Conway Castle - panoramic view of Conway on the L.& N.W. Railway
Conwy's bridge, castle and station glide past, as if in a dream, in this beautiful phantom train ride film (no ghosts but apparently no train either) from 1898.
Phantom train ride film: no ghosts but no apparent sign of the train either, the camera being attached to the very front of the locomotive. This beautiful film, shot in February 1898, has a dream-like quality and is hand tinted (possibly stencilled). It is believed to have been coloured some time after it was first shown as no contemporary reviews or advertisements refer to what would surely have been a major selling/talking point, 1898 being very early for coloured films.
This film was made in response to the first American phantom train ride film (by the British Mutoscope and Biograph's parent company, the American Mutoscope and Biograph Company), 'The Haverstraw Tunnel', which showed the scenery around the Hudson river and a tunnel and so delighted the audience that the British operation decided to make their own version, which also proved very popular - it showed not only in London but also in Rochester, New York, and then travelled all over Europe, still being shown in cinemas as late as 1910. This film is preserved by the EYE Filmmuseum, Netherlands.
There's plenty of steam action in this amazing quadruple bill featuring Kent's farewell to steam, a railway with combustion issues and rides on the late lamented Hayling Billy
All Aboard: Shane's Castle Railway and the Enterprise leaves Belfast
Amateur film19813 mins
Location: Randalstown
Relive your memories of the Shane’s Castle railway. Inspired by the Blitz and built in the family castle ruins, Lord O’Neill’s private passion becomes a tourist attraction.
“I wouldn’t travel by bus. I’d go to bed instead I think!” Local News TV speak to Mrs Smith and Mrs Stebbens, passengers who find the Norwich to Sheringham train service essential.
Across the communist/capitalist divide of the Cold War, a choir from Hungary visits a choir in Blaenau Ffestiniog and both discover, despite differences, a shared humanity.
Conwy, the ‘a’ no longer officially included in the name, has many a draw for the visitor including an Elizabeth mansion (‘Plas Mawr’) and the smallest house in Britain.
Centenary for suspension bridge built by world famous engineer Thomas Telford, a man born the son of a Scottish shepherd. The bridge was first opened to the public on 1st June 1826.
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting Q&A for Shakespeare Lives
Inside Film201631 mins
The stars of Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet are reunited on stage for the first time since 1968 as part of the BFI and British Council’s Shakespeare on Film.
Brighton Seaside - Airshow & Silver Jubilee in Bromley
Amateur film197711 mins
Location: Brighton
Tony Mitchell captures a variety of events during Jubilee year - including day trips to Brighton and a bunting covered London as well as an accident at an airshow
Bournemouth. A holiday resort that’s got the lot. Sunshine, sandy beaches, gardens, shops, fine dining and entertainment - with sports stars and a few beauty queens thrown in
A Tory MP and his wife meet their female battalions in a tour of Southampton's wards - while Stanley Baldwin lends his own support at an outdoor fete
About the archive
National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
