Kings Motors of Oxford, Motorbike Showroom from the 1950s, British Motorbikes F897 maxustaxus 2026-09-24 | Kings Motors of Oxford, Motorbike Showroom from the 1950s, British Motorbikes F897
A Van Bibber Story, The Tennis Wizard played by Earle Foxe, 1926, Reginald, Silent Film, F1064 maxustaxus 2025-08-30 | One of the "van Bibber stories" from the series of about twenty made between 1924-27 and starring the American actor Earle Foxe and produced by William Fox. Foxe's character, Reginald van Bibber, is a sort of romantic Bertie Wooster who is easy to sympathise with. This particular short is called "The Tennis Wizard" and has our hero accidentally getting on the wrong side of a jealous husband, and having to play a tennis match against an expert for the hand of his love. I believe some of these shorts in the van Bibber series are thought to be lost, this is not one of those, but as I can find no video from this series on tinterweb, I have posted this up. This film is nearly 100 years old...I love the fact that these people are not pretending to be from the 1920s with Straw Hats and all, this was their time, as we have ours, and then no more!It is frame by frame scanned from 16mm film. Apologies if you do not like music with you silent era films. Credits:Production: William FoxDirector: Orville O. DullWriters: Richard Harding, Davis Henry Johnson, Eddie MoranActors:Reginald van Bibber: Earle FoxeOphelia Foote: Marcella DalyColonel Paddock: Frank BealArchie Foote: William B. DavidsonSylvia Paddock: Florence GilbertPhil Wilden: Sherman RossMuisc:"Mister Exposition", "Royal Banana"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
Ex GWR 5700 Class LT Pannier Tank Steam Trains at Neasden Depot April 1969, F1065 maxustaxus 2025-08-30 | A short clip from some 8mm amateur film of Pannier Tank Steam Trains doing stuff at what I think is Neasden Depot in April 1969. This is within a couple of years of the last steam to be used on London Transport...I get the impression that some of these work horses may have survived to this day as heritage steam trains. I am not really sure, but I hope so. Unfortunately no credit appears within the footage. This was frame by frame scanned from the original film.Music Title: New FrontierMusic by: bensound.comArtist: Lunar YearsLicense code: HI0FHD9MKLEKZKVP
1...2...3, a Monthly Review From Europe, C1953, 1950s, F1026 maxustaxus 2025-08-30 | 1...2...3, was a monthly review of events in Europe. This is volume 1 no. 4 (from 1953 I think). I say monthly review, but in fact it is clear there is a certain slant here towards promoting a federal Europe of some sort. Hardly surprising as this film series was produced for the Mutual Security Agency which was a Marshall Plan related body of the time. I.e., it served to promote a Europe reconstructed culturally and economically after WWII in a manner not unlike the existing American model. In this episode we see the many practical ways in which national harmonisation might benefit all citizens of Western Europe. Further discussion of Marshall Plan propaganda films can be found here in this interesting MA dissertation by E. S. Noble: https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/829cc143-8d60-43a6-949c-8a69ecb36f66/contentI note the sound is a bit rough...sorry, I will try to get a better extraction next time. Numerous credits appear at the end, from a range of countries. However, what each person did is not specified, so I shan't reproduce that list here.
Building East Perth Power Station, Australia, 1938, 1930s, Empire Links F1059 maxustaxus 2025-08-23 | Some remarkable lost film from the late 1930s entitled "Empire Links" showing the commissioning, planning, plant manufacture, building and installation of the 'Plant B' part of East Perth Electric Power Station in 1938. The film gives a detailed historical record from the time of a key development in the plant's history. A history which today is recognised as an important element of Australia's industrial/engineering heritage. Part of the story covers heavy industry in Derby England, which is also of interest to us in blighty!The film was sponsored by International Combustion Ltd. Although this company produced a small number of films related to commerce and industry, I can find no trace of this one. An interesting find.If one does not marvel at the industry here in...I hope the myriad of elaborate 1930s 'scene swipes' in the film must be worth the seconds lost of your life watching this?Produced for International Combustion Ltd (ICL) by GB Instructional.Narration: Neal ArdenNo other credits appear
Norwich, 1975, A 1970s Day Trip. F1061 maxustaxus 2025-08-23 | A short film from May 1975 showing ordinary scenes from the centre of Norwich as it appeared to day trippers. This covers the famous market, Castle and Cathedral, with the visitors leaving via train. This is scanned from standard 8mm film. As I am sure many know, it is remarkable that the size of a single frame in this type of film is just 4.8x3.5mm. In other words, the vertical frame length is about the same size as the head of a match! And yet, the picture can be magnified many times over and still look fairly clear. No credits paper within the film.Music Title: YesterdayMusic by bensound.com/free-music-for-videosArtist: AventureLicense code: XU8YQGLVTGRTLBOC
Gateway to the Tyrol, 1954, British Foundation Pictures, Ronald Haines, F1060 maxustaxus 2025-08-23 | Another interesting film made by the small English production company British Foundation Pictures Ltd (BFP). This is entitled "Gateway to the Tyrol" and is about the Tyrol region of Austria/Germany and highlights the rustic and unchanged way of life in the region. This might be described as a travelogue, but I think it closer to a short documentary and dates to 1954. Ronald Haines (with the assistance of his wife Jean) managed BFP, and has a number of credits to his name, but this does not appear, and I can find very little about the film, except that it was advertised in an American catalogue from 1955 of visual aids. In any case, I am always delighted to see BFP productions, they are so quaint, especially when they have an original censor certificate.CreditsProduction: British Foundation Pictures LtdDevised and Directed by: Ronald HainesCommentary: Frank PhillipsPhotography: Ronald HainesEditing: Ronald HainesResearch: Jean Haines
The Spot, Derby City Centre, Winter of C1953, 1950s, F1056 maxustaxus 2025-08-16 | A short video scanned from amateur 16mm film which I think was shot about 1953. It shows snow fall at "The Spot", in Derby City Centre. I have compared some of the footage with how the same place looks today. Hardly surprising that it has changed radically in over 70 years...but I note Eastern's Department Store building remains on the corner of London Rd. This is just the kind of film I love to find. An ordinary place, with ordinary people, doing ordinary things. No credits appear within the footage. Music Title: Angels by my SideMusic by: bensound.comArtist: Lunar YearsLicense code: NCWDHKD1JNQDXPPM
A Tour of South Africa December 1959, 1950s F1057 b maxustaxus 2025-08-16 | A comprehensive tour around South Africa over November/December 1959 in bus run by Trans Africa Safari Tours. The holidaymakers start East of Cape Town, and visit Port Elizabeth, Durban, Swaziland, Johannesburg, and Pretoria...stopping at many places along the way. I was interested to see the Indian Market in Durban...which made a change from rickshaws...the more common holiday footage. This was frame by frame scanned from the original amateur 16mm film. No credits appear within this. Music "Carefree" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Skyline Review, A Milton Schwarzwald Short with Paula Stone and Eddie Bruce, etc, 1938, F1058 maxustaxus 2025-08-16 | One from the Milton Schwarzwald directed shorts of the 1930s, entitled "Skyline Review". This stars Paula Stone as she hosts a party fighting of the bailiffs (Eddie Bruce as her husband). Entertainers at the "party" include DeMay, Moore and Martin who do a spoof dance routine of sorts, Billy and Milly, also dance with young Sugar Nichols. Then its lights out on the part as the electricity is cut off!Scanned from an original 16mm film print.Credits:Production: Nu-Atlas ProductionsDirector: Milton SchwarzwaldOrchestra: Joseph Gershenson Part Host and Singer/Dancer: Paula StoneHusband: Eddie BruceAin't Got That Swing Dancers: Billy & MillyChild and Dancer: Sugar NicholsOther Credits Appear in the film.
The Antidote, a Telephone Drama for the 1950s, F1050 maxustaxus 2025-08-09 | A dramatised but true tear jerking story of how a girl's life hangs in the balance as a Managing Telephone Operator tries to hunt down the chemist that can save her...I think this is meant as an employee training film, and was sponsored by the Bell Telephone Company or perhaps AT&T.Some really good acting is turned in by the operator...but sadly no credits appear at all for this except the production company which is Henry Strauss Productions Inc (of New York). This company was known for a few ground breaking industrial relations films at the time, but I can find nothing at all about this film on tinterweb...so I am not even sure of the date...which I guess to be mid/late 1950s.
F1053 Highland Melody, Carisbrooke Films Ltd, C1950, Aug 25 maxustaxus 2025-08-09 | A short reminder of Scotland by Carisbrooke Films. This sentimental visit to Scotland covers 12 mins and some 200 years of history all accompanied by appropriate standard tunes. I think this dates to the early 1950s, but I am afraid I cannot find reference to this film on the IMDB site so I cannot be 100% sure. Credits:Produced and Directed: Robert HenrysonProduction Company: Carisbrooke FilmsScenario by: Charles K. ShawNarration: Alva LidellPhotographed by: Harry LongMusical Score by Ecaro Pastore
Shanghai, How it was in 1947 1940s, Castle Films, F1052 maxustaxus 2025-08-09 | A Castle Films production from 1947 I think showing the life and troubles fo people that lived in this great city of China. Today some 24 million people live there...in 1949 it was 1.5 million. Film shows change, and few places have changed quite so much! Castle Films was founded in 1924 by former newsreel cameraman Eugene W. Castle...and they continued into the 1980s in one form or another when finally video killed the cinematic star. I am aware that a good copy of this footage already appears on YT, and I try to avoid duplication, but I felt the optical settings here might be sufficiently different to warrant an additional upload. No credits appear within the film, even for the narration.
Colliery Chimney Stack Demolition C1935, 1930s F1024 maxustaxus 2025-08-09 | A short 9.5mm amateur film clip of what I think is a Colliery Chimney Stack being demolished some time in the 1930s. I would love to know where this was, but have so far drawn a blank...there is not a lot to go on really. But the Chimney does have some distinguishing features, so it might be possible to find. This came with a reel of film of a holiday in Anglesey dated 1935, so I suspect that the colliery was in the Midlands or Wales. Any thoughts on its location are welcome!No credits appear within the film.Music Title: "Straight"Music by: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videosArtist: Benjamin TissotLicense code: WVVOYU28WQAYCPFK
Vienna Harsh Winter Snow 1946, 1940s, Bomb Damage, Wien Austria, F1048 maxustaxus 2025-08-02 | A short amateur 16mm film showing Vienna scenes over the winter of 1946/7. This was a particularly cold and harsh winter, and there were serious food shortages to come in the spring. The footage shows many bomb damaged buildings, which had yet to be reconstructed during this period when the allied forces occupied Austria (only coming to an end in 1955 I think). There are no credits, so I have no idea who filmed this, but I note that later in the film (not shown) are offices described as "Film Offices in Graz" (also damaged), and I have to wonder if the specific nature of the mention of this location might mean the film-maker worked with film in some way. Music Title: "At Rest" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Carreras Rally 1971 Jamaica, Jamaican Rally F1046 maxustaxus 2025-08-02 | A film about one of Jamaica's premium rally events of yesteryear...the Carreras Rally of 1971. This started of at the National Stadium in Kingston and drivers followed speed regulated stages, and encountered surprise time control points. It was notable for the very heavy rain towards the end of the event. Please bear in mind that some of the attitudes expressed within are of the period, and this is shown complete, as found (which was as pre-print negative optic and an optic sound 16mm reels) The results were:1. Brain Culcheth/Johnstone Syer/John Dawson (Triumph 2.5 P.I.)2. Andrew Cowan/J. Ramsden/M. Henry (B.M.W. 2002)3. Dave Panton/R. Weston/D. Trendell (Volvo 144S)Unfortunately no credits appear at all in this except that "It is brought to you be Carreras" at the end...I am guessing that the cigarette manufacturer of that name may have been the sponsor.
Otahuhu, New Zealand, New Steel Mill 1962, 1960s F1049 maxustaxus 2025-08-02 | A short film about the (then) newly built Pacific Steel Plant at Otahuhu in New Zealand 1962. It covers the basics, scrap metal gets turned into steel in a long rolling mill plant...I think in the example shown becoming rebars to reinforce concrete. A little strange this one, as I found this silent 16mm film with its negative. So it appears to be a professionally produced print with negative...perhaps part of a larger film? In any case no credits appeared with the clip, and I have added a little narration of my own (though it didn't need it really...it is quite evident what is going on!)Music: Bensound (The Elevator Bossa Nova)Artist: Benjamin TissotLicense code: MMRYM77BRRIHYVML
The AAF Comes of Age, Part 1, US Army Airforce Documentary from 1945 USAAF, F1043 maxustaxus 2025-07-26 | A documentary entitled "The AAF Comes of Age" (part 1), which covers the ways in which the USA air forces were some way behind in1939, in terms of meeting the threats posed by the formation of axis powers, and how by 1945 the AAF was a fighting force to be reckoned with, and one without which the allies may not have won WWII.This was released in August 1945 and contains a remarkable amount of battle footage, and shows the aftermath of attacks. A sobering account put together by one of those that took part. It was written and produced by Lee (Leonard) Korf (1917-2008) on the instructions of General Arnold in 1945. Lee Korf does not have many film credits to his name, but was a navigator on B17s and had a remarkable career. More about Lee Korf can be found here: https://theatre.fullcoll.edu/conn_faculty_detail.php?staffid=685The is scanned from an original 16mm film print of the time. Part two of the film can be found here: youtube.com/watch?v=ryW9R-LBffMCredits: Production Company: First Motion Picture Unit USAAFWritten and Produced by: Lee KorfNo credits actually appear in pt. 1 or II so for acknowledgement cannot be given.
From New York to Virginia Beach, and Linkhorn Bay, 1956, 1950s F1044b maxustaxus 2025-07-26 | Some amateur footage of a trip from New York to Virginia Beach in 1956...and some of Williamsburg and the area around Linkhorn Bay. I chose to fit the film run time to match the song...which I like...and yes I am aware this is East Virginia rather than the West!This was frame by frame scanned from the original film.Credits:I think this was filmed by Grp Cpt R. A. McMurtrie (D.S.O. 1909-1994) on holiday in the USA in 1956.Music: Take Me Home, Country Roads: By John Denver
Greenham Common Protest, C1983, 1980s, CND, F1045 maxustaxus 2025-07-26 | Some footage of protestors outside Greenham Common Airbase in what I think is Easter 1983. 1983 was quite a big year for demonstrations over Nuclear weapons, with many CND branches organising events and marches around the country, in the main sparked by the decision to site American Cruise and Pershing missiles in Britain at the time. Here we see many different people and groups gather outside the gates of the Airbase and entertain themselves in various ways. Looks like quite an event. This was edited together from 16mm negative film rushes which I found some time ago...which I think were either photographed by or for Alan Stokes.Music Title "Happiness"Music by: bensound.comArtist: Benjamin TissotLicense code: YDSLOJAZPCQXT35B
Bell Hotel, Epping in 1982, Veteran Car Rally, 1980s, F1042 maxustaxus 2025-07-19 | A Veteran Car Rally which starts out from the Bell Hotel near Epping Essex, and goes to Leez Priory, then to Brizes Park, then returns to Epping (for final judging I think). There were some very serious early cars at this event, so it is surprising that I can find nothing at all about it. The film this is scanned from are negative rushes, and the processing lab report gives the date 1982. I am not sure whether this was ever made into a film, and no credits or identifying information came with this. I have edited down perhaps 15mins worth for this...and sadly I have tried to get a less sickly colour but just don't seem to get this right (even using DaVinci...but that is my inexperience I think)Music I Use: bensound.com/free-music-for-videosArtist: Lunar Years (title: New Frontier)License code: 2JBX6GPBXUBOH62J
Tommy Steele, a Personal View, Sorel Productions 1973, 1970s, F1041 maxustaxus 2025-07-19 | I think there might have been a series called "A Personal View" in the 1970s. Perhaps on the BBC. I get the impression that a celebrity would do a settee shoot of some personal interest with lots of rostrum shots. But I can find little about this series (if it existed). In any case, here we have 25 mins (with adds a 30 min show) of the great Tommy Steele (B1936-) sharing memories of his early years in show business. This colour production is dated at 1973 at the end credits...but I can find no evidence of this particular episode appearing on telly...if you know more about this, please leave a comment below. Anyhoose...some interesting and personal takes from Tommy back in the 1970s. Credits:Featured: Tommy SteeleProducer: Peter BurderProduction Company: Sorel InternationalNarration: Tom BrowneCamera: Peter DukeEditor: Brian NichollsSound: David Jones, and Peter Rann
The Moon, An Emerging Planet, C1970s, 1972, F1040 maxustaxus 2025-07-19 | A short film presented by NASA entitled "The Moon an Emerging Planet". I think this is dated to just before the final Apollo mission (Apollo 17, Dec 1972) so was made in the very early 1970s. It documents what was then thought to be the origins of our moon, and its development into current times. Obviously this presents relevant theories regarding the Moon's development as it stood over 50 years ago. I suspect current think has moved on quite a way. The film was produced for NASA by the AV Corporation of Houston Texas.No other credits appear...not event for narration.
The Kings Road, Chelsea, People Walking, London C1980, F1037 maxustaxus 2025-07-11 | Some interesting film showing the sorts of people that enjoyed the Kings Road in around 1980 (possibly 81). There is no more to it than that...a record of the place and who promenaded there 45 years ago, oh and that never before in the history of humankind has so much hair had to defy gravity while its owner pretends they can't see the camera!This footage was scanned from recovered 16mm negative rushes which I think were filmed by or for Alan Stokes.Music by BensoundArtist: Lunar Years (song New Frontier)License code: LATYTK9NXMSLSOQH
South African Bureau of Standards Documentary, C1950, F1039 maxustaxus 2025-07-11 | A film about South African goods and trade, entitled "Mark of Approval", and loosely built around the work of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). This covers the many industries where quality is of great concern to both domestic but also international markets. The film shows how the SABS ensures standards, and why these matter. A surprisingly interesting info-documentary of South African commerce at this time...which was about 1950. Frame by frame scanned from the original 16mm film at HD resolution. Produced by: African Film Productions, JohannesburgWritten and Directed by: Emil NofalPhotography: Frank Dixon, and Sven Persson (interesting)Narration: Robert Griffiths
Festival of Peace March, Brockwell Park, London 1983, & Clint Eastwood and General Saint, CND, F1038 maxustaxus 2025-07-11 | Some scenes of people marching on their way to the Festival of Peace at Brockwell Park, London, in the summer of 1983 (July 5th?). The Dammed and the Style Council performed at the event, but also the Reggae(?) duo "Clint Eastwood and General Saint", who by all accounts gave a very creditable performance. Footage of Clint Eastwood and General Saint is included at the end of this film...but sadly without sound (this is very frustrating as I have quite a bit of their set in colour, but no sound track!). Interestingly, despite being designed to promote peace, the event was visited by an hostile atmosphere...with Hazel O'Connor having a rough time with a crowd who had missed seeing the Damned earlier, and the Style Council retreating into a van after some mud slinging (physical not proverbial). There is an interesting article about the event here: brixtonmusicmemories.com/venues/brockwell-park-festivalsScanned from recovered 16mm film rushes photographed by or for Alan Stokes.Music by bensound.com/free-music-for-videosArtist: Benjamin TissotLicense code: WEMH6BNNUMWGZS3P
Annies Love Story (AKA Roman damour), 1904, F1026 b maxustaxus 2025-07-04 | An abridgement of Annie's Love Story (AKA Roman d.amour) produced in 1904 and directed by Vincent Lorant-Heilbronn and Ferdinand Zecca, and starring Lenormand and Mademoiselle Ritz.The story concerns a women who meets a dashing and prosperous man with a car (1904!), and they proceed to have a good time together. They settle down, but her partner is restless to see more of life. It becomes apparent to the women that her husband will not settle, so she leaves him and falls destitute and hungry. An opportunist scoundrel with bad intentions takes her in, but by and by insists she engages in shameful work. When she refuses he is enraged and attacks her on a bridge, leaving her to drown. She is then rescued...and her family accept her. I think it interesting how much this says about later film making. Notice that each scene looks like a theatre set...there is no camera movement, or frame movement. Each shot is just that...a complete presentation that does not move except in time. The language of film has not been invented in any sense by 1904. What this shows us is as the dog that did not bark in the night. I am not sure what the moral of the tale is...maybe: people that settle down after having a good time should not over-react?Whatever. It is fascinating to think this film which was quite popular at the time is now 121 years old! It is scanned from 9.5mm footage from the 1930s (Pathescope I think), which even then considered this historical...MusicScheming Weasel; Break Time, Rains Will Fall, and Volatile Reaction, by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Pets Corner, Childrens Own Series, London Zoo, GB Films C1950, F1036 maxustaxus 2025-07-04 | A 16mm produced short for something called the "Children's Series: Pets Corner". This is about London Zoo, and an area devoted to more friendly animals, though quite how tigers and elephants fit in is any one's guess. I suspect some of the footage is 1930s Gaumont British, covering what could be mashed together of the Zoo for a Movie Pack Release sometime in the late 1940s, or early 1950s...and loosely related to the London Zoo "Pets Corner"Of course, the film is not an endorsement of Zoo practice and animal welfare policy today...it is an historical account of life nearly 90 years ago. The only credit to appear is for the editor (in this case an essential role!)Editor: Arthur C. Stevens (has a number of serious IMDb Editor credits BTW)Some original music substituted by: Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairies: by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Rediffusion Switched Star Cable TV System 8, promo, C 1983, F1035 maxustaxus 2025-07-04 | A short promo announcing the launch of Redifussion's Computer Controlled Switched Star Cable System (also known as System 8). This dates itself as 1983 within the video, but I understand the system was not rolled out in practice for a few years yet (I think Guildford 1987?).The system boasted many features, including providing up to 30 channels, interactive confidential services such as banking and shopping. Despite appearing to be an advanced personalised communications system which for-shadowed much of satellite TV services yet to come, the system was ceased in 1988 as it was regarded as unviable after the Rediffusion Cable Network Business was sold to the Maxwell corporation in 1988. This was scanned from 16mm footage which was unedited, so I have patched some of it together though it is a bit rough. And therefore I can't be sure if any form of this footage was ever released. The time stamp is in the original BTW. The only credit to appear is:Produced by: Gregory Lunn Challenge Video.
Ryde to Shanklin, on the IOW Train C1982, Ilse of Wight, 1980s, F1031 maxustaxus 2025-06-27 | A film showing the train which runs from Ryde (Pier Head) to Shanklin station on the IOW. The train is ex-London underground stock...a little hard to date this exactly, but I suspect early 1980s, perhaps between 1982 and 84. The footage is edited from a super 8mm print of Robert Ennis' film of the Island Railway entitled "From Piccadilly to Shanklin". It is surprising how good the detail and colour can be from some super 8 film stock. Credits:Original optics produced and filmed by Robert EnnisMusic: Easy Lemon by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Chipperfield, Garden Centre, (Simmonds Nursery) C1950, 1950s, Hertfordshire, F1032 maxustaxus 2025-06-27 | A short look at how Chipperfield Garden Centre looked around 1950. It was then owned by Simmonds Nurseries. A family firm established by Herbert Simmons from his cottage in Chapel Croft (Chipperfield) in 1907. It grew to become perhaps the largest Garden Nursery in Hertfordshire between the Wars. At some point they opened a branch in Tower Hill RD (I suspect the late 1940s) where the current Garden Centre now stands. The Simmons sold their interest in the Garden Centre in 1993.This is edited from some 16mm film which is perhaps in the worst condition I have ever tried to work with in this gauge. Very warped and shrunk. The subject is not especially dramatic...but is of the everyday and unique to this location...so I thought I would give it a bash despite the condition. I just can't bear to throw away old film!..so long as it is not in later stages of vinegar syndrome. There are no credits. I assume a Simmonds family member of the time either filmed this or arranged for it to be filmed some time around 1950. Credits:Photo: "Chipperfield Garden Centre The Post Office is on the left" by David Howard (CC License 2)Photo: "Garden Centre in Chipperfield" by Jack Hill (CC License 2)Music I use: BensoundTitle: Angels by My SideArtist: Lunar YearsLicense code: ANYCVJJD1MH7MPHK
Island Carnival, Sandown and Shanklin, IOW, Isle of Wight, 1965, F1033 maxustaxus 2025-06-27 | A promotional video sponsored by Sandown and Shanklin U.D.C from 1965. This shows the many ways in which holiday makers from the 1960s might enjoy the simple yet complete pleasures of the two towns on the Isle of Wight (IOW). What a lovely place. This is a re-digitised version of the same film I put on about 5 years ago. It was then filmed "of the wall" using an old Elmo projector. I thought I might try a frame by frame capture with digital sound extraction. I think this is a better version...and is the whole thing at a TRT of 17.45 rather than 16.43. Adverts may appear until the copyright sound material claims are resolved. I will delist the old version shortly.Credits:Producer: Harry ReynoldsWritten and Directed by: Terence CarrollPhotography: Edward ChannellProduction: Documentary Films Ltd
Bulembu 1960 (Havelock) Asbestos Mining Village in Swaziland, now Eswatini, and abandoned, F1030 c maxustaxus 2025-06-18 | A short video showing life as it was in May 1960 at the Bulembu village where workers of the local Asbestos mine lived. Indeed, they lived in very regimented ways...with the 'lowest' staff having to climb the highest to get home, while managers and so on had lower buildings. Twas ever thus I guess.Once a busy town of 10,000 people, Bulembu became a ghost town after the mine closed in 2001 (its earlier name was Havelock). A small town in northern Swaziland (now called Eswatini) when production ended the entire town was cleared. A small contingent of people now live rent free in what nature has not taken back...as described in the excellent article about the town today here: bigbeaverdiaries.com/bulembu-abandoned-asbestos-mining-ghost-townAnd the Mail/Guardian also has an article here:https://mg.co.za/article/2014-09-04-playing-in-the-shadow-of-asbestos-mine-dumps/A ghost town of the modern age I guess...This was frame by frame digitised from the original Kodachrome amateur film. No credits appear.Credits:Picture of Bulembu today: Big Beaver Diaries Music by Bensound.com/free-music-for-videosArtist: Aventure (Small Joys)License code: WQFYZMWE78GLUVXC
1960 Harare Skyline from the Hyatt Regency Meikles Hotel Zimbabwe (then Salisbury Rhodesia) F1030 b maxustaxus 2025-06-18 | A short video showing the Harare skyline from the Hyatt Hotel in 1960. I should say that at the time Harare was known as Salisbury, and Zimbabwe was known as Rhodesia. Indeed, I think the hotel was called the Meikles rather than anything else, but I am not sure. In any case some down town shots of the city from over 60 years ago. It looked no small place back then...and it has only got bigger! The film also shows a little of the Airport and some aerial shots over the Karibi dam.This was scanned from the original 16mm Kodachrome amateur footage and no credits appear...Music by: BensoundArtist: Lunar Years (Angels by My Side)License code: IX5DQ9DZ2JBDUA0Z
Mr Piper, House of Fun, Full TV Episode from 1963, F1028 maxustaxus 2025-06-11 | An episode of the Canadian children's TV series "Mr. Piper (House of). In each episode the operatic tenor Alan Crofoot (1929-79) plays the 'Pied Piper' and presented a magic themed set (called Bag of Tricks), a cartoon (called Tale Time), an animal story (called Animal Farm), and an info-doc from a foreign land (Port of Call).The series was created by Martin Andrews and Allan Wargon, who was also the producer, and I believe was released in 1963, and shown in both Canada and the UK through the 1960s/70s. Each episode was about half an hour and recorded in colour.I am not sure what the title of this episode is, if anyone knows I would be grateful for this info. I am also not sure which season this was. But in any-case here it is for inspection. The first five minutes have a few splice jumps, but it settles down. Better than nothing. Presenter: Alan CrofootProducer: Alan WargonDirectors: James Mackay; Alan Wargon, Vincent Vaitiekunas, Production: Pied Piper Films Lt with ITCOther credits appear at end.
Animal Life in the Hedgerows, Oliver G Pike, C1930s, F1029 maxustaxus 2025-06-11 | A short film about Animal Life in the Hedgerows (Of England I presume), photographed by Oliver G. Pike, and edited by a sub-committee of the London Teachers Association! So I guess this was used as an educational aid drawing on some of Oliver Pike's earlier footage from the 1930s...or possibly from a British Gaumont Instructional Film (BGI) from the 1940s. Difficult to date exactly. In any case, the photographer Oliver G. Pike (1877-1963) is notable as a pioneer of early naturalist film and photography, having produced and directed shorts such a the 1907 "St Kilda its people and Birds". He also produced for Pathe Freres, and filmed for (BGI films). Apparently David Attenborough was quite a fan of Pike's work, and claims he inspired him to take up a career in wildlife. Wiki page here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_G._PikeNo production company is creditedPhotography: Oliver G. PikeEdited: LTANo credit is given for the narration.
The Short Sighted Cyclist, Marcel Perez, 1907, A later Pathe Release, F1026 a maxustaxus 2025-06-11 | Marcel Perez in "The Short Sighted Cyclist" (UK Title), released in 1907 I believe. This short early silent comedy was produced in France, and may have been directed by Marcel himself. I have scanned this from a 9.5mm release which I believe dates to about 1938 and looks to be abridged (the original is about 5mins). I can find no reference to a Pathescope version so I am not really sure who released this on 9.5mm format. Music:Wagon Wheel, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Pepsodent Toothpaste Advert, Commercial, Indonesia, India Ad, 1974, C1970s, F1018c maxustaxus 2025-06-11 | A short advert for Pepsodent toothpaste made for the Indonesian (optics used for India and other countries I think) scanned from 16mm film (negative and separate sound reel). I believe this dates to 1974 according to the can, but I am afraid I don't know the name of the production company/agency that created this...but its title is "Smiles"
Kings Canadian, Open Air School at the Upper Lodge, Bushy Park 1936, 1930s F1027 b maxustaxus 2025-06-04 | A short film by W. C. Trodd, entitled "Life of London Boys at King's Canadian Open Air School". This shows the sort of activities that 'sickly' London lads of the 1930s might have undertaken at an Open Air School of the time. This was mainly a lot of out door activities and walking, as the film shows sports activities, excursions, and fun stuff. This Open Air School was located at Upper Lodge, Bushy Park, Hampton Hill, Middlesex TW12 1NE, and was one of about 90 odd such schools in the country at the time that were established to provide open air activities to children at risk of TB, in need of healthy fresh air, or in some other way 'delicate'. The 'Open Air School' movement ended pretty much by 1940.Children were selected for attendance by their school Doctor, and parents would contribute to the cost if they could. This school handle about 70 boys a week over a 4 week rotation. Bushey school shown here had a capacity of about 300 boys at any one time. This closed in 1939, and the location went on to be used as a research centre for the Admiralty. A website with more information about these interesting pre-war establishments can be found here:Bushey as one of London's Lost Hospitals (very interesting). ezitis.myzen.co.uk/kingscanadianoas.htmlInformation on Open Air Schoolsen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_air_schoolI believe the film maker was W. C. Trodd. There was about 60 minutes of 9.5mm footage in total that I have scanned, but most of this could not be used due to its quality. I can only hope Mr Trodd would have approved of my edit!Music:"The Life of Riley" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Obernai and Villages of the Alsace in France, C1910, 1911, F1027 a maxustaxus 2025-06-04 | A short 9.5mm film of village sights from the Alsace-Lorraine around 1911. This mainly concerns the village of Obernai, but other locations are shown. This is footage from the film "Excursions En Alsace" (1911). Pathescope released two abridge films from this footage some time before 1925 called "In Hansi's Country" (V250) and "A Trip to the Alsace" (V249). I am not entirely sure which this is, but both were notched of course and are just two different shorts drawn from the 1911 footage. Despite my title, the region was actually held by Germany at the time of filming, but formally returned to France in 1920. No credits appear in the original film. This is scanned from a 9.5mm Pathescope film reel with no opening title. Music I Use: bensound.com/free-music-for-videosArtist: Benjamin TissotLicense code: UA9DYWIMITOQIDHP
A Margate Holiday 1935, 1930s, Lido, Dreamland, Boat Trips and a Miniature Railway, F1025 c maxustaxus 2025-05-28 | Once upon a time people went to Kent for a Holiday. In the 1930s the poorest would go picking hops, the wealthiest would stop by Dover on the way to Europe...but those in the middle might go no further than Margate to holiday. Here we have 9.5mm footage from one such family. They holiday in 1935 (some of the footage may be from 1936). Visiting Dreamlands which was quite the amusement park in the centre of Margate at the time. They took day excursions on pleasure ships, and the Paddle Steamer (PS) 'Golden Eagle' and MV 'Queen of the Channel' are shown at the pier head. And they enjoy the beach, lido, and parades of the time. I guess if you were of modest income, and lived in London, Margate would have been quite the attraction for a once a year holiday!This has been scanned and edited from two reels of amateur 9,5mm film. I am afraid I do not know who the original filmmaker was so no credits appear. Music:Carefree (1 hour) Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Andamooka Frontier Opal Mining Town, Australia 1959, 1950s, F1023 maxustaxus 2025-04-25 | The town of Andamooka is situated about 600km North of Adelaide. A type of Opal was discovered there in the 1930s and the place became a small frontier town for Opal miners. Miners with claims lived in half dug shacks...some of which are preserved as historical heritage buildings today. This footage shows the town as it appear to visitors from Woomera to the South in 1959 (Cpt J. A. Seed).I am sorry that the film is fungal damaged (the big dark branch like features in frame), but this 8mm film is found as it is, and is either binned for being too poor, or shown as perhaps the earliest moving footage of this frontier town yet to appear on YT.Scanned from Std 8mm footage at 1920X1080 resolution. Music: Long Road Ahead Ambient LoopKevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sequana Bubble Bath advert from 1976, 1970s, Commercial, Ad, F1018h maxustaxus 2025-04-25 | A short advert for Sequana bubble bath, scanned from 16mm film (negative and separate sound reel). I believe this dates to 1976, but I am afraid I don't know the name of the production company/agency that created this...or its title. Indeed I can find nothing about this product...I wonder if it was a success. I also wonder why this very posh lady would use bubble bath, but that is another story.
Adelaide Christmas Parade C1960, 1960s (Jonnies) Pageant, Australia, F1020 maxustaxus 2025-04-18 | Founded by Sir Edward Hayward in 1933, the John Martin Pageant (Jonnie's Pageant) is something of a heritage event in Adelaide to this day. This was filmed on Standard 8mm footage in late 1960 by Major J. A. Seed REME who was at the time stationed at Woomera I think. This was frame by frame digitised at 2048x1536 resolution.Music Title "Hearty"Music: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videosArtist: AventureLicense code: 8IZKI1WV0MCHMCC6
Start-Rite Shoe Advert, Commercial, Ad, 1973, 1970s F1018f maxustaxus 2025-04-09 | A short simple advert for Start-Rite shoes scanned from 16mm film (negative and separate sound reel). I believe this dates to 1973, but I am afraid I don't know the name of the production company/agency that created this...or its title.
Cherry Blossom Shoe Polish advert, commercial, ad, C1985, 1980s F1018b maxustaxus 2025-04-09 | A short advert for Cherry Blossom shoe polish scanned from 16mm film (negative and separate sound reel). I believe this dates to 1985, but I am afraid I don't know the name of the production company/agency that created this...or its title.
Constitutional Holiday Camp, Hopton Sands, Near Great Yarmouth, C1963, F1019a maxustaxus 2025-04-05 | I love old holiday camp footage. Here we have amateur Std. 8mm footage of Constitutional Holiday Camp at Hopton Sands just south of Great Yarmouth in 1963. We see the "Central" shopping centre and many activities open to holiday makers. I guess the shop might not be considered the centre of much today...and the camp no longer exists in this form. But this footage shows how holiday camps of this type were a big thing before cheap flights to the Med. A very communal holiday, if not always a sunny one. No credits appear. But thanks to the person that filmed this all those years ago...remarkably on Std. 8mm film. Music: Yesterday Music: bensound.com/free-music-for-videosArtist: AventureLicense code: CXDLZQ7VSBIRHXAX
Vymura Wallpaper Noddy, Advert, Commercial, Ad 1977, 1970s F1018e maxustaxus 2025-04-05 | A short advert for Vymura Wall Paper, scanned from 16mm film (negative and separate sound reel). I believe this dates to 1977. The production agency was CDP, and the title was Noddy. Here Big Ears over reacts to a thoughtless comment, with the most pot/kettle/black statement of all time when he says he thinks Noddy dresses in a silly way. This coming from a man taken to wearing red conical hats who actually lives in a mushroom! Neither could be described as good arbiters of taste. The unmistakeable Richard Briers doing the narration. I am aware a couple of other copies of this are already on YT, but I feel this copy coming from 16mm film (probably a master negative print) has a little extra detail in places...such that it was worth posting.
Good Os Advert, Nabisco Breakfast Cereal, 1973, 1970s, Commercial Ad, F1018g maxustaxus 2025-04-02 | A short and very rare advert for Nabisco "Good O's" breakfast cereal scanned from 16mm film (negative and separate sound reel). I believe this dates to 1973, but I am afraid I don't know the name of the production company/agency that created this...or its title. This brand was discontinued in 2007.
Waddingtons House of Games, Advert, Sorry, and One Too Many, 1977, 1970s, Commercial Ad, F1018i maxustaxus 2025-04-02 | A short advert from the Waddingtons House of Games Series. This one mentions the games "Sorry" and "One Too Many". This is scanned from 16mm film (negative and separate sound reel). I believe this dates to 1977, but I am afraid I don't know the name of the production company/agency that created this...
United Dominions Trust, The Money People, (UDT) documentary C1971, 1970s, F1017 maxustaxus 2025-04-02 | United Dominions Trust (UDT) led the way in instalment finance in the UK, particularly for car sales through hire-purchase (it was taken over in 1981). Here we have a promo-documentary that covers many aspects of the business I think in the early 1970s (possibly late 1960s), and emphasising how this company does more in financial markets than just instalment finance. In fact, they almost protest too loudly as the then famous "United Dominions Trust Ltd v Kirkwood [1966] 2 QB 431" case was won on the basis that UDT could prove it was a banking business in fact, not merely an organisation that financed car loans.This film is also notable because of what it shows about the early use of IT technology I think, with more than one ANITA MKVIII calculators shown in use during some of the earlier scenes.This has been scanned from the 16mm film, which had red faded quite a bit. Credits:Produced by Jean WadlowWritten and Directed: David WheelerPhotography: Alec SheridenSound: Dudley PlummerEditor: Bernard GribbleOther credits appear at the end.
