London’s Screen Archives enables Londoners see their past come alive on film. Managed by Film London, we are a unique network of historic film collections that cares for, collects and screens heritage film across the city. Together we preserve London’s rich film heritage from feature films to home movies, public information films, newsreels, and records of the capital’s many different industries.
This film is part of Free

Present Day Pinner
The small town of Pinner in Harrow is brought to life through a short, reflective biography of novelist Edward Bulwer-Lytton.
From the collection of:

Overview
Our excerpt begins with a picturesque shot of Pinner Memorial Park from the grounds of West House. Scenes of the surrounding area are placed against the backdrop of the narration on Edward Bulwer-Lytton. The narration covers his most acclaimed work, The Last Days of Pompeii, whilst discussing architectural highlights of the area including the pre-eminent monument in Pinner Churchyard, a massive pointed stone pyramid, with a stone coffin plunged through it.
This film is from the collection of Headstone Manor Museum, a member of the London's Screen Archives Network.
Related

A Good Show A Good Show
Amateur film 1950 10 mins Silent Location: Pinner
Hijinks ensue when a couple attempt to operate their television set, illustrating the frustrations of (what would have been) new technology.

Field End Telephone Exchange Goes Automatic Field End Telephone Exchange Goes Automatic
Amateur film 1962 2 mins Location: Pinner
This amateur informational piece fervently laments the necessary shift from old-fashioned telephone operation to the automatic system.

Pinner - 1926 - Osborne Personal Film Pinner - 1926 - Osborne Personal Film
Amateur film 1926 13 mins Silent Location: Pinner
Evocative film capturing the suburb of Pinner succumbing to modernity, as we watch roads being constructed and the countryside retreating.

The Wedding of Peter and Judith Elliott The Wedding of Peter and Judith Elliott
Amateur film 1956 14 mins Silent Location: Pinner
Hats, stumbles and happy faces at this wedding film from 1956, taken at the service and reception of Judith and Peter Elliott in Pinner.

Harrow Marathon and Shrove Tuesday in Pinner Harrow Marathon and Shrove Tuesday in Pinner
Amateur film 1984 4 mins Location: Pinner
Amateur newsreel covering the Harrow Marathon and a packed Shrove Tuesday event on Pinner High Street attended by Ronny Barker.

Pinner Week Pinner Week
Amateur film 1970 21 mins Location: Pinner
A tour of Pinner Village during its celebratory Pinner Week highlights local landmarks, fun, fancy dress and festivities.

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'.

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.

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.

Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass) Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass)
2013 61 mins
British cinematographer of The Hurt Locker, Captain Phillips, Hillsborough and Riff Raff reviews the art of the moving image.

Olivier Assayas (Masterclass) Olivier Assayas (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2010 41 mins
Irma Vep writer/director Assayas moved from film journalism to filmmaking – a fascinating journey told with disarming honesty to Jonathan Romney.

Screenwriters' Lecture with Brian Helgeland Screenwriters' Lecture with Brian Helgeland
Inside Film 2012 27 mins
L.A. Confidential's screenwriter explains why he thinks writer's block is a myth, and reveals Clint Eastwood's unique powers of persuasion.