Title of error

See Help

Shine, Sir?

A 1965 look at an early advertisement for Kiwi boot polish made during the First World War

Advert 1916 7 mins Silent

Overview

A 1916 wartime advert introduced by a Mr W A Thompson in 1965 to illustrate that modern promotional methods have a long history. The original film from 1916 with added piano soundtrack promotes the Australian brand of Kiwi boot polish. Set in a London hotel the manager is desperate when all his ‘boots’ join up. Two little boys apply for the job when an Australian soldier buys them both a tin of Kiwi with spectacular results. Thompson’s claim that it is the world’s oldest film ad is not even close

Genres

Advert and Animation & Artists Moving Image

Country

United Kingdom

Language

No Dialogue with English subtitles

Subjects

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.