Free
Other Grooves
An eccentric excursion to the furthest fringes of youth culture and alternative lifestyles, as captured in archive film and TV.
In this companion to BFI Player's Beat Generations collection you'll encounter an eclectic array of eccentrics, outsiders, activists and all who dare to be different. Among the tribes and iconoclasts represented here you'll find mods, rockers, Ufologists, New Age travellers, artists, anarchists, free thinkers, punks, pagans, skinheads, rastas, reverends and ravers. Warning: Some films in this collection include explicit adult material, including frank scenes of nudity, sexual activity and drug taking.
Good Strong Coffee Good Strong Coffee
Advert 1968 2 mins Silent
Far-out guys and groovy gals drop doses of good strong coffee in this psychedelic 1968 ad for the hot black stuff.
Glastonbury Festival and the First Pyramid Stage Glastonbury Festival and the First Pyramid Stage
Current affairs 1971 5 mins Location: Glastonbury
Glastonbury ley lines for iconic pyramid stage to heighten a festival-goer’s experience
Punk In 60 Seconds Punk In 60 Seconds
Promotional 2016 1 mins
Anarchy in the UK… This rare footage presents a short blast of the punk energy that took over the streets of Britain in the late 1970s.
Burn Your Bra! Burn Your Bra!
Current affairs 1968 2 mins Location: Truro
The Women’s Liberation movement’s burn your bra campaign hits Truro.
Discomania Discomania
Drama 1979 24 mins Location: London
Nerdy teenage mummy's boy David dreams of wowing the girls with his disco dance moves - but alas he was born with two left feet.
Dr Turner's Mental Home Dr Turner's Mental Home
Amateur film 1929 8 mins Silent Location: Ham Spray Ho
The wilder fringes of the Bloomsbury Group are exposed in this dark amateur film starring Dora Carrington.
Shellshock Rock Shellshock Rock
1979 48 mins Location: Belfast
The Undertones and Stiff Little Fingers play live in this vivid music doc capturing all the vibrancy of the 1970s Northern Irish punk scene.
Hot Pants for Men? Hot Pants for Men?
Current affairs 1971 2 mins Location: Launceston
A leggy stroll around Launceston reveals the uptake of hotpants for men.
Rave Rave
Documentary 1997 12 mins
Partying like it's 1997. We follow a rave DJ instigator rigging up decks in abandoned warehouses, a nosebleed 'techno tourist' who chases the hardcore around Europe and a girl addicted to... partying.
Long-Haired Layabouts Long-Haired Layabouts
Current affairs 1964 4 mins Location: Launceston
Long hair gives impression of laziness
Birmingham Teddy Boys Birmingham Teddy Boys
News 1973 6 mins Location: Yardley
As their club bites the dust are the Teddy Boys of Birmingham finding their creepers out of step with the more popular platform shoe?
Ton-up Boys Ton-up Boys
Current affairs 1962 8 mins Location: Plymouth
Rockabilly racers rev up to do the illegal ton on the road.
The Ton-up Boys at Plymouth Speedway The Ton-up Boys at Plymouth Speedway
Current affairs 1962 7 mins Location: Plymouth
Plymouth Speedway opens its track to the ton-up boys.
The Moon Rally The Moon Rally
Amateur film 1979 25 mins Location: Matley
Come along to the Moon Rally - a weekend of bikes and bikers; riding, talking, drinking and dancing.
The Innocents The Innocents
Amateur film 1962 2 mins Silent Location: Danson Park
An icon of Mod youth culture in the 1950s, the Lambretta scooter is on display as the Bromley club show off their skills.
British Graffiti British Graffiti
Documentary 1992 7 mins
Rockabilly passionates talk about their lifestyle and how they would prefer to live in the 1950s.
The Jah People The Jah People
Documentary 1981 22 mins Location: Handsworth
Followers of the Rastafari way of life bring tales of Haile Selassie, Jah and Zion to the streets of inner-city Birmingham.
Barsham Faire Barsham Faire
Amateur film 1974 6 mins Silent Location: Barsham Hill
In the 70s, Barsham Faire on August Bank Holiday became a tradition for many to celebrate things 'medieval' and raise funds for local arts events. It put Barsham on the map.
Dance Festival Dance Festival
Campaigning film 1969 21 mins Silent Location: Camden Town
Join distracted onlookers at a protest “be-in” at Camden’s Roundhouse –alongside portraits of Lenin and a giant inflatable phallus.
Can I Have a Dragon Please? Can I Have a Dragon Please?
Documentary 1983 11 mins
Perusing body embellishment in the early eighties, tattoo fans talk about their enthusiasm for staining skin long before it dominated Dalston.
Travelling for a Living Travelling for a Living
Documentary 1966 45 mins Location: Kingston upon Hull
This "musical profile of the Watersons" is a precious document of the British folk revival, much of it shot in their hometown, Hull.
Grove Carnival Grove Carnival
Documentary 1981 18 mins Location: Notting Hill
West London echoes to the sound of reggae and steel pans in this kaleidoscopic record of the 1980 Notting Hill Carnival.
Berdh Gorsedh Kernow and Map Dyvroeth Berdh Gorsedh Kernow and Map Dyvroeth
Current affairs 1963 2 mins Location: Newquay
Deputy Grand Bard of the Gorsedd explains all
The Pixies of Ottery St Mary The Pixies of Ottery St Mary
Current affairs 1963 1 mins Silent Location: Ottery St Mary
Pixies pop up everywhere before being banished once again from the town.
Berdh Gorsedh Kernow and the New Grand Bard Berdh Gorsedh Kernow and the New Grand Bard
Current affairs 1967 1 mins Silent Location: Kea
The Grand Bard presides over the sky blue pageant
Early Gorsedh Procession Early Gorsedh Procession
Home movie 1930 1 mins Silent Location: Cornwall
An Early Meeting of the Bards of Cornwall
Gorsedh Procession through St Just Gorsedh Procession through St Just
Current affairs 1968 1 mins Silent Location: St Just
Bards bestow honour on Barbara Hepworth
Ancient Beltane Festival at Glastonbury Tor Ancient Beltane Festival at Glastonbury Tor
Current affairs 1966 1 mins Silent Location: Glastonbury Tor
Rite of spring is celebrated to signify renewal
Citizens Banned Citizens Banned
Amateur film 1981 12 mins Silent Location: Chelsea
Punks find their turf invaded by New Romantics in the final part of Captain Zip's seminal Video Trip.
Squatparty Squatparty
Amateur film 1981 17 mins Location: Putney
Female punks have fun boozing, smoking and talking in this fascinating film by London lifestyle chronicler Captain Zip.
Don't Dream It - See It Don't Dream It - See It
Amateur film 1978 15 mins Silent Location: Chelsea
The Kings Road punks go on a day trip - to 10 Downing Street! - in this edition of Captain Zip's Video Trip.
We're No Angels We're No Angels
Amateur film 1979 16 mins Silent Location: Camden Town
The punks go shopping in this evocatively dingy entry in Captain Zip's seminal Video Trip.
Death Is Their Destiny Death Is Their Destiny
Amateur film 1978 13 mins Location: London
Fascinating amateur footage of London punks, and a glimpse of fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, filmed on the King's Road in 1978.
The Punk Kebab Documentary The Punk Kebab Documentary
Drama 1977 13 mins Location: Buckingham Palace
Subverted and amusing piece about the history of kebabs, infused with a punk flavour.
A Beautiful Way To Live A Beautiful Way To Live
Factual TV 1971 25 mins Location: Downham Market
Novelist Cressida Lindsay and Commune Movement pioneer Sarah Eno feature in this Anglia TV documentary about life in a commune.
The Aetherius Society at Holdstone Down The Aetherius Society at Holdstone Down
Current affairs 1963 5 mins Location: Holdstone Down
Aetherius people join together to help the planet at Holy Mountain
Flower Power Interview Flower Power Interview
News 1967 2 mins Location: Cheltenham
Psychedelic freakouts in Cheltenham?
Nudists Stay Near Norwich Nudists Stay Near Norwich
News 1980 3 mins Location: Norwich
Where will The Mayor hang his chain?! The Sunlanders, a British naturist group, are staying at a camp near Norwich, Norfolk in 1980.
Iroquois Rain Dance Iroquois Rain Dance
Current affairs 1984 4 mins Location: Burrator Reservoir
Iroquois Earth Songs connect businessman to nature
Tribe of the Sun Tribe of the Sun
Amateur film 1972 24 mins
The ill-fated dreams of Sid Rawls’ band of ‘ultra hippies’ attempting a self-sufficient communal life on John Lennon’s ‘Beatle Island’.
First Purpose-built Traveller's Site in Britain First Purpose-built Traveller's Site in Britain
News 1975 2 mins Location: Wisbech
Does staying on a permanent site interfere with travellers' traditions? Travellers who live in caravans on a site in Wisbech speak to Anglia TV
Truro Carnival Week Truro Carnival Week
Current affairs 1932 4 mins Silent Location: Truro
Trurorians enjoy street carnival celebrations
Haytor Love-in Haytor Love-in
Current affairs 1967 1 mins Silent Location: Haytor Rocks
Hippies gather in Flower Power Love-in on Dartmoor’s Haytor
A Beatnik Community in St Agnes A Beatnik Community in St Agnes
Current affairs 1969 12 mins Location: St Agnes
A Beatnik community sets up in St Agnes against local wishes
The Sidmouth Folk Festival The Sidmouth Folk Festival
Current affairs 1970 7 mins Location: Sidmouth
International folk bands and troupes put on an act at Sidmouth
Frank at 'Cities in the Park' Frank at 'Cities in the Park'
Amateur film 1991 4 mins Silent Location: Heaton Park
Sunday in the park with Frank Sidebottom and the Manchester music mob.
Spliffs, Joints and Pot Spliffs, Joints and Pot
1965 31 mins Location: London
A beat musician shoots up on camera in this straight-talking 1965 film about recreational drug use.
Rag Week in Plymouth Rag Week in Plymouth
Current affairs 1962 2 mins Silent Location: Plymouth
Student ragging acts increase funds for charities
The Privileged? The Pawns The Privileged? The Pawns
Documentary 1968 20 mins Location: Exeter
What was it like for you? Exeter University Students reveal all.
The Privileged? The Loose Change The Privileged? The Loose Change
Documentary 1968 13 mins Location: Exeter
Loose change at the University of Exeter ensures growth and investment.
Gwennap Pit Wedding Gwennap Pit Wedding
Current affairs 1965 1 mins Silent Location: Gwennap Pit
Kynsa demmedhyans ena Gwennap Pit
Honeymoon Hotel Honeymoon Hotel
Current affairs 1962 7 mins Location: Torquay
Honeymooning in Torquay is a communal affair.
Manchester Spiritualists Procession (1901) Manchester Spiritualists Procession (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 7 mins Silent Location: Manchester
Exponents of Britain's newest religion don their Sunday best for a parade through Edwardian Manchester.
Knights Electric Knights Electric
Drama 1980 24 mins Location: Great Yarmouth
Four rowdy teen punks tussle with the girls they fancy in this energetic pop music film shot on the seafront at Great Yarmouth.
Aldermaston Aldermaston
Amateur film 1962 25 mins Silent Location: Aldermaston
A fascinating record of the 1962 Aldermaston March featuring Canon John Collins, Michael Foot and thousands of marchers of all ages.
Jayne Mansfield in Male Call Jayne Mansfield in Male Call
Current affairs 1967 4 mins Location: Loxton
Jayne Mansfield turns it on for the camera at the Webbington Country Club.
Knebworth Pop Festival Knebworth Pop Festival
News 1976 5 mins Location: Knebworth Ho
Free food' and 'free religion' is the mantra of some festival goers ahead of the Rolling Stones' appearance at Knebworth. And for the local publican, it's big business!
The Square The Square
Drama 1957 16 mins Location: Westminster
An old man looks back wistfully over his years spent living in a King's Cross square, and enjoys a surprise skiffle party organised by neighbours.
The Destructors The Destructors
Documentary 1983 12 mins Location: Brixton
Punk rebellion and anarchy with Peterborough-based punk band The Destructors, six years after their formation.
Pop Group Settle for Commune in the Country Pop Group Settle for Commune in the Country
News 1973 8 mins Location: Wortham
70's psych pop group, Global Village Trucking Company, have opted out of the rat race and now live in a commune in Norfolk. Anglia reports, 1973.
Mods & Rockers Mods & Rockers
Drama 1965 27 mins Location: Twickenham
A mop-topped Mick Fleetwood bashes the drums and steals the show in this bizarre 1960s beat ballet music film.
Cheltenham Mods and Rockers Cheltenham Mods and Rockers
News 1965 10 mins Location: Cheltenham
Is Cheltenham really "a place to pass the time before you pass out?" Is a lack of facilities causing tensions between mods and rockers who should be out enjoying the countryside?
Skateboarding Demonstration Skateboarding Demonstration
News 1977 3 mins Location: Belfast
Watch the tricks, heed the tips, skate like a pro
Billy Graham in Ulster Billy Graham in Ulster
Documentary 1972 41 mins Location: Belfast
Will you join this charismatic evangelist's spiritual revolution?
Self-Conscious Over You Self-Conscious Over You
Documentary 1980 40 mins Location: Belfast
Witness The Outcasts at their incendiary best in this thrilling concert film
Teena and Simon Teena and Simon
Documentary 1990 16 mins
An intimate documentary portrait of a London couple, who candidly reveal the pleasures and pains of body piercing. Teena and Simon are a contemporary couple united in mind, body and spirit.
Peeling Off Peeling Off
Documentary 1990 12 mins
Revealing doc about male stripper, Max McLure. Max earns his living performing strip-o-grams, working freelance either through his own company, Maxgrams, or through a 'gram agency'.
The Option The Option
Documentary 1965 18 mins Location: Derry / Londonderry
Terence McDonald throws some light on the nature, need and direction the priesthood is taking in Northern Ireland during the sixties.
The Bardney Pop Festival The Bardney Pop Festival
News 1972 22 mins
Fly your freak flag high with this far-out film shot at the Great Western Express Festival in muddy May 1972.
Rolanda Polonsky, Sculptor Rolanda Polonsky, Sculptor
Documentary 1971 10 mins
Enter the imaginative world of acclaimed sculptor Rolanda Polonsky, a resident of Netherne Psychiatric Hospital, Surrey.
Good-Time Girl Good-Time Girl
Drama 1948 92 mins Location: Islington
Find out what happens when a good girl goes bad in this controversial post-war Brit noir thriller starring Jean Kent.
More Other Grooves films in our Rentals collection.
More related films in the Free collection, Beat Generations.
More related films in the Free collection, The Pleasure Principle.
More music films in our Subscription collection, Sonic: Music in Movies.