The North East Film Archive is one of a network of regional film archives established to collect, preserve and show film made in, or about the North East of England. Our collections are non-fiction, and date from the early 1900s to the present day, providing a rich record of life in the region over the 20th century. Many of our films are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
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Billingham at Play
Talking dogs are just one of many fun attractions featured in this compelling film of a 1950s ICI Billingham Sports and Gala Day.
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Overview
Coca Cola and calisthenics! This workers Sports and Gala Day at the ICI Synthonia Club is packed full of visually lush 50s fun and fashions. Its a great chance to show off: the breath-taking feats of a high wire artist thrill the crowd, and local girls mimic Shirley Temple in tap dance routines. In a light whimsical touch, the stars of the dog show are voiced by a variety of silly characters, in a style later popularised by Johnny Morris in the childrens TV show Animal Magic.
The annual Billingham ICI (Imperial Chemicals Industries) Gala attracted more than 5,000 people in 1956, but attendance later declined with the increase of private motor cars, and the chance of holidays further afield. Glimpses of rock-and-roll fashions and Coca-Cola branded sun-visors sported by children hint at the creeping Americanisation of British post-war culture, accelerated by British dependence on American aid during and after World War Two. Even wartime star of cinema and music hall, Gracie Fields, topping the bill at the 1951 Festival of Britain finale, demanded payment in dollars.
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