We use cookies and other technologies to enable you to watch films. Continued use of this site indicates acceptance, as part of our Privacy policy.
Your cookies are disabled - you'll need to enable them to play any film. Find out how in our Privacy policy.
iPhone and iPad users: Chromecast now available via your iOS device. Download app version 2.8 to enable. See Help for more.
This film is part of Free
Spaced-out sitar music and the prog rock grooves of Quintessence soundtrack this psychedelic flashback to Notting Hill Gate in 1970.
Documentary 1970 25 mins
This time capsule counter-culture documentary was designed to redress negative perceptions of Notting Hill in 1970: "a cultural and racial melting pot...probably the world's most integrated ghetto". Radical 'Viet Grove' free spirits seen here include Caroline Coon, of Release, a free legal aid service for young people hassled by 'the fuzz', and Larry Smart, psychedelic painter and poster artist.
A version of the Quintessence track Notting Hill Gate - performed live here - was featured on the band's first album, In Blissful Company, released in 1969.
Do you recognise a place, building or location in this film?
Help us populate the Britain on Film map by spotting and plotting the street or location you know. This is a BFI project and anyone can help.
Go to our Britain on Film crowdsourcing site and contribute to our mapping mission – to identify locations within our archive films.
Add a location
Travelogue 1937 12 mins Location: Finchingfield
Rural life in the Essex villages of Finchingfield and Great Bardfield - and the mixed reactions of older residents to changing times.
Drama 1965 12 mins Location: Highgate Cemy
A bittersweet short about a young girl who spends an afternoon playing in Highgate Cemetery where she discovers what the future may have to offer.
Documentary 1970 17 mins Location: Ilford
To the front line of London's early 1970s' housing crisis in this angry campaign film.
Travelogue 1944 32 mins
Widgey Raphael Newman, the short-lived, extraordinarily-named director of this period piece, has assembled attractive images of Wales but beware the commentary!
Drama 1963 13 mins Location: Pontrhydfendigaid
An isolated life can mean that home is nothing more than an “airy tomb”, as imagined by poet and rural parish priest R S Thomas.
Documentary 1977 1 mins Silent
Not-so-special special effects add the magic touch to this kitsch British Rail commercial.
Amateur film 1980 1 mins Location: Notting Hill
Browse the labyrinth of countless colourful stalls and grab yourself a bargain at 1980s Portobello Market
Amateur film 1976 2 mins Silent Location: Notting Hill
Music, dancing and community characterise this short film from Notting Hill Carnival, 1976.
Amateur film 1964 1 mins Silent Location: Notting Hill
Find bric-a-brac and trinkets galore in this vividly colourful snapshot of Portobello Road Market.
Current affairs 1976 29 mins Location: Notting Hill
Special edition of the current affairs series Today about the planning of the Notting Hill Carnival and clashes with police.
Documentary 1973 29 mins Location: Euston Sta
In Covent Garden, Notting Hill and Tolmers Square in London, campaigners challenge property developers' plans
Amateur film 1966 4 mins Silent Location: Notting Hill
Spooky, fascinating film of several London streets in West London, captured by a local man who wanted to record the area before it changed.
Advert 1967 2 mins Location: Devon
Mrs Cross takes the Daz test but what will the outcome be?
Advert 1954 20 mins
Points of view from a production company at the outset of commercial television in the UK.
Advert 1938 1 mins Silent
From out of the vaults comes this pre-WWII cinema advert for ice-cream
Advert 1953 2 mins
A hard-working Catford clippie and her family star in this cinema ad for hot chocolate.
Advert 1972 1 mins
In 1972 Britain entered the European common market full of beans. What could go wrong?
Advert 1952 2 mins
A cup of Horlicks helps a struggling husband bring home the bacon in this 1950s advert.
