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
Ojumo Ti Mo Ojumo Ti Mo
Documentary 2019 16 mins
Three years after their father passed, a family of four women come together through a series of phone calls spanning over three months.
Beneath the Surface Beneath the Surface
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2017 4 mins
A comedy-drama animation about two best friends growing up in the same world but experiencing it completely differently.
Kindred Kindred
Drama 2018 8 mins
Samona Olanipekun explores the concepts of home, identity and belonging, from the starting point of the theme of globalisation.
Father of Man Father of Man
Drama 2017 16 mins
Compelling story of a complex relationship between an imperious father and his son.
Dear Philadelphia Dear Philadelphia
Documentary 2020 28 mins
Three African American fathers unravel the incomparable partnership of forgiveness and community.
Almost An Adult Almost An Adult
Music video 2019 8 mins
A conceptual film following musical artist Jords’ quest to serendipity. The Tree of Life’ is the cornerstone of the film as he battles to triumph through grief.