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An enjoyably odd public information film shot on the streets of Blackburn, Norwich and Oxford.
Documentary 1976 25 mins
This enjoyably oddball public information film features good location footage from Blackburn, Norwich and Oxford. A dry, if important, subject (local government policies for making small improvements to urban areas) is presented in rather eccentric style. 'Fly-on-the-wall' scenes are unconvincing, and the use of folk singing unintentionally hilarious - but rather beautifully cut to the images.
There’s method in the madness: the charming, homespun patchwork feel of the film suggests a humility and sense of human scale in the new policy of General Improvement Areas, compared to the comprehensive redevelopment that dominated post-war town planning. The film was mainly screened in meetings between council planners, architects and residents. Despite (or because) of its sillier trappings, it exudes a truly likeable decency, making it an honourable minor entry in the civic-minded tradition of films like the documentary classic Housing Problems (1935).
Cinemagazine 1973 8 mins Location: Milton Keynes
"The most exciting thing going on in Europe, if not the world": welcome to Milton Keynes circa 1973.
Promotional 1934 9 mins Silent Location: Birkenhead
Birkenhead's sights, shopping opportunities and industries.
Amateur film 1979 8 mins Silent Location: Sudbury
Sudbury's market dates back to 1009! One of Suffolk's popular markets, amateur filmmaker John Anderson documents the stall holders and their visitors circa 1979.
Non-Fiction 1961 11 mins Silent Location: Bradford
The hope for a bright post war future for this newly built council estate in Bradford in 1961, with dads tending the gardens and kids playing on jiggers in the streets.
Non-Fiction 1902 10 mins Silent Location: Halifax
Many views of busy, bustling Halifax, including a handsome, horse-drawn steam fire engine.
Non-Fiction 1901 3 mins Silent Location: Glasgow
A flood of pedestrians and horse-drawn traffic in Edwardian Glasgow.
Amateur film 1974 4 mins Location: Norwich
Whether you’re after handbags, children’s toys, flat caps, ladies’ coats or your everyday fruit and veg, it’s all here at Norwich market.
Amateur film 1984 11 mins Location: Norwich
The railway line from Norwich to Cromer; a vital link in local life, but will the trains continue?
Documentary 1983 26 mins Location: Syderstone
Dick Joice introduces this documentary charting the course and the history of the river starting at Horningtoft and finishing in Norwich.
Documentary 1993 4 mins Location: Norwich
Between the River Wensum and King Street stood Albion Mill, an 1837 yarn mill, repurposed in 1932 as a flour mill by Robert John Read.
Amateur film 1973 11 mins Location: Norwich
Norwich market from dawn to dusk in all weathers, with commentary by the market traders comparing the market now with their memories. The market has traded for over 900 years.
Amateur film 1936 2 mins Silent Location: Norwich
Women meet on a Norwich bowling green to play a friendly bowls match.
Non-Fiction 1901 1 mins Silent Location: London
Capital scenes thanks to Victorian filmmakers
Non-Fiction 1897 0 mins Silent
Members of Queen Victoria's extended family being natural for the cameras
1897 0 mins
Non-Fiction 1901 1 mins Silent
Victorian pooches at play
1900 1 mins Silent
A brisk drill on a cold winter's day
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