The Yorkshire Film Archive collects, preserves, and shows film made in, or about Yorkshire. Our collections are non-fiction, dating from the 1890s to the present day, and providing a rich and visually compelling record of all aspects of lives, cultures, landscape, industries, major events and everyday activities, many of which are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
Video Player is loading.
Max Jaffa: Farewell to Scarborough
Middle England out on the east coast of Yorkshire enjoy the soothing music of Max Jaffa in his final year, playing for his devoted followers.
From the collection of:
Overview
Scarborough favourite, violinist and bandleader Max Jaffa, says goodbye to his legion of fans; as they too shed a tear for the end of the “comfortable predictability” of his concerts after 27 years. Max Jaffa, now aged 74, shows himself to be the consummate performer, directing the versatile, and often unrehearsed, Spa Orchestra through a daunting summer season at Scarborough’s famous Spa Grand Hall and Sun Court in 1986.
This Yorkshire Television documentary catches Max Jaffa at the end of his long stint at Scarborough, although he continued performing for several years and passed away in 1991. It tells much of the story of his eventful life, but doesn’t mention that he was the youngest ever leader of the Scottish Symphony Orchestra, back in 1929, or that he later became the leader of the Mantovani Orchestra and regularly conducted the Palm Court Orchestra in Eastbourne – often relayed live on BBC radio. Nor does it mention that after flying with the Royal Air Force during World War II, he became physically unable to play the violin. Something one wouldn’t guess from watching him play in this film.
Related
Watch for free
Yorkshire Riviera Yorkshire Riviera
Amateur film 1958 19 mins Silent Location: Redcar
A nostalgic dip and drive around the North Yorkshire coast in the sun-kissed 50s.
Watch for free
Scarborough Ahoy! Scarborough Ahoy!
Drama 1994 33 mins Location: Scarborough
A straight woman and a gay man cruise their way across North East England in this Tennessee Williams-inspired short.
Watch for free
'Scarboro' 'Scarboro'
Non-Fiction 1922 1 mins Silent Location: Scarborough
Hockey on the beach at Scarborough
Watch for free
Pleasant Dreams Pleasant Dreams
Home movie 1955 4 mins Silent Location: Scarborough
The relativity of pleasure, as seen with one family escaping Castleford for the delights of a brisk Scarborough beach, sea and donkey rides.
Watch for free
One Man's Meat One Man's Meat
Amateur film 1951 7 mins Silent Location: Scarborough
Not too sure what the poison would be in this delightful film of two couples enjoying the Yorkshire coast, certainly not the end of the day beer.
Watch for free
Weekend Travels Weekend Travels
Amateur film 1957 5 mins Silent Location: Scarborough
High frolics on the beach that epitomise a typical 1950s British day out at the seaside, before vests and braces went out of fashion.
Watch for free
If I Make It To The Morning If I Make It To The Morning
Drama 2024 9 mins
A Chinese teenager dreams of living with her cool aunt in New York, until tensions boil over during a crab dinner.
Watch for free
We’ll Go Down in History We’ll Go Down in History
Documentary 2025 25 mins
Two years in the life of TRUK United FC, a beacon for positive change and trans inclusivity in football.
Watch for free
Dragfox Dragfox
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2024 8 mins
A child struggling with their identity and a charismatic fox (voiced by Sir Ian McKellen) learn to embrace their differences in this heart warming stop-motion animation.
Watch for free
Wait, Wait, Now! Wait, Wait, Now!
Drama 2024 13 mins
A Maori and a Kiwi teen buddy up to raid their mum’s wardrobe and pucker their lips with red.
Watch for free
NGGAK!!! NGGAK!!!
Drama 2024 8 mins
‘I pronounce you wife and wife.’ A young couple design their perfect wedding online, but then mum dials in.
Watch for free
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.