London’s Screen Archives enables Londoners see their past come alive on film. Managed by Film London, we are a unique network of historic film collections that cares for, collects and screens heritage film across the city. Together we preserve London’s rich film heritage from feature films to home movies, public information films, newsreels, and records of the capital’s many different industries.
This film is part of Free
Video Player is loading.
Docklands Light Railway Comes to Stratford
All aboard! Take a peek at the historic moment of the Docklands Light Railway launch, as seen through the eyes of a Newham filmmaker.
From the collection of:
Overview
It's a bright August day in 1987 and Stratford Broadway is bustling with traffic and shoppers going about their business. But this is no ordinary day - there's a restless, expectant crowd looking on as the Docklands Light Railway arrives at Stratford Station for the first time! The film captures the shiny new train and swanky platforms, finishing with a point of view shot through the front window of the driverless train, a novel experience for many of the passengers.
Produced by a keen East Ham and Newham Council filmmaker, local Councillor and later Leader of the Council, this compilation reel contains various local activities celebrating Newham throughout the year 1987. Presented in Cinemascope and filmed on Super 8mm using an anamorphic lens. This film is from the collection of Newham Local History Resource Centre.
Related
Watch for free
West Ham Town Hall & Newham Youth Orchestra West Ham Town Hall & Newham Youth Orchestra
Amateur film 1986 5 mins Location: Stratford
Reopened by Queen Elizabeth II as part of the borough's Centenary celebrations, the West Ham Town Hall hosts a Newham Youth Orchestra Concert.
Watch for free
East End Bids Farewell to the Fuhrer East End Bids Farewell to the Fuhrer
Amateur film 1945 2 mins Silent Location: Stratford
Crowds carry a mock coffin of Adolf Hitler through the streets of Stratford while the Union Flag and bunting hang defiant above the WW2 rubble.
Watch for free
Options Options
Documentary 1972 27 mins Silent Location: Stratford
Slicing ham by day, gliding across a dance floor by night - introducing Mr and Mrs Rainbird, proud owners of a grocery shop on Romford Rd, Newham.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Tangerine New Perspectives: Tangerine
Short documentary 2025 3 mins
Harry Wallace, a student at Northumbria university, explains why Sean Baker's LA-set comedy-drama, about a transgender sex worker on the hunt for her cheating -ex, is worth your time.
Watch for free
Daniel Craig in Conversation with Mark Kermode Daniel Craig in Conversation with Mark Kermode
Inside Film 2025 44 mins
Daniel Craig talks to Mark Kermode about his acting career, from his early role in Love is the Devil through to the Luca Guadagnino directed Queer.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Fish Tank New Perspectives: Fish Tank
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Adam Smith of Northumbria University explains why Andrea Arnold's coming-of-age story, about a girl who uses dance to escape, is his favourite film on BFI Player.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Pusher New Perspectives: Pusher
Short documentary 2025 5 mins
Noah Ball of Northumbria University explains why you should seize the chance to watch Nicolas Winding Refn's debut.
Watch for free
Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A
Inside Film 2025 38 mins
Kyle MacLachlan talks to BFI CEO Ben Roberts about working with David Lynch on the legendary series Twin Peaks.
Watch for free
On Falling - Exclusive Q&A On Falling - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
Writer-director Laura Carreira talks to Nia Childs about her debut feature, On Falling.