Screen Archive South East is a public sector moving image archive serving the South East of England. The archive's collections of magic lantern slides, films, videos and associated materials capture the many varied aspects of life, work and creativity from the early days of screen history to the present day and serve as a rich and invaluable historical resource.
This film is part of Free
Demolition in Dartford
The era of pedestrianisation and out of town shopping is about to hit charming old Dartford - as this film captures the beginnings of the town’s transformation
From the collection of:
Overview
Starting with views of quiet streets and old shop fronts we see that some buildings have been earmarked for demolition. The wreckers then move in and gradually the building disappears. A policeman controls traffic at the junction beside the site. Christmas lights and a tree are put onto the vacant space. We get views of the town and see a number of other empty spaces awaiting development. There follow some domestic garden scenes and a visit to Mereworth Castle.
Since this film was made in the 1960s, there have been many changes to Dartford's town centre. The street featured in the film has been largely pedestrianised. Many of the old, and rather charming, shop fronts have been replaced by more modern buildings, though Holy Trinity church, which is also seen at various points in the film, survives to this day.
Related
Watch for free
Farewell Topsails Farewell Topsails
Travelogue 1937 9 mins Location: St Austell Bay
Humphrey Jennings’ once-lost film, initiated as an experiment in the use of Dufaycolor, records one of the last voyages of a commercial sailing ship.
Watch for free
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Watch for free
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.