This film is part of Free
Part of Wonderful London, the BFI National Archive’s programme of restored London travelogues, filmed in the capital in the 1920s.
1924 12 mins
Comparisons are made between West End and East, old and new. We start with Hyde Park and the East End, followed by the areas around St. Paul's, the Admiralty and shops (newly opened Selfridges, an old Merchant's house, Liberty and the Parisian department store Galleries Lafayette). We see Soho's Berwick Street and Caledonian Markets, and the picturesque 'fishing village' under Hammersmith bridge.
Based on a successful magazine, the film series Wonderful London captures the life of the capital in the 1920s. These simple travelogues contrast different aspects of city life; East End and West End, poor and rich, natives and immigrants, looking beyond the stereotypes to show surprising views of the city. These six restorations by the BFI National Archive reintroduce the films' original colours, with new piano accompaniments by John Sweeney
Documentary 1935 17 mins Location: Thames Head
Swans, boats and bridges are celebrated by lyrical commentary and fine images in this delightful tour of the Thames from “trivial” beginnings to torrential end.
Non-Fiction 1926 1 mins Silent Location: Kingston Upon Thames
A mermaid, a fat man in a barrel and water-bound jockeys all appear in this brilliant short showing Londoners taking part in the Molesey Regatta.
Non-Fiction 1930 1 mins Silent Location: River Thames
A ceremonial swan census takes place on the river Thames.
Documentary 1939 9 mins Silent
A nostalgic pre-war voyage down the mighty Thames, shot by Technicolor maestro Jack Cardiff.
Non-Fiction 1899 1 mins Silent Location: Henley-on-Thames
Don your straw boater and join Victorians at play as you potter down the river at Henley-on-Thames
1935 16 mins
A rare glimpse of 1930s London in colour: the Thames has never looked lovelier.
Amateur film 1980 10 mins Location: Hyde Park
Walking down memory lane on a whistle-stop tour of central London, as seen through the eyes of a local filmmaker
1958 4 mins Silent Location: Hyde Park
Easter Parade in Hyde Park, April 1958.
1959 5 mins Silent Location: Hyde Park
London, 1959: the Hilton Hotel rises from the ashes, surrounded by derelict houses and bomb damaged streets
Non-Fiction 1923 1 mins Silent Location: Hyde Park
Thousands of children honour Queen Victoria's birthday with an Empire Day parade in Hyde Park
Travelogue 1947 12 mins Location: Hyde Park
Stroll through Hyde Park in your winter coat, but with the daffodils beginning to bloom, spring is nearly here!
Non-Fiction 1913 1 mins Silent Location: Hyde Park
Three cheers for women's right to vote! Thousands of 'peaceful, law-abiding Suffragists' - and their hat-waving supporters - converge on Hyde Park.
Drama 2020 21 mins
A young Palestinian woman crosses the Israeli border illegally to find her long-lost brother, who she hopes will be her ticket to a new life.
Charity appeal 2020 2 mins
Beautiful NHS fundraiser, setting Michael Rosen’s poem to powerful archive images.
Non-Fiction 1924 1 mins Silent Location: Woking
The UK's first purpose-built mosque welcomes a huge crowd of worshippers - and newsreel cameras!
Comedy 1914 9 mins Silent
A vicar is caught flirting with an improperly-dressed chorus girl in this saucy silent comedy.
Non-Fiction 1901 4 mins Silent Location: Manchester
A volunteer cavalry regiment is enthusiastically welcomed home after active service in South Africa.
Non-Fiction 1901 2 mins Silent Location: Liverpool
All ashore! Passengers disembark and crew offload after a long Atlantic crossing.
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