This film is part of Free
This England - Cornwall: Helston Furry Dance and Villages
The town of Helston comes out dancing in this charming amateur film of a unique springtime custom.
Overview
The 8th of May is 'Furry Day' in Helston, Cornwall, a springtime festival of floral decoration and dancing, captured beautifully in this charming amateur film. White dresses abound as townsfolk young and old dance their way in and out of shops and around the town. Filmmaker John Wilson shot several other 'This England' films in the 1930s - an ambitious project to document life and landscape.
The tune accompanying the Flora (or Faddy) Dance, performed by the town's silver and brass band, is a key component of the festival. While this film is silent, the intertitles refer to the lyrics of a popular song version, 'The Floral Dance', composed by London concert singer Katie Moss in 1911. Moss' version helped to promote the event outside of Cornwall, though it differs from the traditional tune.
Related
Ibberson Family and VE Day Ibberson Family and VE Day
Home movie 1945 17 mins Silent Location: Sheffield
Whether it’s the height of the war or its aftermath makes no difference to these children enjoying themselves: at the seaside, on V E Day and around the bomb sites of Sheffield.
Flying a Kite Flying a Kite
Home movie 1903 1 mins Silent Location: Streatham
In the year the Wright Brothers made their first flight, an Edwardian family film themselves taking to the skies… sort of.
Visit to Germany Visit to Germany
Home movie 1936 28 mins Silent
Lloyd George tours the sights of Nazi Germany while his chauffeurs lark about with an SS Officer in this grimly fascinating film.
Amy Johnson Family Films Amy Johnson Family Films
Amateur film 1932 14 mins Silent Location: Bridlington
A rare insight into the public and private lives of the pioneering aviator, filmed by her father.
Ut Proficias Ut Proficias
1953 16 mins Silent
A day in the life of a school - filmed by a pupil who later became one of Britain's best documentary makers.
Problems End Problems End
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1964 3 mins
Petty party politics gets animated - literally - in this amateur cartoon with a message.
A Day in the Life of the Brewers of Helston A Day in the Life of the Brewers of Helston
Current affairs 1982 26 mins Location: Helston
The artisanal craft of beer-making reaches its climax inside one of Britain's most famous Brewpubs.
Helston Cricket Club Helston Cricket Club
News 1976 0 mins Silent Location: Helston
Helston Cricket Club play a match in the Cornish League
Helston Furry Day Helston Furry Day
Amateur film 1953 5 mins Silent Location: Helston
The Floral Dance at Helston Furry Day
On with the Furry Dance On with the Furry Dance
Non-Fiction 1925 1 mins Location: Helston
Lively revelry in an ancient tradition from Helston, Cornwall
Gender equality at RNAS Culdrose Gender equality at RNAS Culdrose
Current affairs 1977 5 mins Location: Helston
Yes we can! Equal Opportunities for Women in the Navy
market town of Helston, Cornwall market town of Helston, Cornwall
Current affairs 1976 2 mins Silent Location: Helston
Heading to Helston? A look at the market town
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.