimate end, we would not have any such idea of the destruction wrought upon these once proud ships. Of course these mighty sea creatures of steel and modern fibers have no true heart and do not feel any pain as such, it is us that feel it and grieve for them.
Peter you bring to all of us the nether world of the hammer and the torch, with all of its uglyness.
A true debt of gratitude is for you alone, in your quest to enlighten.
And, what is the result of your hard work and taxing, not to dismiss expensive reporting, you enlighten again with your perfection with the new builds, the “decked” and the christenings, not to mention the sailings you present to us in honest words, and “living” photos.
Thanks you, kind Peter
Looking at a ship without the shell plating is so much like looking at a building without the facade. Thanks Martin for the interesting article. I know it is not easy to visit Alang even under the best of circumstances – Peter deserves a lot of credit for his hard work and sheer audacity not to mention his beautiful photography. I don’t know what he charges for the treasured pieces he returns with but whatever it is it couldn’t possibly be enough.
Received my copy 2 weeks ago and while it is never pleasant to see a ship in it’s death throes, Peter treated the ships with such honor and respect, while documenting their destruction, it was a fitting tribute to the ships involved. I would love to know if the original Alang DVD is still available. Peter, thanks for going where so few are allowed and allowing us to share the journey. This DVD is highly recommended for liner lovers!
recieved my copy last week, two words : Truly Amazing great job well worth the money spent!
First, a huge thank you to Martin for watching and reviewing the video for MM! After all the years since my prior Alang video, it has been so nice to have another one completed.
I’m incredibly honored by Ken’s words and love the imagery he uses about these sea creatures of steel and fiber. Thank you, once more, Ken, for taking the time to post your thoughts.
Glenn, thank you for appreciating the challenges of Alang! Not always so fun while living it but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything in the world.
Richard and Don, thank you not only for supporting the video but also for your generous feedback. I’m thrilled that you liked it and really appreciate the recommendations!
My best to you all!
Peter
PS. Richard, we just added “On The Road To Alang” to the MidShipCentury shopping cart.
Its always tough to the dismembered remains of a great ship or building or anything really. It is somehow interesting to see such pictures, a morbid curiosity I suppose. Sad reality in my opinion anyway is these unique one of a kind creations are not being replaced by something better or at least not by something with much charisma. Fortunately Peter and probably the rest of us and those before us have made many photographs for all to remember what has been lost over the decades. Hopefully I will be able to obtain a copy of this on the Queen Mary next week when Peter (and myself) are there.
Hi Rich,
So sorry that I will miss seeing you on the MARY next week but will be busy here prepping things for the “field trip” on Sunday, May 5. We’ve been working on installing lots of new things in the house so there won’t be time to get down to enjoy all the events offered by the ShiPosium. The shops on the MARY don’t have the DVD for sale yet (I don’t think they know it exists) but it will always be available on MidShipCentury.com, regardless. Hope you have a great time! 🙂
All my best,
Peter
Well worth the 7yr wait to view my second DVD on ALANG. This one is special to me because of the complete history of the ex GEN P W RICHARDSON. As you know my ties and love for the PRESIDENT CLEVELAND and WILSON. All the old footage and history along with the great music made this one of the best DVDs of the last days of these great liners. 5 *****
Frank, I’m thrilled to read your kind words and am so happy that you enjoyed the GENERAL WP RICHARDSON story. Gordon Ghareeb gave us so much great info on her oft-overlooked LEILANI career. He’s writing a book on the ship, which promises to be a fascinating read. In any case, hope it is not seven years before I can complete the next DVD (which will be about the RMS WINDSOR CASTLE) but thanks to people like you, it will at least be worth making the effort. — Peter
Great! I’m going to have to get this! I’m sure it’s fantastic! Good job Peter!