Pop Gear

Pop Gear 1965

7.50

A compilation of proto-music videos featuring leading British rock bands of the 60s, including The Animals, The Spencer Davis Group, and Herman's Hermits.

1965

Father's Doing Fine

Father's Doing Fine 1952

6.30

Lady Buckering, an English widow, has four daughters; Doreen, married to Dougall and about to give birth at home, and Gerda, Bicky and Catherine. The story revolves around the impending birth and the love affairs of the other three daughters; Bicky, with eccentric student Roly; Gerda, married to artist Wilfred; and Catherine, in love with the landlord's son, Clifford Magill. In addition, the impoverished Lady Buckering is being courted by Dr. Drew. Written by Les Adams

1952

Girls at Sea

Girls at Sea 1958

6.00

When HMS Scotia pays a visit to the French Riviera, the officers throw a lavish party to celebrate the engagement of Captain Robert Randall to Jill Eaton, a charming American girl; among the guests are Mary Carlton, Jill's American friend, and Antoinette, a vivacious redhead. However, when the last shore-boat is deemed unseaworthy, the girls are obliged to spend the night on ship. A series of hilarious complications ensue, as the officers attempt to keep the girls away from the beady eyes of Admiral Hewitt – who chooses this very night to board the Scotia.

1958

Double Confession

Double Confession 1950

6.10

The hero discovers his estranged wife dead and tries to frame her lover for the murder. He becomes involved with the criminals who make various unsuccessful attempts on his life while the police clear up the mystery.

1950

Scrapbook for 1933

Scrapbook for 1933 1950

6.00

A BAFTA nominated documentary reviewing news, sporting and royal events from 1933.

1950

Private Angelo

Private Angelo 1949

1

Angelo has been drafted into the Italian Army in World War II. He does not like people shooting at him, so he tries all sorts of tricks to avoid being caught up in the action. However, events always seem to lead him back to the fighting.

1949

The Good Beginning

The Good Beginning 1953

1

After their honeymoon, Johnny Lipton and his wife Kit move into their small apartment. Kit runs the flat on a tight budget, for she hopes that one day with her support her husband will eventually run his own business. A lack of understanding of each other s character and aspirations, however, leads to many problems before Johnny and Kit are able to attempt a 'good beginning' to their marriage.

1953

Royal Children

Royal Children 1961

1

Even the most devout monarchist may feel uncomfortable watching this film - hindsight makes this a rather poignant experience. Although clearly intended as a hymn to royal life, with a panting narration describing the bliss Charles, Anne and Andrew are experiencing (the film was made three years before the birth of Edward), the images tell a different story - only a couple of shots feature the children smiling, while the first glimpse of Andrew as a baby, a spotlight shining on his face as photographers snap away, is a faintly sinister symbol of the royals’ lack of privacy from birth. The knowledge that a future of divorce and tabloid scandal would tarnish these children's adult lives adds irony to this snapshot of supposed utopia.

1961

Stop-over Forever

Stop-over Forever 1964

3.67

The flight attendant Sue Chambers becomes frightened for her life when she discovers that one of her coworkers was killed because the murderer thought he was killing her. Her fear does not prevent Sue from looking into the matter and trying to learn the killer's identity.

1964

I Went Back

I Went Back 1950

6.00

Leo Genn revisits some of the cities he served in during WWII.

1950

Life of a Queen

Life of a Queen 1960

1

This film is a compilation of footage shot by Associated British Pathe, which covered royal events for its newsreels, and the company would have been ideally placed to use their footage to make short films for the COI. The varied life of the Queen depicted in the film encompasses duties such as making the first telephone trunk call in 1958, from Bristol.

1960

Tin Pan Alley

Tin Pan Alley 1951

1

Short documentary film which features the activities taking place in London's famous "Street of Song" (Denmark Street) - also known as "Tin Pan Alley." The idea of the film is to lift the veil and show cinema audiences just how a new number is created and set upon the road to success. The song in question is "Last Night's Kisses" by Sam Brown, Ray Hartley and Jimmy Kennedy. To help launch the song, stars come from far and near and are seen trying it out and discussing its possibilities.

1951

Dearth of a Salesman

Dearth of a Salesman 1957

1

Comedy short starring Peter Sellers. Previously thought lost, but discovered in a skip outside Park Lane Films.

1957

Death Is a Woman

Death Is a Woman 1966

3.50

Narcotics agent Dennis goes undercover in the Mediterranean Islands to investigate a smuggling operation, and gains the confidence of a woman who works for the ringleader. But Dennis ends up arrested for murder when the crime boss turns up dead.

1966

The Ghost Goes Gear

The Ghost Goes Gear 1966

5.00

Unbeknownst to the Spencer Davis Group, their manager is upper class, grew up in a haunted manor, and is called Algernon. When they visit his home, they find out that the family is broke, they don't have the money to pay the servants, and their home is going to ruin. Spencer suggests that they advertise the home (and the ghost) and charge admission.

1966

The Hand of Night

The Hand of Night 1968

5.10

A tourist travelling through Morocco discovers an ancient curse and must choose between light and dark.

1968

Valley of Song

Valley of Song 1953

1

A little Welsh village is sundered by rival factions when a coveted contralto role in the "Messiah" is given to Mrs. Davies instead of Mrs. Lloyd. Based on a stage play "Choir Practice".

1953

The Atomic Age

The Atomic Age 1946

1

Documentary warning of the "menacing shadow" of the atomic bomb.

1946

Design for Today

Design for Today 1965

3.50

A musical celebration of British innovations within a typical home. Part of BFI collection "Design for Today."

1965