The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
This film is currently unavailable
Video Player is loading.
Pear Tree Pub - Birthday Party
A Suffolk publican's daughter is film star for a day as she celebrates a very special 6th birthday.
From the collection of:
Overview
Cyril Clements ran the Pear Tree pub in West Row, Suffolk. It was a popular village pub and also a favourite watering hole for the nearby US Air Force personnel stationed at Mildenhall. One regular, called 'Tex' was a keen cinematographer and Cyril was delighted when he offered to film his daughter Sandra's 6th Birthday Party. This film, shot in what, at the time, was rare colour footage, is a wonderful record and treasured momento of a little girl's special day.
Sandra's mother Dorothy organised this special party for her daughter and school chums and made not only the delicious spread of sandwiches and fancies but also Sandra's beautiful party frock. Colour film was at a premium during and after the war years but USAAF had access to supplies which accounts for many war time films held in the archives. The american, Tex, was clearly a talented filmmaker using 'trick' shots for the party food and extra lighting to film inside in the pub's Club Room where the party took place.
Related
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Tangerine New Perspectives: Tangerine
Short documentary 2025 3 mins
Harry Wallace, a student at Northumbria university, explains why Sean Baker's LA-set comedy-drama, about a transgender sex worker on the hunt for her cheating -ex, is worth your time.
Watch for free
Daniel Craig in Conversation with Mark Kermode Daniel Craig in Conversation with Mark Kermode
Inside Film 2025 44 mins
Daniel Craig talks to Mark Kermode about his acting career, from his early role in Love is the Devil through to the Luca Guadagnino directed Queer.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Fish Tank New Perspectives: Fish Tank
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Adam Smith of Northumbria University explains why Andrea Arnold's coming-of-age story, about a girl who uses dance to escape, is his favourite film on BFI Player.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Pusher New Perspectives: Pusher
Short documentary 2025 5 mins
Noah Ball of Northumbria University explains why you should seize the chance to watch Nicolas Winding Refn's debut.
Watch for free
Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A
Inside Film 2025 38 mins
Kyle MacLachlan talks to BFI CEO Ben Roberts about working with David Lynch on the legendary series Twin Peaks.
Watch for free
On Falling - Exclusive Q&A On Falling - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
Writer-director Laura Carreira talks to Nia Childs about her debut feature, On Falling.