This film is part of Free

The British Way of Health
A portrayal of the NHS which shows off the “marvellous” system to audiences around the world.
Documentary 1973 27 mins
Overview
“The marvellous thing is I don’t have to worry about whether the patient can afford it” – as one GP sums up the NHS. This film was made by Richard Marquand, who later went on to direct Return of the Jedi and it was shown around the world – with different language versions made for audiences from the US and France to Brazil.
This government film is a public record, preserved and presented by the BFI National Archive on behalf of The National Archives, home to more than 1,000 years of British history.
Related
NHS on Film

Your Very Good Health Your Very Good Health
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1948 9 mins
Long before the ‘Charley Says’ campaign of the 1970s and ‘80s, another cartoon Charley was used to demystify the newly created NHS.

Life in Her Hands Life in Her Hands
Instructional film/TV programme 1951 55 mins
Kathleen Byron - of Black Narcissus fame - stars in one of the most ambitious recruitment films ever made.

Natural Born Smoker Natural Born Smoker
Public Information Filler 1985 1 mins
A sense of 1980s stylistic sheen filters through this sci-fi-tinged anti-smoking advert.

The Strange Case of Penny Allison The Strange Case of Penny Allison
Training film/TV programme 2002 18 mins
Imelda Staunton and Hugh Laurie as you've not quite seen them before: in a comedy training video for Britain’s National Blood Service.

Polio - Diagnosis and Management Polio - Diagnosis and Management
Government sponsored film 1948 59 mins
Britain’s first Polio epidemic in 1947 demanded a coordinated response, and this film was a key part of readying postwar doctors for a new fight

These Are the Hands These Are the Hands
Charity appeal 2020 2 mins
Beautiful NHS fundraiser, setting Michael Rosen’s poem to powerful archive images.
London

Pall Mall and Hyde Park Corner Pall Mall and Hyde Park Corner
Non-Fiction 1901 1 mins Silent Location: London
Capital scenes thanks to Victorian filmmakers

London Street Scene London Street Scene
Non-Fiction 1900 2 mins Location: London
Vivid images of Victorian London - but where?

Foundling Hospital Sports Day Foundling Hospital Sports Day
1899 2 mins Silent Location: London
A sports day gives the young residents of the Foundling Hospital a chance to let off steam

Sir George White Leaving the London Hippodrome Sir George White Leaving the London Hippodrome
Non-Fiction 1900 1 mins Location: London
Londoners turn out in their thousands to greet the returning Boer War hero after his famous defence of Ladysmith

Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee - Paul - York Road - Bands Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee - Paul - York Road - Bands
Non-Fiction 1897 1 mins Silent Location: London
The Band of the First Life Guards approaches Westminster Bridge during Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

London Street Scenes London Street Scenes
Non-Fiction 1901 1 mins Silent Location: London
Horse-drawn traffic on one of London's busiest thoroughfares
New

Lydia West introduces Second Coming Lydia West introduces Second Coming
Short documentary 2021 5 mins
Lydia West (It’s A Sin) introduces debbie tucker green’s ethereal, warm and human debut feature.

In Separation In Separation
Drama 1965 5 mins
The powerful, multifaceted spirt and energies of the revolutionary 1960s are channelled in dynamic, monochrome microcosm.

Susan Wokoma introduces Prevenge Susan Wokoma introduces Prevenge
Short documentary 2021 5 mins
Susan Wokoma introduces Alice Lowe’s slasher comedy Prevenge, reflecting on Lowe’s journey making and starring in the film while pregnant, and her rich palette of classic influences.

Great Noises That Fill the Air Great Noises That Fill the Air
Performance 1990 27 mins
The Bow Gamelan Ensemble stage spectacular avant-garde musical shows.

Enverounen Enverounen
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1973 15 mins
An elderly man takes a hypnotic journey through his memories in the moments before his death.

The Late Show The Late Show
Documentary 1969 12 mins
The supreme intent and personal biography of a Black Panther contrasts with the alienating propaganda of late-night television.