Set up in 1977, the North West Film Archive preserves moving images made in or about Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, Merseyside and Cumbria and offers a variety of access services to users in the public, academic and commercial sectors.
This film is part of Free
Christmas at Marlene's 1965
Oh, you really shouldn't have, but thank you - presents and party hats for everyone at a family Christmas.
From the collection of:
Overview
Children love Christmas more than anyone, and in this delightful short colour film, shot in Sale, Cheshire, the young Russ boys enjoy opening and playing with their presents, particularly the red toy robot. The adults have presents, too, but this is an occasion for the younger members of the family, and talented amateur filmmaker Ralph Brookes preserves this happy family occasion for posterity.
Related
Watch for free
Visit to Germany Visit to Germany
Home movie 1936 28 mins Silent
Lloyd George tours the sights of Nazi Germany while his chauffeurs lark about with an SS Officer in this grimly fascinating film.
Watch for free
Family and Friends Family and Friends
Home movie 1962 24 mins Silent
An intimate portrait of the family life of the Taberhams, including Ruth and Tigger Cat at Christmastime, idling in the garden, and a wedding.
Watch for free
Cwrt-yr-Ala - Twins Cwrt-yr-Ala - Twins
Home movie 1948 8 mins Silent Location: Michaelston-le-Pit
A newly-built, dream home in Michaelston-le-Pit, Cardiff, where industrialist H H Merrett’s grandchildren have ample space to play.
Watch for free
George's Party and Porthcawl Prom George's Party and Porthcawl Prom
Home movie 1957 14 mins Silent Location: Porthcawl
Socialising at home - on George’s birthday, perhaps, and at Christmas – and walking the promenade.
Watch for free
Arthur Conan Doyle Relaxes with his Family at Windlesham Arthur Conan Doyle Relaxes with his Family at Windlesham
Amateur film 1929 17 mins Silent
The creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, relaxes with his family in Windlesham and goes on tour to Egypt, Africa and Australia
Watch for free
Golden Wedding At Ellel House Golden Wedding At Ellel House
Home movie 1950 4 mins Silent Location: Galgate
50 years together - congratulations! A family celebration of a long and happy married life.
Watch for free
Christmas 1964 and 1965 Christmas 1964 and 1965
Home movie 1964 8 mins Silent Location: Sale
Christmas with a budgie and a Dalek keeps three generations of the family happy.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror New Perspectives: Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror
Short documentary 2025 3 mins
Harry Coghlan of Northumbria University explains why FW Murnau's 1922 vampire story is an endlessly intriguing work of art.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: La Haine New Perspectives: La Haine
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Charlie Hammersley, a student from Northumbria University, explains how Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film holds up a mirror to society.
Watch for free
Dreamers Q&A Dreamers Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
The film-makers behind a haunting tale of love and community within a UK immigration detention centre visited the BFI Southbank to discuss their film.
Watch for free
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 50 mins
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation at BFI Southbank, discussing the making of One Battle After Another.
Watch for free
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
Watch for free
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.