This film is part of Free
Shakespeare Memorial Theatre Foundation Stone Laying at Stratford-upon-Avon on July 2nd 1929
Leading lights of the Masonic fraternity are uncharacteristically conspicuous in this theatrical ceremony.
Overview
A suitably theatrical ceremony, with key roles for leading lights of the usually publicity-shy Masonic fraternity, marks the beginning of work on the new Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in 1929. This would be the second Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, and would open in 1932 on the site next to its gothic predecessor, tragically destroyed by a fire in 1926.
Lord Ampthill, who lays the stone, was a former Viceroy of India and a prominent figure in the Freemasons, as well as being President of the Magic Circle. Designed by Elisabeth Scott, the theatre was the first major building by a female architect. It was renamed the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in 1961, and underwent an ambitious redevelopment between 2007 to 2010.
Related
Hamlet Hamlet
Drama 1913 54 mins Silent
Johnston Forbes-Roberston gives his famous performance of Hamlet in this ambitious early Shakespeare feature
Next Next
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1989 5 mins
Two virtuoso performances in one – Shakespeare's complete works presented in puppet form by a master of animation
Introduction to Silent Shakespeare Introduction to Silent Shakespeare
Short documentary 2016 9 mins
Discover why filmmakers in the silent era turned to the works of William Shakespeare for inspiration.
Leonard Whiting Olivia Hussey Leonard Whiting Olivia Hussey
Inside Film 1967 16 mins
Teenage actors discuss their work with Franco Zeffirelli on Romeo and Juliet.
Twelfth Night Twelfth Night
Comedy 1910 11 mins Silent
Vitagraph’s charming 1910 interpretation features some notably lively performances.
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting Q&A for Shakespeare Lives Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting Q&A for Shakespeare Lives
Inside Film 2016 31 mins
The stars of Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet are reunited on stage for the first time since 1968 as part of the BFI and British Council’s Shakespeare on Film.
About Britain - Second Edition About Britain - Second Edition
Amateur film 1965 12 mins Location: London
Join the Clague family as they zoom up an empty M1 to Stratford upon Avon, Long Itchington and Coventry - a city reborn after its 1940 destruction
Ancient Mop Fair Ancient Mop Fair
Non-Fiction 1914 1 mins Silent Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
The annual mop fair in Stratford-Upon-Avon, including the roasting of an ox
Mr. Therm's Review No. 4 Mr. Therm's Review No. 4
Cinemagazine 1955 12 mins Location: Olney
Stained glass, a pancake race and actors Anthony Quayle and Barbara Jefford feature in this promo from the Gas Council
England's Shakespeare England's Shakespeare
Travelogue 1939 18 mins Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Have a trip away from the hustle and bustle and travel by rail to take in the sights of Shakespeare country.
Shakespeareland Shakespeareland
Amateur film 1932 9 mins Silent Location: Wilmcote
Ticking off the tourist attractions of William Shakespeare's old stamping ground in a rather grand Rolls Royce.
British and Best British and Best
Non-Fiction 1928 0 mins Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
A progressive design by a pioneering female architect beats all comers to become the new Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.