This film is part of Free
A Drive Round the Island of Hong Kong
Join a group of ex-pats on a tour around Hong Kong, long before it became defined by its skyscraper skyline.
Overview
As well as taking in some of Hong Kong's best known scenic spots, this home movie offers unique insight into how European and Chinese communities co-existed. While ex-pats enjoy afternoon tea in the gardens of the impressive Repulse Bay Hotel, Chinese fishermen mend sails at Aberdeen port. Buddhist, Christian and Muslim cemeteries are shown, presumably to show the island’s multiculturalism.
The scene entitled ‘Chinese bathing beach’ showing Chinese locals taking an afternoon dip tells another story about more segregated elements of the European and Chinese communities. Other locations shown include Shau Kei Wan, North Point, Causeway Bay and Wong Nai Chung (Happy Valley). The footage was shot in 1935 but not compiled until 1937-38.
Related
Hong Kong East Meets West Hong Kong East Meets West
Documentary 1940 24 mins Silent Location: Hong Kong
This intimate study of Hong Kong explores the life and landscape of the former British colony in exquisite detail.
Around the New Territories - Hong Kong Around the New Territories - Hong Kong
Amateur film 1938 14 mins Silent Location: Tai Po Road
The famous island is only part of Hong Kong, as this intrepid amateur explorer-cum-filmmaker reveals in this intriguing travelogue.
Hong Kong Happenings Hong Kong Happenings
Home movie 1938 13 mins Silent Location: Hong Kong
Striking snapshots of life in a colonial outpost in the 1930s.
Hong Kong Happenings Part 2 Hong Kong Happenings Part 2
Amateur film 1937 9 mins Silent Location: Lai Chi Kok
Scenes of typhoon-torn Hong Kong captured by a local resident.
The Streets of Hong Kong - Wintertime 1936 The Streets of Hong Kong - Wintertime 1936
Amateur film 1938 17 mins Silent Location: Hong Kong
Christmas decorations jostle for attention among thousands of street signs in this amateur exploration of Hong Kong Island’s busy streets.
Typhoon Hong Kong September 1937 Typhoon Hong Kong September 1937
Amateur film 1937 8 mins Silent Location: Hong Kong
Poignant amateur footage records the aftermath of one of the worst typhoons in Hong Kong's history.
Aberdeen University Quarter Centenary Celebrations Aberdeen University Quarter Centenary Celebrations
Non-Fiction 1906 32 mins Silent Location: Aberdeen
Edward VII and Queen Alexandra open new buildings at Marischal College, Aberdeen
Gordon Highlanders Leaving for the Boer War Gordon Highlanders Leaving for the Boer War
1899 1 mins Silent Location: Aberdeen
A rambunctious crowd greets the Highlanders in Aberdeen, some more interested in the camera than the soldiers.
Tank Bank's Tour through Scotland Tank Bank's Tour through Scotland
Non-Fiction 1918 15 mins Silent Location: Glasgow
The 'Tank Bank' tours through Scotland, selling War Bonds, raising money for the war effort and boosting morale
Fair Rent Fair Rent
Documentary 1947 11 mins Location: Aberdeen
Power cuts, housing shortages and exorbitant rents – Aberdeen man Norrie Williamson goes head to head with his greedy landlady
Aberdeen Oil Boom Aberdeen Oil Boom
Government sponsored film 1972 5 mins Location: Aberdeen
Aberdeen's local fishermen turn into wildcatting oilmen in a lively report from the early days of the North Sea oil boom.
Aberdeen Newsreel No. 2 Aberdeen Newsreel No. 2
Non-Fiction 1940 8 mins Silent Location: Aberdeen
Aberdonians prove their grit in a moving amateur newsfilm of war-ravaged buildings and family fun in Hazlehead Park.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Luke Bean of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Samantha Arnold of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.
Horace Ové on Pressure Horace Ové on Pressure
Inside Film 2005 36 mins
The acclaimed director discusses his landmark film in this interview from 2005.
Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 28 mins
Directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor dig deep into their thrilling biopic Baltimore, in discussion with Nadia M Oliva.