This film is part of Free
Ex-mine Sweepers Strike against Former Foes
A deftly-shot newsreel documenting the hostilities between British and German fishermen at the height of their rivalry.
Overview
These Aberdeen fishermen's smiles to camera belie their underlying anger at the arrival of German trawlers, laden with their Icelandic catch. In the early 20s violence frequently erupted between the Scots and their German rivals, who threatened their livelihoods. A contemporary newspaper report described how the Aberdonians "let loose a barrage of stones" on their foreign foe and prevented porters from taking their catch to market. Topical Budget clearly couldn't resist alluding to wartime hostilities, still firmly engrained on the public consciousness.
These evocative shots of Aberdeen's harbour are the work of cinematographer, John 'Bunny' Hutchins, who was a stalwart of the early newsreel. As well as Topical Budget, he worked for Williamson's Animated News, Eclair Journal, British Screen News, Universal Talking News and British Movietone.
Related
Aberdeen University Quarter Centenary Celebrations Aberdeen University Quarter Centenary Celebrations
Non-Fiction 1906 32 mins Silent Location: Aberdeen
Edward VII and Queen Alexandra open new buildings at Marischal College, Aberdeen
Gordon Highlanders Leaving for the Boer War Gordon Highlanders Leaving for the Boer War
1899 1 mins Silent Location: Aberdeen
A rambunctious crowd greets the Highlanders in Aberdeen, some more interested in the camera than the soldiers.
Tank Bank's Tour through Scotland Tank Bank's Tour through Scotland
Non-Fiction 1918 15 mins Silent Location: Glasgow
The 'Tank Bank' tours through Scotland, selling War Bonds, raising money for the war effort and boosting morale
Fair Rent Fair Rent
Documentary 1947 11 mins Location: Aberdeen
Power cuts, housing shortages and exorbitant rents – Aberdeen man Norrie Williamson goes head to head with his greedy landlady
Aberdeen Oil Boom Aberdeen Oil Boom
Government sponsored film 1972 5 mins Location: Aberdeen
Aberdeen's local fishermen turn into wildcatting oilmen in a lively report from the early days of the North Sea oil boom.
Aberdeen Newsreel No. 2 Aberdeen Newsreel No. 2
Non-Fiction 1940 8 mins Silent Location: Aberdeen
Aberdonians prove their grit in a moving amateur newsfilm of war-ravaged buildings and family fun in Hazlehead Park.
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
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.
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.
Edgar Wright on The Running Man Edgar Wright on The Running Man
Inside Film 2025 28 mins
The director talks to Mark Kermode about putting Stephen King's dystopian life-or-death gameshow thriller through its paces.
Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 69 mins
Richard Linklater discusses his remarkable and wide-ranging body of work, including Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague.
Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 73 mins
Daniel Day-Lewis, the ultimate actor’s actor discusses his career in conversation with Mark Kermode.