This film is part of Free
Bluejackets Amuse Themselves
An unusual film showing Victorian sailors larking around.
Non-Fiction 1900 1 mins Silent
Overview
Bluejackets – enlisted sailors in the British Navy – were a very popular subject for early film. Often shown at work, drilling, exercising, marching, etc., they were also captured in moments of relaxation. Recreations seen here include putting a baby’s bonnet on a cat, dancing together, and singing a comic song. It is likely however that this happy snap of naval life is as delicately orchestrated as other more deliberately militaristic films. Propaganda with a smile?
Subjects
Related
England Expects
Lord Roberts Presenting Medals to Boer War Volunteers in Liverpool (1901) Lord Roberts Presenting Medals to Boer War Volunteers in Liverpool (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 9 mins Silent Location: Liverpool
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces recognises war heroes old and new in front of crowds on a wet day in Edwardian Liverpool.
Royal Scots Regiment at Edinburgh Castle (1901) Royal Scots Regiment at Edinburgh Castle (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 5 mins Silent Location: Edinburgh Castle
Troops play up for the camera in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.
Ambulance Crossing the Modder Ambulance Crossing the Modder
Non-Fiction 1899 1 mins Silent
A surprisingly languid scene shot far from the Boer War battlefields.
H.M.S. "Powerful" Arriving in Portsmouth Harbour H.M.S. "Powerful" Arriving in Portsmouth Harbour
Non-Fiction 1900 1 mins Silent Location: Portsmouth
A mighty naval cruiser returns home to Britain, covered in glory - and Nelson's ship is there to welcome it
Wooden Walls of Old England Wooden Walls of Old England
Non-Fiction 1899 1 mins
Panorama of two wooden battleships, both by this time used as training ships for naval cadets
Coldstream Guards Embarking on Troopship Gascon Coldstream Guards Embarking on Troopship Gascon
Non-Fiction 1899 1 mins Silent Location: Southampton
This close view of departing troops gets up close and personal with soldiers off to the Boer War.
New
Marli Siu introduces Sweet Bean Marli Siu introduces Sweet Bean
Short documentary 2021 5 mins
Actor Marli Siu (Anna and the Apocalypse, Run) introduces Naomi Kawase’s calming culinary drama.
Hannah Strong introduces Red Road Hannah Strong introduces Red Road
Short documentary 2021 5 mins
Associate Editor for Little White Lies Magazine Hannah Strong introduces Andrea Arnold’s stunning debut feature.
Lydia West introduces Second Coming Lydia West introduces Second Coming
Short documentary 2021 5 mins
Lydia West (It’s A Sin) introduces debbie tucker green’s ethereal, warm and human debut feature.
In Separation In Separation
Drama 1965 5 mins
The powerful, multifaceted spirt and energies of the revolutionary 1960s are channelled in dynamic, monochrome microcosm.
Susan Wokoma introduces Prevenge Susan Wokoma introduces Prevenge
Short documentary 2021 5 mins
Susan Wokoma introduces Alice Lowe’s slasher comedy Prevenge, reflecting on Lowe’s journey making and starring in the film while pregnant, and her rich palette of classic influences.
Great Noises That Fill the Air Great Noises That Fill the Air
Performance 1990 27 mins
The Bow Gamelan Ensemble stage spectacular avant-garde musical shows.