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 part of Free
Sam Looks Back
Kings and queens of speed compete in motor rallies and trials across the North East in 1955.
From the collection of:
Overview
In 1955 roving commentator ‘Sam’ reports on the competitors in a veteran and vintage car rally from Whitley Bay to Newcastle and the first ever Catterick Garrison Hill Climb, featuring racer Angela Brown in an Aston Martin (James Bond’s stylish car of choice). Adventurous (and muddy) motorcyclists tackle bleak, beautiful Burnhope Moor for Weardale’s Arthur Emerson Memorial Trial and stir up clouds of dust at the popular national Belmont Park scramble event in Durham.
This film was one of many commissions for St Andrews Motors (SAM) of Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne, produced by a former 30s dance band musician, George Cummin, with colleagues of one of the oldest cine clubs in Britain, Newcastle Amateur Cinematographers Association. A regular rally driver until her marriage to fearless English racer George Abecassis, Angela Brown was the daughter of Aston Martin owner, David Brown. Also competing in three vintage cars at Catterick in 1955 was Middlesbrough-born millionaire Keith Schellenberg, a former Yorkshire rugby captain, winter Olympics competitor and larger than life character who later became the controversial "Laird" of the Scottish island of Eigg.
Related
Watch for free
Presentation and Launching Ceremony of the New Whitley Lifeboat Presentation and Launching Ceremony of the New Whitley Lifeboat
Non-Fiction 1912 6 mins Silent Location: Whitley Bay
A flash mob of local swimmers crash the grand christening and launch of a new lifeboat for Whitley Bay.
Watch for free
Sam Presents Scramble and Rally Sam Presents Scramble and Rally
Amateur film 1958 11 mins Location: Whitley Bay
Iconic scooters and loony races at an international rally in the seaside town of Whitley Bay.
Watch for free
Whitley Bay (Northumberland Coast) Whitley Bay (Northumberland Coast)
Promotional 1926 16 mins Silent Location: Whitley Bay
Pack your swimming trunks and a time machine - Whitley Bay in the 1920s is the next hot holiday destination.
Watch for free
SAM Presents "Scooter Weekend" SAM Presents "Scooter Weekend"
Amateur film 1957 12 mins Location: Whitley Bay
Fleets of Italian scooters descend on Whitley Bay for a Whitsun weekend rally and carnival parade in the pre-Mod era.
Watch for free
Holiday: Whitley Bay 1935 Holiday: Whitley Bay 1935
Amateur film 1935 11 mins Silent Location: Whitley Bay
All set for a Spanish City stroll with hordes of fun-loving holiday makers at Whitley Bay in the 1930s.
Watch for free
Whitley Bay Whitley Bay
Amateur film 1950 10 mins Silent Location: Whitley Bay
A Mecca for fun – Whitley Bay still thrills the holiday crowds in the 50s
Watch for free
Showgirls is a Western Showgirls is a Western
Short documentary 2025 2 mins
In this mini video essay, BFI contributor Maha Al-Badrawi explains why Paul Verhoeven's Showgirls is a rhinestoned, stilettoed Western.
Watch for free
Frederick Wiseman's High School - a discussion Frederick Wiseman's High School - a discussion
Short documentary 2026 22 mins
Filmmaker Andrea Luka Zimmerman and curator Matthew Barrington discuss Frederick Wiseman’s High School with Sandra Hebron.
Watch for free
Hard, Cracked the Wind Hard, Cracked the Wind
Horror 2019 17 mins
A haunting with words is the lure between life and death for a young Cornish poet.
Watch for free
A Last Resort A Last Resort
Comedy 2022 17 mins
Rose is desperate to celebrate her 60th birthday in style, but her daughter Genevieve is struggling to ignore some recent tragic news about her mum.
Watch for free
Seagull Seagull
Horror 2022 6 mins
Seagull is a recovering drug addict who is about to have a very strange night on The English Riviera.
Watch for free
The Walk The Walk
Drama 2023 12 mins
Adeel Akhtar portrays a man on a weekly trek to his nearest JobCentre, entering a state of purgatory through barriers put in place by the system.