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
King Amanullah at Croydon
An extended look around Croydon Airport thanks to King Amanullah of Afghanistan, who gets a guided tour behind the scenes.
From the collection of:
Overview
King Amanullah, Afghanistan’s reforming pro-Western ruler, gets a good look around Croydon Airport in this film, which shows the monarch inspecting buildings and airplanes, including one with folding wings that’s stored in a portable hanger. He also received some mail, written in Persian, dropped by parachute, and noses around a control tower. The king looks interested throughout, and is accompanied by a number of local dignitaries.
Amanullah came to power in 1919 after securing independence from the British Empire. He pushed through a number of reforms (and formed a small air force), the unpopularity of which was felt during this tour of the west. As he visited various European leaders, his opponents marched on Kabul and the army deserted. Amanullah abdicated soon after and lived in exile in Switzerland until his death. During this trip, he flew over London in a plane, something he described as his “greatest thrill in the west”. The Times reported this as the first flight over London by any king.
Related
Croydon and Gatwick Airport Croydon and Gatwick Airport
Amateur film 1955 8 mins Silent Location: Croydon
Members of the Surrey Flying Club erect their clubhouse at Croydon aerodrome while a few miles to the south we see Gatwick's pre-war terminal
Croydon Flyover Croydon Flyover
Amateur film 1974 1 mins Silent Location: Croydon
Shot only five years after its opening, this film showcases the Croydon Flyover in all its concrete glory.
Holiday News of Bracklesham Holiday News of Bracklesham
Amateur film 1937 14 mins Silent Location: Croydon
Join the Hinchcliffs at Bracklesham Bay in this family film from 1937 - with beachside frolics, sand yachts and Uncle Bert’s fishing lessons
Jubilee Jubilee
Amateur film 1977 5 mins Silent Location: Croydon
It's all bell bottoms and bunting as families gather to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee.
The New Croydon The New Croydon
1963 9 mins Location: Croydon
Jaunty, optimistic look at Croydon being reconstructed in the 1960s, with large concrete towers presented as a symbol of a bright new future.
Ross Family Pictures Ross Family Pictures
Amateur film 1933 17 mins Silent Location: Croydon
Join the Ross family and friends - and a frisky fox terrier - for fun in the garden, frolics on the beach and plane-spotting at Croydon Aerodrome
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.
China O'Brien: The Reunion China O'Brien: The Reunion
Documentary 2024 60 mins
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.