The Box is a major cultural and heritage attraction and archive, which opened in Plymouth’s city centre in September 2020. Its collection, formally the South West Film and Television Archive (SWFTA), is the regional film archive for the South West of England, comprising the combined programme libraries of Westward Television and Television South West (TSW). It also includes a significant number of donated film collections dating back to the early 1890s.
This film is part of Free
Video Player is loading.
Footballing Tortoise
A proud owner shows his spritely tortoise playing football in Weymouth, but what are the odds?
In partnership with:
Overview
FIFA World Cup fever has gripped the country with some slower to catch on than others. In Weymouth, Willie the spur-thighed Mediterranean tortoise is honing his touch in the back garden. His owner Ronald Braisher is keen to point out “he might not be fast on his feet, but his ball control is superb.” Tortoises used to be a popular pet but imports are now subject to strict controls under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
FIFA World Cup took place in England from 11 to 30 July 1966. England won the title 4–2 after beating West Germany in extra time. Eusebio of Brazil won the golden boot for the most goals scored, Bobby Charlton was named best player and West Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer received the best young player award. The best tortoise player award has to go Willie Braisher. As opposed to animals playing sport, recent world cups have offered a new wave of animals predicting sporting results with many countries putting forward psychic pets; who could forget Paul the Octopus from Germany or Achilles the Cat from Russia? Some species, however, just prefer to watch.
Related
Watch for free
Weymouth Weymouth
Amateur film 1956 4 mins Silent Location: Weymouth
A family holiday to the popular summer retreat on the coast of Dorset.
Watch for free
Beached Elephants Beached Elephants
Current affairs 1966 1 mins Silent Location: Weymouth
Sophie, Dumbo, Sue and Francis dip their toes in the sea.
Watch for free
His Majesty Landing at Weymouth His Majesty Landing at Weymouth
Documentary 1912 3 mins Silent Location: Weymouth
A memorable day for Weymouth as King George V and the young Prince Albert attend the 1912 Fleet Review
Watch for free
Fishy Tale Fishy Tale
Amateur film 1961 7 mins Silent Location: Weymouth
Join the Erskine family on a fishing trip in Weymouth Bay - where mackerel and thornback rays are caught against a backdrop of yachts and ferries
Watch for free
Weymouth Weymouth
Promotional 1958 23 mins Location: Weymouth
Enjoy this nostalgic look at the Dorset resort of Weymouth - complete with beachtime fun, Punch & Judy, fishing and a Beauty Queen tug-of-war.
Watch for free
Children Lost and Found Hut in Weymouth Children Lost and Found Hut in Weymouth
News 1967 3 mins Location: Weymouth
A new service is launched with a designated meeting point for lost children on Weymouth.
Watch for free
Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass) Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2011 33 mins
Over 30 years and 150 projects, the composer shares, with humour and passion, the intricacies of making film music.
Watch for free
Ian Neil (Masterclass) Ian Neil (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2012 74 mins
Neil selected soundtracks for 127 Hours, Shame, Kick Ass, Control and many more. He discusses the job and its complexities, referencing his own work.
Watch for free
Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.
Watch for free
Screenwriters' Lecture with Brian Helgeland Screenwriters' Lecture with Brian Helgeland
Inside Film 2012 27 mins
L.A. Confidential's screenwriter explains why he thinks writer's block is a myth, and reveals Clint Eastwood's unique powers of persuasion.
Watch for free
Olivier Assayas (Masterclass) Olivier Assayas (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2010 41 mins
Irma Vep writer/director Assayas moved from film journalism to filmmaking – a fascinating journey told with disarming honesty to Jonathan Romney.
Watch for free
Roger Corman in Conversation Roger Corman in Conversation
Inside Film 2013 61 mins
Jack Nicholson, Boris Karloff, Francis Coppola and making movies in five days – prepare yourself for Corman wisdom.