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Tennis on Film
Quiet Please! Our unique collection serves up some nine decades of court action from Wimbledon and other UK tournaments.
The collection boasts no fewer than eight British Wimbledon winners: Maud Watson, Dorothy Round, Kitty Godfree, Angela Mortimer, Charlotte Cooper Sterry, Fred Perry, Ann Jones and Virginia Wade. Plus there’s grand slammers Betty Nuthall, Patrick Hughes, Roger Taylor and Mike Sangster, and an early appearance from a 15-year-old Sue Barker. International icons include Frenchwoman Suzanne Lenglen, petite giant of the women’s game in the 1910s and 20s, and her compatriots Rene Lacoste and Jean Borotra; Australian No.1s Ken Rosewall and Lew Hoad; ruthless Californian firebrand Pancho Gonzales and Althea Gibson, the first African-American to compete at Wimbledon. With winning tips from the greats, amateur antics, tennis the junior game and a look at lawn tennis’s near-forgotten ancestor, ‘real tennis’, this ace collections offers all the thrills of Centre Court - without the cricked neck...
Sue Barker plays Evonne Goolagong Sue Barker plays Evonne Goolagong
Sport 1971 9 mins Location: Torquay
A young pretender takes on the Wimbledon Champion
Festival Wimbledon Festival Wimbledon
Sport 1951 22 mins
Extended highlights from the 1951 Wimbledon Tennis Championships
Centred on Wimbledon Centred on Wimbledon
Sport 1947 23 mins Location: Wimbledon
An account of the 1947 Wimbledon tennis championship
Colourful Wimbledon Colourful Wimbledon
Sport 1954 47 mins Location: Hampton
Wimbledon 1954, from the meticulous preparation of the 16 tennis courts to the finals and the glory on Centre Court.
Duke Beaten at Wimbledon Duke Beaten at Wimbledon
Non-Fiction 1926 1 mins Silent
The future King George VI takes to the court at Wimbledon Tennis Championships.
Sue Barker in the Ladies Tennis BP Cup Sue Barker in the Ladies Tennis BP Cup
News 1977 5 mins Location: Paignton
It's a question of Sue: tennis player Sue Barker competes against an American opponent in the Ladies Indoor Tennis BP Cup.
Torquay interviews with US and UK women's tennis teams Torquay interviews with US and UK women's tennis teams
News 1975 4 mins Location: Torquay
Sue Barker competes in a tennis match in the lead up to the US v. UK Women's Wightman Cup
Britain Wins Wightman Cup Britain Wins Wightman Cup
Non-Fiction 1958 2 mins Silent
The British regain the Wightman Cup after 28 years, with a 4–3 victory over the United States team.
Winning Wimbledon Winning Wimbledon
Sport 1955 13 mins
Highlights from the conclusion of the men’s and women’s singles at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships 1955
Jumping over Tennis Net Jumping over Tennis Net
Home movie 1903 1 mins Silent Location: Streatham
The grown-ups of the Passmore clan let out their inner children as they leap over a tennis net in this early home movie
Babycham: Tennis!! Babycham: Tennis!!
Advert 1957 1 mins
After your strenuous workout at the tennis club, you need a Babycham
Real Tennis Real Tennis
News 1975 4 mins Location: Cambridge
Judy Finnigan, early in her career as an Anglia TV reporter, interviewing 'real tennis' pro Brian Church.
Flappers' Fierce Tennis Duel Flappers' Fierce Tennis Duel
Non-Fiction 1925 1 mins Silent
British star tennis player Betty Nuthall takes victory in the Junior Championships
Ann Jones Ann Jones
1968 16 mins
Bernard Braden interviews British number one tennis player Ann Jones about controversial issues in the game.
Little Lenglens Little Lenglens
Non-Fiction 1922 1 mins Silent
Young ladies take to the tennis courts at Weybridge Junior Championships
Wimbledon's Jubilee Wimbledon's Jubilee
Non-Fiction 1926 2 mins Silent
In June 1926 King George V and Queen Mary lead the celebrations for Wimbledon’s 50th jubilee.
Tennis is a tricky business Tennis is a tricky business
Sport 1983 4 mins Location: Plymouth
Controversy over plans for Hartley Park Tennis Club in Plymouth
Bravo, Betty! Bravo, Betty!
Non-Fiction 1930 0 mins Silent
Miss Betty Nuthall becomes the first overseas winner of the US Championship at Forest Hills.
First Frenchman to Be Tennis Champion First Frenchman to Be Tennis Champion
Non-Fiction 1924 0 mins Silent
French tennis aces Jean Borotra and René Lacoste prepare to face each other at Wimbledon.
Detachable Dress for Sportswomen Detachable Dress for Sportswomen
Non-Fiction 1926 1 mins Silent
Take to the tennis courts without fear of a wardrobe malfunction in this sports kit for the modern woman
Tennis Clothes Tennis Clothes
News 1980 3 mins Location: Stoke-on-Trent
Is the sale of celebrity endorsed tennis gear a big racket or a match winning ace?
RHM Nimble: Tennis Woman RHM Nimble: Tennis Woman
Advert 1964 0 mins
An advertisement for Rank Hovis McDougall’s Nimble bread featuring a female tennis player.
Real Tennis Real Tennis
News 1980 3 mins Location: Oxford
Tennis as the monks played it: Oxford University's real tennis is a million miles away from the professional circuit.
Pepsodent Twink: Tennis Girl Pepsodent Twink: Tennis Girl
Advert 1955 0 mins
Worried about losing your good looks on the tennis field? No need with Twink!
International Tennis Stars International Tennis Stars
Non-Fiction 1927 1 mins Silent
Betty Nuthall and Cristobel Hardie take on Lambert Chambers and Elizabeth Ryan at the tennis tournament in Nice
Short Tennis for Children Short Tennis for Children
Sport 1979 8 mins Location: Norwich
Anglia TV report by Steve Rider in Norwich on 'short tennis', a new type of tennis to encourage children into the game.
Champions in the Making Champions in the Making
Non-Fiction 1930 1 mins Silent
English Junior Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, September 1930
British Tennis British Tennis
Instructional film/TV programme 1924 13 mins Silent
Instructional film offering tips on a variety of tennis strokes, from serving and volleying to backhand and the smash.
Fourth Lawn Tennis Tournament for the Championship of Northumberland Fourth Lawn Tennis Tournament for the Championship of Northumberland
1921 7 mins Silent Location: Berwick-upon-Tweed
The 1921 Northumberland Tennis tournament: men and women’s tennis in a beautiful location.
Lew Hoad v Pancho Gonzalez on the Pro Tennis Tour Lew Hoad v Pancho Gonzalez on the Pro Tennis Tour
Sport 1964 20 mins Location: Carlyon Bay
Pro game is an exhibition of the greatest talents
Junior Tennis Championships Junior Tennis Championships
Non-Fiction 1924 1 mins Silent
Early newsreel film of British teenage tennis star Betty Nuthall at Wimbledon.
Making of Tennis Balls at Rex Rubber Making of Tennis Balls at Rex Rubber
Amateur film 1955 6 mins Silent Location: Bradford-On-Avon
Hypnotic behind-the-scenes film showing the science behind a seemingly simple product.
English Tennis Stars English Tennis Stars
Non-Fiction 1927 1 mins Silent
Britain's women tennis stars make the finals of the American National Championships at Forest Hills, New York.
Miss Dorothy Round Miss Dorothy Round
Sport 1949 10 mins
Star British tennis player Dorothy Round demonstrates various shots and footwork on the court.
Wimbledon Wimbledon
Non-Fiction 1928 2 mins Silent
French tennis legend René Lacoste beats fellow countryman Henri Cochet to the 1928 Wimbledon men’s title
Surbiton Lawn Tennis Club Surbiton Lawn Tennis Club
Non-Fiction 1920 7 mins Silent
Newsreel coverage of the finals of the 1922 Surrey County Championships in tennis at Surbiton
Scenes at the Walton-on-Thames Lawn Tennis Tournament Finals Day Scenes at the Walton-on-Thames Lawn Tennis Tournament Finals Day
Amateur film 1934 3 mins Silent Location: Walton-on-Thames
Amateur film of the final day of play at the Walton-on-Thames Tennis Tournament 1934.
How to Improve Your Play How to Improve Your Play
1947 20 mins
Patrick Hughes shows how to become a better tennis player.
Tennis; The Most Democratic of Games for Both Sexes Tennis; The Most Democratic of Games for Both Sexes
1924 12 mins Silent
Anyone for tennis? Give your game the professional touch with the help of this enlightening 1920s instructional film.
Tennis - The new VASSS Points System Tennis - The new VASSS Points System
News 1968 5 mins Location: Cambridge
American Real Tennis champ Jimmy Van Alen insists that his new scoring system VASSS-tly improves the game! Anglia TV remain unconvinced.
Double Dose Double Dose
Amateur film 1970 6 mins Location: Colchester
Colchester Cine Club pay homage to Louis Lumiére's comedy silent film L'Arroseur Arrosé producing their own quirky version.
H.W. Austin H.W. Austin
Instructional film/TV programme 1936 12 mins
The correct way to play tennis, as illustrated by HW 'Bunny' Austin
Intercounties Hardcourt Singles Championship Intercounties Hardcourt Singles Championship
Sport 1977 4 mins Location: Norwich
Norfolk is doing well in the top group at the Intercounties Hardcourt Singles Tennis Championships in Norwich. Anglia TV reports in 1977.
Roger Taylor v Mike Sangster Roger Taylor v Mike Sangster
Sport 1964 4 mins Location: Torquay
Two of the Best of British compete against each other in Torquay
Teddy Tinling Fashions for Wimbledon Teddy Tinling Fashions for Wimbledon
News 1971 3 mins Silent Location: Wimbledon
Fashion designer Teddy Tinling and a line-up of Wimbledon women tennis pros showcase the latest stylish custom-made sports wear.
Sue Mappin Interview Sue Mappin Interview
Sport 1979 4 mins Location: Norwich
Tennis pro turned National Women's Team Manager, Sue Mappin, encourages confidence in East Anglia's top young players.
Tennis Tactics Tennis Tactics
Instructional film/TV programme 1974 16 mins
The “voice of wimbledon” Dan Maskell commentates as some of the world's top tennis players show us their moves and tactics on the court.
Tony Mottram - Tennis Tutorial Tony Mottram - Tennis Tutorial
Instructional film/TV programme 1960 7 mins
Light on his feet, Tony Mottram shows why he's one of Britain's most influential tennis coaches following a successful career as a tennis pro.
Linda Mottram Interview Linda Mottram Interview
News 1975 4 mins Location: Norwich
Tennis pro Linda Mottram at the Robinson's International Tournament in Norwich in 1975 speaking about equal pay for women competitors.
When Harry met Carole When Harry met Carole
Sport 1967 1 mins Silent Location: Exeter
Love is the score for tennis doubles partners Carole Rosser and Harry Matheson
Virginia Wade v Ann Jones in Dewar Cup Tie Virginia Wade v Ann Jones in Dewar Cup Tie
Sport 1970 7 mins Location: Torquay
British number ones compete for the Dewar Cup
Interview with Angela Mortimer Interview with Angela Mortimer
Sport 1961 4 mins Location: Wimbledon
Winner of the Wimbledon Ladies Championship and world number one talks about her success
O.G.A. Tennis Party - 30th June 1927 O.G.A. Tennis Party - 30th June 1927
Amateur film 1927 1 mins Silent Location: Carmarthen/Caerfyrddin
Members of the Old Girls' Association of Carmarthen's Queen Elizabeth Grammar School for Girls meet on the school courts with some gentlemen.
Phyllosan Ad - Tennis Phyllosan Ad - Tennis
Advert 1951 1 mins Silent
Phyllosan - the health supplement that helps keep you fit for tennis with your children
Plas Newydd - tennis, boating and backgammon Plas Newydd - tennis, boating and backgammon
Home movie 1933 15 mins Silent Location: Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll
Tennis, boating and bathing is provided for the August socialising of royals and aristocrats at Plas Newydd, seat of the Marquis of Anglesey.
Tennis and Bowls at The Barclays Tennis and Bowls at The Barclays
Home movie 1934 4 mins Silent Location: Norwich
1930s home movie of a tennis party with the Salter and Bird families at a country house in Norfolk.
English Victory at Wimbledon English Victory at Wimbledon
Non-Fiction 1926 2 mins Silent Location: Wimbledon
Action from the 1926 Wimbledon Ladies' Singles final between Kitty Godfree and Lilí de Álvarez.
Tennis World Championships Open at Wimbledon Tennis World Championships Open at Wimbledon
Non-Fiction 1921 2 mins Silent Location: Wimbledon
Wonderful glimpse of the Wimbledon tennis championship at its former home on Worple Road, including some of the era’s top male and female players.
Tennis and How to Play It Tennis and How to Play It
Sport 1922 16 mins Silent
Suzanne Lenglen, French tennis superstar and Wimbledon winner, shows off her technique for the cameras
Norfolk Women's Tennis Team in Prudential County Cup Norfolk Women's Tennis Team in Prudential County Cup
Sport 1978 3 mins Location: Cromer
Ranked number 9 internationally, tennis pro Lesley Charles speaks to Anglia TV in Cromer.
Tennis Player and Referee Alan Mills Tennis Player and Referee Alan Mills
Sport 1961 1 mins Silent Location: Budleigh Salterton
Alan Mills competes in an open lawn tournament at Budleigh Salterton
Young Tennis Player Jo Louis Young Tennis Player Jo Louis
Sport 1980 5 mins Location: Torquay
Young tennis hopeful Jo Louis is at a coaching session in Torquay
Tennis match at St Lawrence Hall, Isle of Wight Tennis match at St Lawrence Hall, Isle of Wight
Amateur film 1930 2 mins Silent Location: St Lawrence
Join members of Lord Jellicoe's family as they enjoy an out-of-season doubles match at the family home at St Lawrence Hall near Ventnor.
Wimbledon, 1934 Wimbledon, 1934
Amateur film 1934 4 mins Silent Location: Wimbledon
There's plenty of Wimbledon action in this short film from 1934 - the year when both singles titles were won by British champions.
Wimbledon, 1973 Wimbledon, 1973
Amateur film 1973 5 mins Silent Location: Wimbledon
Wimbledon Centre Court action follows a summer wedding filled with flowers, flares and floppy hats in Geoffrey Woodward's film from 1973.
Crawley & District Bowling and Lawn Tennis club Crawley & District Bowling and Lawn Tennis club
Amateur film 1927 11 mins Silent Location: Crawley
Percy Nightingale captures pipe-puffing old codgers on the bowling green while stout ladies do battle on the tennis courts of 1920s Crawley.
Frensham August 1933 Frensham August 1933
Amateur film 1933 9 mins Silent Location: Frensham
This nostalgic film shows the Staley family larking about in swimwear, playing tennis and enjoying the lazy days of summer in 1930s Surrey.
N.A.C.A.M. Convention in Eastbourne N.A.C.A.M. Convention in Eastbourne
Amateur film 1925 8 mins Silent
The Nightingale family are out and about in 1920s Eastbourne, playing tennis in cloche hats, golfing in tweeds, touring the Downs and smoking.