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Tennis on Film

Quiet Please! Our unique collection serves up some nine decades of court action from Wimbledon and other UK tournaments.

The collection boasts no fewer than eight British Wimbledon winners: Maud Watson, Dorothy Round, Kitty Godfree, Angela Mortimer, Charlotte Cooper Sterry, Fred Perry, Ann Jones and Virginia Wade. Plus there’s grand slammers Betty Nuthall, Patrick Hughes, Roger Taylor and Mike Sangster, and an early appearance from a 15-year-old Sue Barker. International icons include Frenchwoman Suzanne Lenglen, petite giant of the women’s game in the 1910s and 20s, and her compatriots Rene Lacoste and Jean Borotra; Australian No.1s Ken Rosewall and Lew Hoad; ruthless Californian firebrand Pancho Gonzales and Althea Gibson, the first African-American to compete at Wimbledon. With winning tips from the greats, amateur antics, tennis the junior game and a look at lawn tennis’s near-forgotten ancestor, ‘real tennis’, this ace collections offers all the thrills of Centre Court - without the cricked neck...

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Sue Barker plays Evonne GoolagongSue Barker plays Evonne Goolagong

Sport19719 mins Location: Torquay

A young pretender takes on the Wimbledon Champion

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Festival WimbledonFestival Wimbledon

Sport195122 mins

Extended highlights from the 1951 Wimbledon Tennis Championships

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Centred on WimbledonCentred on Wimbledon

Sport194723 mins Location: Wimbledon

An account of the 1947 Wimbledon tennis championship

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Colourful WimbledonColourful Wimbledon

Sport195447 mins Location: Hampton

Wimbledon 1954, from the meticulous preparation of the 16 tennis courts to the finals and the glory on Centre Court.

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Duke Beaten at WimbledonDuke Beaten at Wimbledon

Non-Fiction19261 minsSilent

The future King George VI takes to the court at Wimbledon Tennis Championships.

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Sue Barker in the Ladies Tennis BP CupSue Barker in the Ladies Tennis BP Cup

News19775 mins Location: Paignton

It's a question of Sue: tennis player Sue Barker competes against an American opponent in the Ladies Indoor Tennis BP Cup.

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Torquay interviews with US and UK women's tennis teamsTorquay interviews with US and UK women's tennis teams

News19754 mins Location: Torquay

Sue Barker competes in a tennis match in the lead up to the US v. UK Women's Wightman Cup

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Britain Wins Wightman CupBritain Wins Wightman Cup

Non-Fiction19582 minsSilent

The British regain the Wightman Cup after 28 years, with a 4–3 victory over the United States team.

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Winning WimbledonWinning Wimbledon

Sport195513 mins

Highlights from the conclusion of the men’s and women’s singles at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships 1955

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Jumping over Tennis NetJumping over Tennis Net

Home movie19031 minsSilent Location: Streatham

The grown-ups of the Passmore clan let out their inner children as they leap over a tennis net in this early home movie

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Babycham: Tennis!!Babycham: Tennis!!

Advert19571 mins

After your strenuous workout at the tennis club, you need a Babycham

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PlayersPlayers

Animation & Artists Moving Image19827 mins

Tennis match escalates into apocalypse

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Real TennisReal Tennis

News19754 mins Location: Cambridge

Judy Finnigan, early in her career as an Anglia TV reporter, interviewing 'real tennis' pro Brian Church.

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Flappers' Fierce Tennis DuelFlappers' Fierce Tennis Duel

Non-Fiction19251 mins

British star tennis player Betty Nuthall takes victory in the Junior Championships

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Ann JonesAnn Jones

196816 mins

Bernard Braden interviews British number one tennis player Ann Jones about controversial issues in the game.

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Little LenglensLittle Lenglens

Non-Fiction19221 mins

Young ladies take to the tennis courts at Weybridge Junior Championships

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Wimbledon's JubileeWimbledon's Jubilee

Sport19262 minsSilent

In June 1926 King George V and Queen Mary lead the celebrations for Wimbledon’s 50th jubilee.

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Tennis is a tricky businessTennis is a tricky business

Sport19834 mins Location: Plymouth

Controversy over plans for Hartley Park Tennis Club in Plymouth

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Bravo, Betty!Bravo, Betty!

Non-Fiction19300 mins

Miss Betty Nuthall becomes the first overseas winner of the US Championship at Forest Hills.

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First Frenchman to Be Tennis ChampionFirst Frenchman to Be Tennis Champion

Non-Fiction19240 mins

French tennis aces Jean Borotra and René Lacoste prepare to face each other at Wimbledon.

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Detachable Dress for SportswomenDetachable Dress for Sportswomen

Sport19261 mins

Take to the tennis courts without fear of a wardrobe malfunction in this sports kit for the modern woman

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Tennis ClothesTennis Clothes

News19803 mins Location: Stoke-on-Trent

Is the sale of celebrity endorsed tennis gear a big racket or a match winning ace?

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RHM Nimble: Tennis WomanRHM Nimble: Tennis Woman

Advert19640 mins

An advertisement for Rank Hovis McDougall’s Nimble bread featuring a female tennis player.

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Real TennisReal Tennis

News19803 mins Location: Oxford

Tennis as the monks played it: Oxford University's real tennis is a million miles away from the professional circuit.

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Pepsodent Twink: Tennis GirlPepsodent Twink: Tennis Girl

Advert19550 mins

Worried about losing your good looks on the tennis field? No need with Twink!

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International Tennis StarsInternational Tennis Stars

Non-Fiction19271 mins

Betty Nuthall and Cristobel Hardie take on Lambert Chambers and Elizabeth Ryan at the tennis tournament in Nice

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Short Tennis for ChildrenShort Tennis for Children

Sport19798 mins Location: Norwich

Anglia TV report by Steve Rider in Norwich on 'short tennis', a new type of tennis to encourage children into the game.

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Champions in the MakingChampions in the Making

Non-Fiction19301 mins

English Junior Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, September 1930

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British TennisBritish Tennis

Instructional film/TV programme192413 minsSilent

Instructional film offering tips on a variety of tennis strokes, from serving and volleying to backhand and the smash.

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Fourth Lawn Tennis Tournament for the Championship of NorthumberlandFourth Lawn Tennis Tournament for the Championship of Northumberland

19217 minsSilent Location: Berwick-upon-Tweed

The 1921 Northumberland Tennis tournament: men and women’s tennis in a beautiful location.

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Lew Hoad v Pancho Gonzalez on the Pro Tennis TourLew Hoad v Pancho Gonzalez on the Pro Tennis Tour

Sport196420 mins Location: Carlyon Bay

Pro game is an exhibition of the greatest talents

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Junior Tennis ChampionshipsJunior Tennis Championships

Sport19241 mins

Early newsreel film of British teenage tennis star Betty Nuthall at Wimbledon.

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Making of Tennis Balls at Rex RubberMaking of Tennis Balls at Rex Rubber

Amateur film19556 minsSilent Location: Bradford-On-Avon

Hypnotic behind-the-scenes film showing the science behind a seemingly simple product.

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English Tennis StarsEnglish Tennis Stars

Non-Fiction19271 mins

Britain's women tennis stars make the finals of the American National Championships at Forest Hills, New York.

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Miss Dorothy RoundMiss Dorothy Round

Sport194910 mins

Star British tennis player Dorothy Round demonstrates various shots and footwork on the court.

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WimbledonWimbledon

Non-Fiction19282 mins

French tennis legend René Lacoste beats fellow countryman Henri Cochet to the 1928 Wimbledon men’s title

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Surbiton Lawn Tennis ClubSurbiton Lawn Tennis Club

Non-Fiction19207 minsSilent

Newsreel coverage of the finals of the 1922 Surrey County Championships in tennis at Surbiton

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Scenes at the Walton-on-Thames Lawn Tennis Tournament Finals DayScenes at the Walton-on-Thames Lawn Tennis Tournament Finals Day

Amateur film19343 minsSilent Location: Walton-on-Thames

Amateur film of the final day of play at the Walton-on-Thames Tennis Tournament 1934.

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How to Improve Your PlayHow to Improve Your Play

194720 mins

Patrick Hughes shows how to become a better tennis player.

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Tennis; The Most Democratic of Games for Both SexesTennis; The Most Democratic of Games for Both Sexes

192412 minsSilent

Anyone for tennis? Give your game the professional touch with the help of this enlightening 1920s instructional film.

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Tennis - The new VASSS Points SystemTennis - The new VASSS Points System

News19685 mins Location: Cambridge

American Real Tennis champ Jimmy Van Alen insists that his new scoring system VASSS-tly improves the game! Anglia TV remain unconvinced.

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Double DoseDouble Dose

Amateur film19706 mins Location: Colchester

Colchester Cine Club pay homage to Louis Lumiére's comedy silent film L'Arroseur Arrosé producing their own quirky version.

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H.W. AustinH.W. Austin

Sport193612 mins

The correct way to play tennis, as illustrated by HW 'Bunny' Austin

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Intercounties Hardcourt Singles ChampionshipIntercounties Hardcourt Singles Championship

Sport19774 mins Location: Norwich

Norfolk is doing well in the top group at the Intercounties Hardcourt Singles Tennis Championships in Norwich. Anglia TV reports in 1977.

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Roger Taylor v Mike SangsterRoger Taylor v Mike Sangster

Sport19644 mins Location: Torquay

Two of the Best of British compete against each other in Torquay

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Teddy Tinling Fashions for WimbledonTeddy Tinling Fashions for Wimbledon

News19713 minsSilent Location: Wimbledon

Fashion designer Teddy Tinling and a line-up of Wimbledon women tennis pros showcase the latest stylish custom-made sports wear.

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Sue Mappin InterviewSue Mappin Interview

Sport19794 mins Location: Norwich

Tennis pro turned National Women's Team Manager, Sue Mappin, encourages confidence in East Anglia's top young players.

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Tennis TacticsTennis Tactics

Instructional film/TV programme197416 mins

The “voice of wimbledon” Dan Maskell commentates as some of the world's top tennis players show us their moves and tactics on the court.

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Tony Mottram - Tennis TutorialTony Mottram - Tennis Tutorial

Instructional film/TV programme19607 mins

Light on his feet, Tony Mottram shows why he's one of Britain's most influential tennis coaches following a successful career as a tennis pro.

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Linda Mottram InterviewLinda Mottram Interview

News19754 mins Location: Norwich

Tennis pro Linda Mottram at the Robinson's International Tournament in Norwich in 1975 speaking about equal pay for women competitors.

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When Harry met CaroleWhen Harry met Carole

Sport19671 minsSilent Location: Exeter

Love is the score for tennis doubles partners Carole Rosser and Harry Matheson

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Virginia Wade v Ann Jones in Dewar Cup TieVirginia Wade v Ann Jones in Dewar Cup Tie

Sport19707 mins Location: Torquay

British number ones compete for the Dewar Cup

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Interview with Angela MortimerInterview with Angela Mortimer

Sport19614 mins Location: Wimbledon

Winner of the Wimbledon Ladies Championship and world number one talks about her success

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O.G.A. Tennis Party - 30th June 1927O.G.A. Tennis Party - 30th June 1927

Amateur film19271 minsSilent Location: Carmarthen/Caerfyrddin

Members of the Old Girls' Association of Carmarthen's Queen Elizabeth Grammar School for Girls meet on the school courts with some gentlemen.

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Phyllosan Ad - TennisPhyllosan Ad - Tennis

Advert19511 minsSilent

Phyllosan - the health supplement that helps keep you fit for tennis with your children

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Plas Newydd - tennis, boating and backgammonPlas Newydd - tennis, boating and backgammon

Home movie193315 minsSilent Location: Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll

Tennis, boating and bathing is provided for the August socialising of royals and aristocrats at Plas Newydd, seat of the Marquis of Anglesey.

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Tennis and Bowls at The BarclaysTennis and Bowls at The Barclays

Home movie19344 minsSilent Location: Norwich

1930s home movie of a tennis party with the Salter and Bird families at a country house in Norfolk.

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English Victory at WimbledonEnglish Victory at Wimbledon

Non-Fiction19262 minsSilent Location: Wimbledon

Action from the 1926 Wimbledon Ladies' Singles final between Kitty Godfree and Lilí de Álvarez.

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Tennis World Championships Open at WimbledonTennis World Championships Open at Wimbledon

Non-Fiction19212 minsSilent Location: Wimbledon

Wonderful glimpse of the Wimbledon tennis championship at its former home on Worple Road, including some of the era’s top male and female players.

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Tennis and How to Play ItTennis and How to Play It

Sport192216 minsSilent

Suzanne Lenglen, French tennis superstar and Wimbledon winner, shows off her technique for the cameras

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Norfolk Women's Tennis Team in Prudential County CupNorfolk Women's Tennis Team in Prudential County Cup

Sport19783 mins Location: Cromer

Ranked number 9 internationally, tennis pro Lesley Charles speaks to Anglia TV in Cromer.

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Tennis Player and Referee Alan MillsTennis Player and Referee Alan Mills

Sport19611 minsSilent Location: Budleigh Salterton

Alan Mills competes in an open lawn tournament at Budleigh Salterton

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Young Tennis Player Jo LouisYoung Tennis Player Jo Louis

Sport19805 mins Location: Torquay

Young tennis hopeful Jo Louis is at a coaching session in Torquay

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Tennis match at St Lawrence Hall, Isle of WightTennis match at St Lawrence Hall, Isle of Wight

Amateur film19302 minsSilent Location: St Lawrence

Join members of Lord Jellicoe's family as they enjoy an out-of-season doubles match at the family home at St Lawrence Hall near Ventnor.

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Wimbledon, 1934Wimbledon, 1934

Amateur film19344 minsSilent Location: Wimbledon

There's plenty of Wimbledon action in this short film from 1934 - the year when both singles titles were won by British champions.

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Wimbledon, 1973Wimbledon, 1973

Amateur film19735 minsSilent Location: Wimbledon

Wimbledon Centre Court action follows a summer wedding filled with flowers, flares and floppy hats in Geoffrey Woodward's film from 1973.

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Crawley & District Bowling and Lawn Tennis clubCrawley & District Bowling and Lawn Tennis club

Amateur film192711 minsSilent Location: Crawley

Percy Nightingale captures pipe-puffing old codgers on the bowling green while stout ladies do battle on the tennis courts of 1920s Crawley.

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Frensham August 1933Frensham August 1933

Amateur film19339 minsSilent Location: Frensham

This nostalgic film shows the Staley family larking about in swimwear, playing tennis and enjoying the lazy days of summer in 1930s Surrey.

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N.A.C.A.M. Convention in EastbourneN.A.C.A.M. Convention in Eastbourne

Amateur film19258 minsSilent

The Nightingale family are out and about in 1920s Eastbourne, playing tennis in cloche hats, golfing in tweeds, touring the Downs and smoking.