This film is part of Free
Twenty-four Square Miles
For an impression of what life was like in rural Oxfordshire in the mid-1940s, look no further than this documentary
Overview
This film is a good example of how one of Britain's pioneering women documentary directors, Kay Mander, was able to skilfully convert a relatively dry sponsor's brief into an engaging viewing experience. For an impression of what life was like in rural Oxfordshire in the mid-1940s look no further than Twenty-four Square Miles.
The film helped inform country planning in the area. In 1944 Kay Mander and her husband, the producer Rowan (Rod) Neilson Baxter, established Basic Films to specialise in educational and science documentaries, including this one. It's testament to Kay Mander's talent and tenacity that, as a married woman, she was able to negotiate a career in documentary across the 1940s and 50s. At that time it was the norm for women to stop working when they married. 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
Frida Kahlo & Tina Modotti Frida Kahlo & Tina Modotti
Documentary 1983 30 mins
Immerse yourself in the work of Frida Kahlo and Tina Modotti - icons of the Mexican Renaissance.
Once We Were Four Once We Were Four
Documentary 1942 9 mins
Innocent bunnies face an onslaught of badgers, bombs and birds of prey in this black comedy masquerading as a nature film.
Tunde's Film Tunde's Film
Documentary drama 1974 40 mins Location: Stepney
Tired of being hassled by the police and with no job opportunities, a group of teenage East End lads plan to rob a bank.
So This Is London So This Is London
Documentary 1933 14 mins Silent Location: Westminster
London at its best? This gorgeous lyrical portrait was made by pioneering female director Marion Grierson.
Black to Front Black to Front
Current affairs 1978 27 mins Location: Brixton
World in Action interviews the residents of Haycroft Road, Brixton as a controversial by-election stokes concerns about race and immigration.
Spring on the Farm Spring on the Farm
Documentary 1933 8 mins
The exhilaration of spring in the country – blossom, piglets, ducklings and more delights on the farm.
Euro Election - The Cotswolds Euro Election - The Cotswolds
News 1979 6 mins Location: Banbury
It's the first chance to vote for a Euro MP and the parties are going head-to-head in the battle for the Cotswolds.
Banbury Show Banbury Show
Non-Fiction 1926 1 mins Location: Banbury
The newsreel cameras are in town to cover Banbury Horse Show
Blades Blades
Drama 2023 2 mins
A group of young Black boys run into a building. One of them is about to do the unimaginable.
We Collide We Collide
Romance 2023 2 mins
A queercore romance - a visceral and immersive exploration of the power of the mosh pit and finding love in the most unlikely of places.
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.
Hen Do Hen Do
Comedy 2023 2 mins
En-route to her hen weekend, bride-to-be Faye kills the vibe with a bombshell confession.
Daytimers Daytimers
Documentary 2023 2 mins
An insight into Daytimers, the South Asian DJ collective that are breaking new ground in Britain.