The North East Film Archive is one of a network of regional film archives established to collect, preserve and show film made in, or about the North East of England. Our collections are non-fiction, and date from the early 1900s to the present day, providing a rich record of life in the region over the 20th century. Many of our films are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is currently unavailable
Video Player is loading.
Northern Star
A spectacular send off for migrants on board the Northern Star, a new ocean liner built and launched on Tyneside.
From the collection of:
Overview
An enormous crowd give the Northern Star liner an emotional send-off on its maiden voyage from Southampton with a large number of Ten Pound Pom passengers on board. This promotional film for Shaw Savill documents the ship construction at the Tyneside Walker Naval Yard of Vickers Armstrong, launch by the Queen Mother in 1961, fitting out, furnishings and stores in extraordinary detail. The exhaustive load of food and drink on board includes a quarter of a million eggs. [
The modern Northern Star one-class ocean liner, built for the Shaw Savill & Albion Company for new round-the-world services, carried great numbers of working class British passengers to Australia (and New Zealand) on an assisted migration scheme, first started in 1947. They were seduced by the fare of just ten pounds, hence the colloquial name of Ten Pound Poms. Racist Australian laws prohibited mixed race, black or Asian Commonwealth migrants until the 1970s. This film was made by Newcastle-based Turners, who enjoyed a significant presence in post-war sponsored film production for industries and businesses in the North East until 1999.
Related
Watch for free
Guinness - Shipwright Version 1 Guinness - Shipwright Version 1
Advert 1960 1 mins Location: Hebburn
Stout Geordie shipwright Martin Welsh opts for stout after work in this regional TV spot.
Watch for free
Here Comes the Bride Here Comes the Bride
Amateur film 1948 16 mins Silent Location: Hebburn
A wonderfully sophisticated take on the wedding film crafted by a Tyneside musician for his brother and a stylish bride.
Watch for free
Launch of the MV Innesmoor Launch of the MV Innesmoor
Amateur film 1954 16 mins Silent Location: Hebburn
Explore the gleaming new interiors of the Tyne-built cargo ship Innesmoor.
Watch for free
Launch of M.S. Joseph R. Smallwood 11th July 1972 Launch of M.S. Joseph R. Smallwood 11th July 1972
Industry sponsored film 1972 9 mins Silent Location: Hebburn
The Swan Hunter shipyard celebrates the launch of a tanker built to serve the Come By Chance oil refinery in Newfoundland.
Watch for free
Afrika Bambaataa on Afrofuturism (Q&A) Afrika Bambaataa on Afrofuturism (Q&A)
Inside Film 2014 45 mins
Afrika Bambaataa and DJ, musician and filmmaker Don Letts discuss the development of Afrofuturism and its key artists.
Watch for free
Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass) Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2011 33 mins
Over 30 years and 150 projects, the composer shares, with humour and passion, the intricacies of making film music.
Watch for free
Ian Neil (Masterclass) Ian Neil (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2012 74 mins
Neil selected soundtracks for 127 Hours, Shame, Kick Ass, Control and many more. He discusses the job and its complexities, referencing his own work.
Watch for free
Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.
Watch for free
Gabriel Yared on composing for film Gabriel Yared on composing for film
Inside Film 2013 11 mins
Composer of The Lives of Others, The English Patient and Betty Blue on intimacy and experimentation.
Watch for free
Lois Burwell on movie makeup Lois Burwell on movie makeup
Inside Film 2013 17 mins
Lincoln, Braveheart and Magnolia make-up artist Lois Burwell explains how she created some of her most iconic looks, as part of a BAFTA Masterclass.