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
Video Player is loading.
Soap box derby, Ilford 1952
Great shots of a soap box derby, featuring home-made pedal cars racing round a track in London.
From the collection of:
Overview
From the Ronald Bond collection of home movies, this is the only film with both title (Soap Box Derby) and date (1952). It features Brumas III, a home-made “soap box” pedal car, which is pitted against several others in a big race. The manufacturers of Brumas III appear to be Cubs and Scouts, who pose with the vehicle after the event. The race is watched by a decent-sized crowd, with speeches and handshakes for the victors.
The Ilford Scout Troop takes part in a soapbox derby which they win. Their car is named after Brumas the Polar Bear who lived in London Zoo. Brumas was born 27 November 1949. She was named after her keepers Bruce and Sam and as the first baby polar bear to be successfully reared in Britain, was an immediate attraction with the public
Related
Watch for free
Trev's 21st 1963 Trev's 21st 1963
Amateur film 1963 2 mins Silent Location: Redbridge
It's twistin' time! Wander in and celebrate Trev's 21st birthday in this fly-on-the-wall film.
Watch for free
Fire! October '63 Fire! October '63
Amateur film 1962 2 mins Silent Location: Redbridge
Local emergency services spring into action to put out blaze and protect rubbernecking residents in Redbridge, north-east London
Watch for free
Ilford Carnival Ilford Carnival
Amateur film 1978 4 mins Silent Location: Redbridge
Pearly Queens meet Carnival Queens at the annual carnival day extravaganza in Ilford
Watch for free
Hetty and Willy Defries Silver Wedding Hetty and Willy Defries Silver Wedding
Amateur film 1959 5 mins Silent Location: Redbridge
Happy faces dominate this home film, showing guests greeting Hetty and Willy Defries, who are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary.
Watch for free
Stephen and Marcus Stephen and Marcus
Amateur film 1960 11 mins Silent Location: Redbridge
Playtime in the garden for two young London children, including a large element of slapstick fun.
Watch for free
Harold Defries Bar Mitzvah Harold Defries Bar Mitzvah
Amateur film 1960 9 mins Silent Location: Redbridge
Some serious moves can be seen by guests of all ages in his lovely film showing the Bar Mitzah celebrations of Harold Defries in London in 1960.
Watch for free
On Falling - Exclusive Q&A On Falling - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
Writer-director Laura Carreira talks to Nia Childs about her debut feature, On Falling.
Watch for free
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
Watch for free
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
Watch for free
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Watch for free
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
Documentary 2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Watch for free
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.