This film is part of Free

Getting It Straight in Notting Hill Gate

Spaced-out sitar music and the prog rock grooves of Quintessence soundtrack this psychedelic flashback to Notting Hill Gate in 1970.

Documentary 1970 25 mins

Overview

This time capsule counter-culture documentary was designed to redress negative perceptions of Notting Hill in 1970: "a cultural and racial melting pot...probably the world's most integrated ghetto". Radical 'Viet Grove' free spirits seen here include Caroline Coon, of Release, a free legal aid service for young people hassled by 'the fuzz', and Larry Smart, psychedelic painter and poster artist.

A version of the Quintessence track Notting Hill Gate - performed live here - was featured on the band's first album, In Blissful Company, released in 1969.