This film is part of Free

South Bank
This fascinating 60s tour catches London's South Bank in the middle of a cultural metamorphosis.
Overview
Thirteen years after the Festival of Britain, it's all change once again on London's South Bank. With the sci-fi saucer that was the Dome of Discovery long gone, this gentle boat tour along the Thames takes in County Hall, Royal Dutch Shell's imposing new HQ, and the building site next to the Royal Festival Hall that would blossom into the Hayward Gallery, the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Purcell Rooms.
The film's final minutes offer a compelling glimpse inside the National Film Theatre, as filmgoers emerge from the latest Jean-Luc Godard offering and Jeanne Moreau, one of the brightest stars of the 'nouvelle vague', sparkles down from the poster board: a touch of continuity in an area that was evolving into London's most vibrant cultural quarter. Intriguingly, the commentary suggests the new National Theatre was to be built in front of the Shell building, rather than on the other side of Waterloo Bridge, where it eventually opened in 1976.
Related

Father Thames Father Thames
Documentary 1935 17 mins Location: Thames Head
Swans, boats and bridges are celebrated by lyrical commentary and fine images in this delightful tour of the Thames from “trivial” beginnings to torrential end.

Thames En Fête Thames En Fête
Non-Fiction 1926 1 mins Silent Location: Kingston Upon Thames
A mermaid, a fat man in a barrel and water-bound jockeys all appear in this brilliant short showing Londoners taking part in the Molesey Regatta.

Swan Upping Starts Swan Upping Starts
Non-Fiction 1930 1 mins Silent Location: River Thames
A ceremonial swan census takes place on the river Thames.

River Thames - Yesterday River Thames - Yesterday
Documentary 1939 9 mins Silent
A nostalgic pre-war voyage down the mighty Thames, shot by Technicolor maestro Jack Cardiff.

Thames River Scenery - Panorama of the Crowded River Thames River Scenery - Panorama of the Crowded River
Non-Fiction 1899 1 mins Silent Location: Henley-on-Thames
Don your straw boater and join Victorians at play as you potter down the river at Henley-on-Thames

Colour on the Thames Colour on the Thames
1935 16 mins
A rare glimpse of 1930s London in colour: the Thames has never looked lovelier.

South Bank Street Performers 1977 South Bank Street Performers 1977
Amateur film 1977 3 mins Silent Location: Waterloo Sta
Acrobats, actors, musicians, human statues: nothing is off-the-table in South Bank for this extravagant exhibition of excellent talents.

All Seasons - the story of Bournemouth as a resort All Seasons - the story of Bournemouth as a resort
Promotional 1930 14 mins Silent Location: Waterloo Sta
Ride the Bournemouth Belle to this famous southern seaside resort – in a film featuring golfers, skaters and the Municipal Symphony Orchestra

The World's Greatest Station The World's Greatest Station
Non-Fiction 1922 1 mins Silent Location: Waterloo Sta
Her Majesty Queen Mary officially opens the much rebuilt Waterloo station for the London and South Western Railway, 21 March 1922.

Terminus Terminus
Documentary 1961 35 mins Location: Waterloo Sta
The daily rhythms and dramas of Waterloo station are captured in John Schlesinger’s influential early film.

The London Story The London Story
Comedy 1986 16 mins Location: Waterloo Sta
Sally Potter's lively dance film about spies and government intrigue.

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.

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.

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'.

Gabriel Yared on composing for film Gabriel Yared on composing for film
Inside Film 2013 11 mins
Composer of The Lives of Others, The English Patient and Betty Blue on intimacy and experimentation.

Lois Burwell on movie makeup Lois Burwell on movie makeup
Inside Film 2013 17 mins
Lincoln, Braveheart and Magnolia make-up artist Lois Burwell explains how she created some of her most iconic looks, as part of a BAFTA Masterclass.

Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass) Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass)
2013 61 mins
British cinematographer of The Hurt Locker, Captain Phillips, Hillsborough and Riff Raff reviews the art of the moving image.