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
Dog Racing
Stupendous film from Wimbledon Stadium, with a jubilant Tallulah Bankhead christening the hare with a bottle of champagne before a dog race.
From the collection of:
Overview
In 1920s London, no sport was more glamourous than greyhound racing. That can be seen in this film of Tallulah Bankhead, the illustrious – and often scandalous – American actress then working in London. Bankhead poses for shots with a greyhound, smilingly receives a bouquet of flowers and then gleefully pours champagne on the mechanical hare to toast its launch before we see the dogs in action. These shots are probably from a press call, as the stadium is largely empty.
Greyhound racing was hugely popular pre-war across all sections of society, with the likes of George Raft and Lana Turner seen at Walthamstow. That was appropriate, as only cinema and football could match the appeal of the dogs, and it was the popularity of greyhound racing that saved both Wembley and White City from demolition. This is Wimbledon, which Tallulah Bankhead opened in May 1928. After the wonderful footage of the actress soaking the hare in champagne (although note she aims to one side, to keep the stuffing dry), we see flatcapped chaps take the dogs to the starting gate. Then they are off, while the men frantically try to remove the gate. Wonderful period film.
Related
Watch for free
Surrey Symphony Surrey Symphony
Amateur film 1949 11 mins Location: Kew
A picturesque look at the attractions in Surrey, including Kew Gardens, Wimbledon and Guildford
Watch for free
Centred on Wimbledon Centred on Wimbledon
Sport 1947 23 mins Location: Wimbledon
An account of the 1947 Wimbledon tennis championship
Watch for free
Colourful Wimbledon Colourful Wimbledon
Sport 1954 47 mins Location: Hampton
Wimbledon 1954, from the meticulous preparation of the 16 tennis courts to the finals and the glory on Centre Court.
Watch for free
Wimbledon, 1973 Wimbledon, 1973
Amateur film 1973 5 mins Silent Location: Wimbledon
Wimbledon Centre Court action follows a summer wedding filled with flowers, flares and floppy hats in Geoffrey Woodward's film from 1973.
Watch for free
Wimbledon, 1934 Wimbledon, 1934
Amateur film 1934 4 mins Silent Location: Wimbledon
There's plenty of Wimbledon action in this short film from 1934 - the year when both singles titles were won by British champions.
Watch for free
Teddy Tinling Fashions for Wimbledon Teddy Tinling Fashions for Wimbledon
News 1971 3 mins Silent Location: Wimbledon
Fashion designer Teddy Tinling and a line-up of Wimbledon women tennis pros showcase the latest stylish custom-made sports wear.
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.
Watch for free
Edgar Wright on The Running Man Edgar Wright on The Running Man
Inside Film 2025 28 mins
The director talks to Mark Kermode about putting Stephen King's dystopian life-or-death gameshow thriller through its paces.
Watch for free
Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 69 mins
Richard Linklater discusses his remarkable and wide-ranging body of work, including Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague.
Watch for free
Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 73 mins
Daniel Day-Lewis, the ultimate actor’s actor discusses his career in conversation with Mark Kermode.