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Jewish Britain on Film
Jewish life on screen: a century of insights and hidden histories
This collection uncovers insights, injustices and hidden histories across a century of Jewish life on British screens. It brings together documentary and first-person accounts of Jewish life in the UK, alongside historical dramas and artists’ work exploring the 20th century Jewish experience. The earliest surviving depictions of Jewish characters in British cinema offer a troubling insight into antisemitic representation, yet prejudice was later tackled head-on, with newsreels documenting the anti-fascist movement of the 1930s. Drop in on joyous family weddings and community gatherings, and see the ways in which UK Jewry supported Jews young and old, and those fleeing persecution, in a selection of fascinating films from the 1900s to the 1980s.
This collection is generously supported by the Neil Kreitman Foundation, Shoresh Charitable Trust, John S Cohen Foundation, and Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation.
Some of My Best FriendsSome of My Best Friends
Documentary196930 mins Location: Westminster
Jewish people - and a few Gentiles - muse on what it means to be Jewish in 1960s Britain
The Wicked One - What Does He Say?The Wicked One - What Does He Say?
Amateur film193411 minsSilent
A grief-stricken rabbi recollects life in his home country, only to find that tragedy has followed him to his new life
Jewish Pensioners' Controversial Pools WinJewish Pensioners' Controversial Pools Win
News19755 mins Location: Southend-on-Sea
All good pals and jolly good company! A syndicate of Jewish pensioners from Southend celebrate their big win on the football pools.
Just One KidJust One Kid
Factual TV197454 minsSilent
A Jewish Eastender recalls growing up in poverty in the 1930s and being part of a community now long gone
SimchaSimcha
Documentary200012 mins
Extremely rare insight in the role of a Hasidic woman, featuring a mother-daughter team who live in North London.
Mr. EmmanuelMr. Emmanuel
Drama194497 mins
An elderly Jewish man journeys to Nazi Germany to track down a refugee’s mother in this extraordinary drama
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The Barber of Stamford HillThe Barber of Stamford Hill
Drama196261 mins
On the eve of his 50th birthday, lonely north London barber Mr Figg entertains the possibility of marriage
Autumn in DelamereAutumn in Delamere
Amateur film196931 mins Location: Delamere
The Jewish school in the forest - a healthy approach to learning in the Cheshire countryside.
Maureen LipmanMaureen Lipman
Inside Film196810 mins
Charming interview with the 21-year-old Lipman, who had just completed her first film role, as she ponders what to do next.
The Vanishing StreetThe Vanishing Street
Documentary196220 mins
Moving record of a once-thriving East End Jewish community on the cusp of enormous change
North London Liberal Jewish GroupNorth London Liberal Jewish Group
Home movie195611 mins Location: Finchley
Rival groups from Ealing and Finchley go head to head in an entertaining and witty amateur film
The Vanishing Street (Material)The Vanishing Street (Material)
195913 minsSilent
Raw images of London E1 and the disappearing Jewish East End
By Gosh It's Hot/A Day Out at WhitbyBy Gosh It's Hot/A Day Out at Whitby
Home movie196431 minsSilent Location: Leeds
Eating, dancing in the front room, playing football in the garden, walking around Whitby, a birthday party, a wedding – just being common people, only with a Jewish twist.
100 Year Old Coach100 Year Old Coach
Non-Fiction19261 minsSilent
Crowds block the streets to catch a view of a handsome old carriage at a Jewish wedding
Weddings - Cathedral Road Synagogue, CardiffWeddings - Cathedral Road Synagogue, Cardiff
Amateur film19389 minsSilent Location: Cathays
Summer 1938 must have been an exciting time for Marie Cohen and Nettie Morris as they planned their weddings at the synagogue on 25/8 and 6/9, and receptions at the Connaught Rooms.
Marriage of Miss Rose Carmel and Mr. Solly GerschcowitMarriage of Miss Rose Carmel and Mr. Solly Gerschcowit
Non-Fiction19253 minsSilent Location: Spitalfields
Follow the happy couple from the family shop on Brick Lane to a garden party serenaded by the San Diego Dance Band
The Wedding of Thelma and Danny, 11th August 1946The Wedding of Thelma and Danny, 11th August 1946
Home movie194610 minsSilent Location: Cheetham Hill
Camera, action! A very stylish wedding is captured on film.
Marriage of Miss Rossalyn Weinbaum to Mr A. GoideMarriage of Miss Rossalyn Weinbaum to Mr A. Goide
19236 minsSilent Location: London
Guests step out in smart hats and sumptuous furs for a Jewish wedding at London’s Central Synagogue
Lynne's WeddingLynne's Wedding
Home movie19809 minsSilent Location: Leeds
Eating, dancing in the front room, playing football in the garden, walking around Whitby, a birthday party, a wedding – just being common people, only with a Jewish twist.
The Wedding of Mr Laurence Marks to Miss Lily BalonThe Wedding of Mr Laurence Marks to Miss Lily Balon
Home movie19252 minsSilent Location: Fallowfield
Rain and confetti, and big smiles all round, as the weather fails to dampen spirits at a Manchester wedding.
Richard Brookes Collection: Wedding, IlfordRichard Brookes Collection: Wedding, Ilford
Amateur film19733 minsSilent Location: Ilford
Speeches, toasts and kippahs in this Super 8 home movie of Richard and Lyn Brookes’s wedding, held at Beehive Lane Synagogue in Ilford.
Jew SüssJew Süss
Period drama1935104 mins
Conrad Veidt plays a Jewish man seeking power in the British version of Lion Feuchtwanger’s novel, later adapted by the Nazis
General PostGeneral Post
War192081 minsSilent
Wartime heroism reveals the shabbiness of antisemitic prejudice, when a small-town tailor becomes a local hero
MotherlandMotherland
War192712 minsSilent
In the surviving opening scenes of this WWI-set feature, young soldiers head to the front and face life in the trenches
Cast Us Not OutCast Us Not Out
Documentary196922 mins
Documentary insight into the work of the Jewish Welfare Board, helping some of the most vulnerable people in the community
Chief Rabbi's Emergency CouncilChief Rabbi's Emergency Council
194719 minsSilent
Poignant postwar appeal for Britain’s Jewry to support orphaned Jewish children rescued from Europe
KidstakesKidstakes
Amateur film194936 mins
Birthday parties and cake feature strongly in this compilation of childhood moments by amateur filmmaker Sid Douglas
The Robber and the JewThe Robber and the Jew
Comedy19085 minsSilent
A Jewish man with a bag of gold is targeted by roadside robbers in this early comedy short reflecting antisemitic stereotypes
A Bad Day for LevinskyA Bad Day for Levinsky
Chase film19098 minsSilent
When a Jewish man mistakenly puts a sovereign in a slot machine, he goes to extraordinary lengths to try to retrieve it
The Antique VaseThe Antique Vase
Comedy19139 minsSilent
A penniless actor sells his beloved vase to a Jewish dealer pained to part with his money in this comic short reflecting antisemitic stereotypes.
The ChallengeThe Challenge
Promotional196716 mins
Ben-Gurion visits a youth centre in Leeds in this promotional film for the Youth & Hechalutz Department of the Jewish Agency in London
Joe Kagan: Just Another Bump in the RoadJoe Kagan: Just Another Bump in the Road
Current affairs198038 mins Location: Elland
An intriguing insight into the extraordinary life of Lord Kagan, Jewish escapee from the Nazis, clothier to the Royals, and close friend of Harold Wilson and KGB spy Vaygauskas.
Impressions of DisraeliImpressions of Disraeli
193116 minsSilent
Celebrity endorsement: Stanley Baldwin introduces George Arliss playing the legendary PM
William FrankelWilliam Frankel
196720 mins
Bernard Braden interviews the editor of the Jewish Chronicle about recent controversies in the press and the future of the Middle East
The British FascistiThe British Fascisti
Non-Fiction19241 minsSilent
The British Fascist movement holds a 10,000-strong rally in Trafalgar Square the day before Remembrance Sunday
British Union of Fascists March October 3rd 1937British Union of Fascists March October 3rd 1937
193710 minsSilent
Led by Oswald Mosley, Britain’s Fascists march through south London
British Paramount News No. 251British Paramount News No. 251
19332 mins
We Protest: 80,000 descend on Hyde Park to demonstrate against Hitler’s antisemitism
The Battle of Cable StreetThe Battle of Cable Street
Home movie193611 minsSilent Location: London
The notorious Battle of Cable St kicks off this film from 1936 which also shows young Basque refugees and a Communist Summer Camp in rural Kent
Fascists Defeated at Cable StFascists Defeated at Cable St
Amateur film19361 minsSilent
Newsreel record of the 1936 crushing defeat of the British Union of Fascists in East London
British Paramount News No. 1532British Paramount News No. 1532
19451 minsSilent
Britain welcomes children liberated from the notorious Bergen-Belsen concentration camp
British Paramount News No. 588British Paramount News No. 588
Non-Fiction19362 minsSilent Location: Victoria Park
Defiance is in the air in this evocative newsreel footage of anti-fascist solidarity rallies, after the Battle of Cable Street
British Paramount News No. 807British Paramount News No. 807
Non-Fiction19382 minsSilent
Kristallnacht: the world responds
Harold Defries Bar MitzvahHarold Defries Bar Mitzvah
Amateur film19609 minsSilent 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.
Derby c.1938 - Eisner Personal FilmDerby c.1938 - Eisner Personal Film
Amateur film19384 minsSilent Location: Allestree
Charming amateur film featuring the Eisner family, who emigrated to Britain from Romania the year this film was made
Shavuot Celebration at King David Infant School, Cheetham HillShavuot Celebration at King David Infant School, Cheetham Hill
Amateur film19625 minsSilent Location: Prestwich
Manchester schoolchildren celebrating Shavuot in the summer sunshine.
The Jewish Community in UlsterThe Jewish Community in Ulster
News196622 mins Location: Belfast
Take a rare glimpse into the thoughts and lives of members of Belfast’s Jewish Community during the 1960s.
Merthyr Office Staff 1936Merthyr Office Staff 1936
Home movie19362 minsSilent Location: Merthyr Tydfil
The Shermans, Cardiff-raised sons of a Jewish tailor from eastern Europe, film in Merthyr, home of one of their betting shops, and feature local solicitor Mr B. Hamilton.
Mr. Bernhard BaronMr. Bernhard Baron
Non-Fiction19281 minsSilent Location: London
In the East End of London, crowds gather to watch Jewish millionaire Bernhard Baron unveil an important new building
Sharonah Dance and Modern Food StoreSharonah Dance and Modern Food Store
Home movie197519 minsSilent Location: Leeds
There are few more inspiring sights than seeing film of a mixed party of roisterers dancing away, unconcerned about appearances, to different music to what’s on the soundtrack.
Soup KitchenSoup Kitchen
Amateur film19344 minsSilent Location: Spitalfields
A rare glimpse inside the Soup Kitchen for the Jewish Poor in the East End during the early 1930s.
Remembrance DayRemembrance Day
Non-Fiction19357 minsSilent Location: Westminster
In inauspicious times these members of Leeds Jewish community set off for London in a joyful atmosphere, only for the mood to become more sombre as they file past the Cenotaph.
Maccabi Sports ClubMaccabi Sports Club
Amateur film19501 minsSilent Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
An amateur filmmaker records prize giving at the annual Newcastle Maccabi club sports day - a colourful fragment of local Jewish life.
Scenes at Maccabi Youth Club, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon TyneScenes at Maccabi Youth Club, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne
Amateur film19379 minsSilent Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
An evocative snapshot of Jewish life at the Maccabi club in the West End of Newcastle as the community prepares for World War Two.
Women's Annual Bazaar for Israel, Shavuot; Birthday Party; Laying the Foundation Stone of the New Gosforth and Kenton Synagogue 1954Women's Annual Bazaar for Israel, Shavuot; Birthday Party; Laying the Foundation Stone of the New Gosforth and Kenton Synagogue 1954
Amateur film19549 minsSilent Location: Kenton
A fascinating 1950s home movie compilation focuses on some of the official charitable events in Newcastle run by Jewish organisations a link with the new State of Israel.
Children's Outing to Northumberland 2Children's Outing to Northumberland 2
Amateur film19372 minsSilent Location: Northumberland
Jewish children enjoy the warm Northumbrian sunshine as the rise of Fascism in Europe threatens peacetime.
Children's Outing to Northumberland 1Children's Outing to Northumberland 1
Amateur film19372 minsSilent Location: Northumberland
Captivating amateur footage offers a snapshot of Jewish families from Tyneside enjoying precious holiday fun in the years before World War Two.
B'nai B'rith Dinner for New President, Jewish Friendship Club Visits, Coco the Clown VisitB'nai B'rith Dinner for New President, Jewish Friendship Club Visits, Coco the Clown Visit
Amateur film195316 minsSilent Location: Town Moor
Behind the greasepaint of an iconic figure in the British circus - Coco the Clown reveals his Jewish roots.
Jewish Ex-Service Men's Coronation Parade 1Jewish Ex-Service Men's Coronation Parade 1
Amateur film19374 minsSilent Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
A proud expression of Jewish identity and heroism at a Coronation parade to the Eldon Square World War One memorial in Newcastle.
Jewish Ex-Service Men's Coronation Parade 2Jewish Ex-Service Men's Coronation Parade 2
Amateur film19373 minsSilent Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Jewish ex-service men make a stand against fascism in a moving display of pride and patriotism in the 1930s.
Ed Cohen at Oval NetsEd Cohen at Oval Nets
Amateur film19393 minsSilent
A dream comes true for this schoolboy as he practices in the nets at the Oval, captured in wonderful Kodachrome
Chief Rabbi Visits BirminghamChief Rabbi Visits Birmingham
News19671 minsSilent Location: Moseley
A big day for pupils at King David School in Birmingham when the Chief Rabbi pays a visits.
Refugee Today and TomorrowRefugee Today and Tomorrow
Documentary193817 mins
A fierce denunciation of anti-Semitic policies in Nazi Germany seen in the context of the global refugee crisis of 1938.
Talmud Torah and Home for Aged JewsTalmud Torah and Home for Aged Jews
School programme and Educational film193623 minsSilent Location: Leeds
An admonishment to keep to Orthodox ways, or a young Jew poking fun at this; whichever way this film is viewed, it gives a fascinating insight into Leeds Jewish community c.1936.
The Friendship Club River Tyne Boat TripThe Friendship Club River Tyne Boat Trip
Amateur film19561 minsSilent Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
All aboard a Tyne ferry, the Friendship Club of Newcastle take a pleasure trip down river in glorious summer sunshine.
Cinema BallCinema Ball
Non-Fiction19365 minsSilent Location: Leeds
A real treasure for aficionados of 1930s cinema, who can try to guess the characters in the film fancy dress competition, with future Police Commissioner Gordon among the judges.
Opening Maccabi House in No. 9 Windsor Crescent, Newcastle upon Tyne, by the Rt. Hon. Lord Nathan of ChurtOpening Maccabi House in No. 9 Windsor Crescent, Newcastle upon Tyne, by the Rt. Hon. Lord Nathan of Churt
Amateur film195115 minsSilent Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
A big welcome for former Labour politician Lord Nathan at a smart new post-war Maccabi club in Newcastle.
The Big Board at NewquayThe Big Board at Newquay
Home movie192910 minsSilent Location: Cornwall
This historic masterpiece, from Lewis Rosenberg, records one of the earliest Cornish surfing holidays ever captured on film
Surfing ScenesSurfing Scenes
Home movie192914 minsSilent
Lewis Rosenberg and his mates try out the beaches of Cornwall and the Channel Islands in this remarkable record of British surfing in the 1930s
CornwallCornwall
Home movie193010 minsSilent Location: Cornwall
1930s Newquay is the setting for Lewis Rosenberg's film - with horse riding, tennis, girlfriends, much tickling and glorious Cornish beaches
Camping in Guernsey 1932Camping in Guernsey 1932
Home movie193216 minsSilent Location: Guernsey
A group of Jewish friends set sail for Guernsey - where they enjoy the cameraderie of outdoor camping, aerial sight-seeing and great surfing
Beach ScenesBeach Scenes
Home movie193011 minsSilent
Lewis Rosenberg and his friends enjoy a camping holiday near Newquay in the 1930s - with dancing, kissing, physical jerks and surfing
The Big House and CampThe Big House and Camp
Home movie19309 minsSilent
Jewish Communists gather for lectures, games and youthful frivolity at a Summer Camp in Swanage as captured in Lewis Rosenberg's unique film
Holiday in Catalonia and Beach ScenesHoliday in Catalonia and Beach Scenes
Home movie195012 minsSilent Location: Cornwall
Catalonia is one of the destinations in Lewis Rosenberg's original home-movie which features beaches, bullfights and Barcelona
DinardDinard
Home movie193013 minsSilent Location: Guernsey
Join Lewis Rosenberg and his mates on a short trip to Dinard and Mont St Michel in this film made during the last years of peace in Europe
Guernsey Again - Trying Our Hand at FarmingGuernsey Again - Trying Our Hand at Farming
Home movie193017 minsSilent Location: Guernsey
Join Lewis Rosenberg and his friends on holiday in Guernsey where they milk cows, feed chickens, lark about on the beach and attempt to surf
Friendship Club Outing; Joel Intract Memorial Home of Rest for Aged Jews, Sunderland; Jesmond DeneFriendship Club Outing; Joel Intract Memorial Home of Rest for Aged Jews, Sunderland; Jesmond Dene
Amateur film19559 minsSilent Location: Sunderland
Cat eye sunglasses and best frocks are on display at a gloriously casual picnic with the Newcastle Friendship Club on the banks of the River Tyne.
Religion and the PeopleReligion and the People
Documentary194014 mins
The social work carried out by churches of all faiths in Britain, including a section on East End Jewish life
Tea LeafTea Leaf
Documentary19888 mins
An intimate account of frustration and disarray in 1980s Britain from the point of view of a young woman.
Seder 1963Seder 1963
Home movie19633 minsSilent Location: Higher Broughton
Family and friends begin their Passover celebrations in Greater Manchester.
More from Jewish Britain on Film in our Rentals collection.