National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_480x270/public/hero-images/ae0a6f9b09fc613dfb184b17b35a32c4_0.jpg?itok=qqDa2-EW)
Richard Burton's Christmas Story
All Richie wants for Christmas is a toy farm – simple. But the world is complicated, disturbing. Happily, he gets more than he bargained for!
From the collection of:
![Logo for National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales](/sites/default/files/styles/association/public/association-logos/NSSAW.jpg?itok=d_ytl5tN)
Overview
Richie lives in a mining village, is disturbed by the mysterious absence of Cis, his sister-mother, and is being teased mercilessly by his friend Trevor about whether or not his Christmas present will be new or second-hand. Trevor, the elder of the two, knows that poor people get little that is sparkling new, that adults lie and that death is ever present. However, despite Richie’s fears, life triumphs, illuminating the winter darkness with joy.
Produced for television, this film was shot in Treharris, the screenplay by Michael Povey based on Richard Burton's semi-autobiographical 'A Christmas Story', published in 1964. Burton (1925-84) was born Richard Jenkins, the 12th of 13 children, the Jenkins family living in the mining village of Pontrhydyfen, between Neath and Port Talbot. His mother died after the birth of her last child and, aged 2, Richard was taken to live with his sister Cecilia (known as ‘Cis’) and her family in Port Talbot. Aided by two teachers - Meredith Jones and Philip Burton (he became the ward of the latter) – he gained a place at Oxford University and went on to star as an actor on stage and screen.
Related
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/N_212079_01of01.jpg?itok=6chpQ_S0)
Toys Will Be Toys Toys Will Be Toys
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1988 5 mins Location: South Shields
Barbie dolls in pink battle khaki killing machines in a Christmas animation that cocks a snook at the “Disney Doctrine”.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/38c6df46e11f6a54c5a70903fe64f9ca.jpg?itok=xyX5pAwQ)
A Bronte Christmas A Bronte Christmas
Documentary 1980 14 mins Location: Haworth
Richard Whiteley joins children on the Worth Valley Railway Santa’s Special, while the Haworth Town Band sing On Ilkla Moor Baht 'at.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/3c3ca1758e3421fb376f14ff5419d3fd.jpg?itok=kx3DS-cH)
Christmas in Belfast Christmas in Belfast
Government sponsored film 1977 2 mins Location: Belfast
Christmas in Belfast at the height of 'The Troubles'. Not the most wonderful time of year.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/6fe9bb4ab3eadf35a952bab4170d3e7d.jpg?itok=wqEzoYEv)
The Rise and Fall of Nellie Brown The Rise and Fall of Nellie Brown
Musical 1964 70 mins Location: Liverpool
An incredibly joyous TV musical about a young woman's search for her long-lost cousin.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/m%2526w_0.jpg?itok=SrAH7QOW)
Morecambe and Wise - Be Wise Don't Drink and Drive Morecambe and Wise - Be Wise Don't Drink and Drive
Public Information Filler 1963 1 mins
Ernie tells Eric to ‘be wise’ and not drive home after their Christmas party
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/Santa%2520Claus.jpg?itok=LiBCGyXg)
Santa Claus Santa Claus
Fantasy 1898 1 mins Silent
These Victorian children's Christmas wishes come true in a very special early British film
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/promo259879567.jpg?itok=6JX-6TIl)
Civic Year 1976-7 Civic Year 1976-7
Amateur film 1976 14 mins Silent Location: Merthyr Tydfil
A visual diary recording the events of a civic year which includes the installation of the mayor, a parade and a visit from Prince Charles.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/Shoot-Your-Shot-02.jpg?itok=KREdlpBS)
Shoot Your Shot Shoot Your Shot
Drama 2022 12 mins
An emotional stand-off takes flight, as teen best friends Ronit and Brennan come to terms with navigating that fuzzy feeling in their stomachs, all whilst learning to skateboard.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/%25E2%2580%258ELook-Like-You-02.jpeg?itok=2R3w9luT)
Look Like You Look Like You
Drama 2022 13 mins
While visiting the adoptive family of her eight-year-old biological son, Tara relays advice she gathered from growing up as a queer outcast.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/Yellow-04.jpg?itok=Bt5NDkC8)
Yellow Yellow
Drama 2023 13 mins
In Taliban controlled Afghanistan, Laili walks into a Chadari store in Kabul to buy her first full body veil from a Talib shopkeeper and face a new future.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/NEHEMICH-02.jpg?itok=ba9fjUy4)
Nehemich Nehemich
Drama 2023 23 mins
Banished in a dilapidated village hut during her menstruation, a young girl waits to elope with her lover.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/1717526943-default-ovp-poster-image.jpg?itok=Fk8VLsGa)
Interview with Pam Cullen Interview with Pam Cullen
Inside Film 2020 53 mins
Interview with Pam Cullen who at 97 boasts an incredible career spanning over fifty years in the Indian film industry.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/muscleqanda.jpg?itok=8sw22r7R)
Muscle - Exclusive Q&A Muscle - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 34 mins
Director Gerard Johnson talks Nia Child through the making of Muscle, an adrenalized drama that tears into the stereotypes of masculinity and male friendship.