London’s Screen Archives enables Londoners see their past come alive on film. Managed by Film London, we are a unique network of historic film collections that cares for, collects and screens heritage film across the city. Together we preserve London’s rich film heritage from feature films to home movies, public information films, newsreels, and records of the capital’s many different industries.
This film is currently unavailable
Soap box derby, Ilford 1952
Great shots of a soap box derby, featuring home-made pedal cars racing round a track in London.
From the collection of:
Overview
From the Ronald Bond collection of home movies, this is the only film with both title (Soap Box Derby) and date (1952). It features Brumas III, a home-made “soap box” pedal car, which is pitted against several others in a big race. The manufacturers of Brumas III appear to be Cubs and Scouts, who pose with the vehicle after the event. The race is watched by a decent-sized crowd, with speeches and handshakes for the victors.
The Ilford Scout Troop takes part in a soapbox derby which they win. Their car is named after Brumas the Polar Bear who lived in London Zoo. Brumas was born 27 November 1949. She was named after her keepers Bruce and Sam and as the first baby polar bear to be successfully reared in Britain, was an immediate attraction with the public
Related
Watch for free
Trev's 21st 1963 Trev's 21st 1963
Amateur film 1963 2 mins Silent Location: Redbridge
It's twistin' time! Wander in and celebrate Trev's 21st birthday in this fly-on-the-wall film.
Watch for free
Fire! October '63 Fire! October '63
Amateur film 1962 2 mins Silent Location: Redbridge
Local emergency services spring into action to put out blaze and protect rubbernecking residents in Redbridge, north-east London
Watch for free
Ilford Carnival Ilford Carnival
Amateur film 1978 4 mins Silent Location: Redbridge
Pearly Queens meet Carnival Queens at the annual carnival day extravaganza in Ilford
Watch for free
Hetty and Willy Defries Silver Wedding Hetty and Willy Defries Silver Wedding
Amateur film 1959 5 mins Silent Location: Redbridge
Happy faces dominate this home film, showing guests greeting Hetty and Willy Defries, who are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary.
Watch for free
Stephen and Marcus Stephen and Marcus
Amateur film 1960 11 mins Silent Location: Redbridge
Playtime in the garden for two young London children, including a large element of slapstick fun.
Watch for free
Harold Defries Bar Mitzvah Harold Defries Bar Mitzvah
Amateur film 1960 9 mins Silent Location: Redbridge
Some serious moves can be seen by guests of all ages in his lovely film showing the Bar Mitzah celebrations of Harold Defries in London in 1960.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: La Haine New Perspectives: La Haine
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Charlie Hammersley, a student from Northumbria University, explains how Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film holds up a mirror to society.
Watch for free
Dreamers Q&A Dreamers Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
The film-makers behind a haunting tale of love and community within a UK immigration detention centre visited the BFI Southbank to discuss their film.
Watch for free
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 50 mins
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation at BFI Southbank, discussing the making of One Battle After Another.
Watch for free
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
Watch for free
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Watch for free
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.