National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
The Shop Assistants' Outing to Ilfracombe
A tantalizing fragment of a Haggar film of an outing from Llanelli that included shots of “somewhat humorous incidents on board”.
From the collection of:
Overview
A day long-awaited, no doubt, by Llanelli’s army of shop assistants: a trip to Devon, July 1913, on one of P & A Campbell’s paddle steamers. Filmed by James Haggar for screening at ‘Haggar’s Theatre’ in the town, a cinema he managed for his father, the production included shots of “somewhat humorous incidents on board” (Llanelly Mercury 17/7/1913). Sadly, all that remains of this film is this recently discovered, damaged fragment, containing the opening shots in Llanelli.
The assistants gather in Llanelli, dressed in their best, complete with picnic paraphernalia. They then board a train bound for Cardiff or Penarth and the ‘White Funnel’ steamer that would bear them onwards. James Haggar, son of [Arthur] William Haggar (1851-1925), a travelling showman and film pioneer based in Wales from the 1880s onwards, shot a number of local topicals for showing on the big screen, to draw the crowds, for by July 1913, Llanelli supported 5 competing venues offering films, plays and variety acts. That summer attractions on offer included Fred Dyer - Cardiff’s singing boxer, a “Wrestling Alligator” from the Ganges, Hugo the “Sensational Chair Jumper” and illusionist Chung Ling Soo.
Related
Watch for free
Buckley's Welsh Ale Buckley's Welsh Ale
Advert 1960 0 mins Location: Llanelli
Iechyd da – Your good health! A drop too much of this ale and you'll likely be spouting poetry since it is brewed in the Land of the Bards.
Watch for free
Ingot Pictorial No. 23 Ingot Pictorial No. 23
Promotional 1955 23 mins Location: Newport/Casnewydd
You can experience the Orb Works Carnival and watch a ship being built in Newport, and you can laugh as Jon Pertwee takes to the catwalk years before he travelled in the Tardis.
Watch for free
Croeso i Lanelli/Welcome to Llanelli Croeso i Lanelli/Welcome to Llanelli
Promotional 1970 13 mins Location: Pembrey
Llanelli has much to draw businesses and visitors, as this promotional film seeks to show, from brewery to rubber factory and the wonderful scenery beyond.
Watch for free
Parc Howard', Llanelli and 'Castell Gorfod', Llangynin Parc Howard', Llanelli and 'Castell Gorfod', Llangynin
Home movie 1969 14 mins Silent Location: Llanelli
1969 at 'Castell Gorfod' farm, Llangynin, and Llanelli's 'Parc Howard': ponies, potatoes, poinsettias and toasting the Prince of Wales.
Watch for free
Atodiad Incwm Teulu (Family Income Supplement) Atodiad Incwm Teulu (Family Income Supplement)
Public Information Filler 1971 1 mins Location: Llanelli
Family Income Supplement: because you’re worth it! Mrs Pugh, as model single mother, is used to encourage eligible viewers to claim this benefit, available from August 1971.
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.