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WTF - A Box of Odd
What’s that Film?! If you’ve a taste for the curious or the kitsch, the bewildering or the bizarre, then look no further. Our selection of rare archive treats will satisfy the most adventurous palate.
Among these eye-opening educational films, odd adverts and early outings of the soon-to-be famous, you’ll find examples of what might well be the cult films of tomorrow – most of them hidden from view for decades. Also in our eclectic and perplexing selection, bonkers 1920s lifestyle tips, mind-bending medical films and out-there animation rub shoulders with madcap musical numbers, amateur experimenta and off-the-wall artists’ work, while the animal kingdom is celebrated in some of the most eccentric nature documentaries you’ve never seen. Throw in a notorious celebrity chef and her shocking seafood platter and you’ve got a recipe for viewing bliss!
Hints and Hobbies No.11Hints and Hobbies No.11
Cinemagazine192614 minsSilent
Jiu-jitsu for ladies, how to get ink off a white apron and other life essentials courtesy of the 'Hints and Hobbies' team.
LobstersLobsters
Documentary193615 mins
Follow the life cycle of the king of crustaceans in this quirky documentary by Bauhaus artist László Moholy-Nagy.
Audrey Hepburn TestAudrey Hepburn Test
19526 minsSilent
The future Holly Golightly exudes a certain grace even for a modest screen test, in the earliest known colour footage of the timeless star.
Facts and FanciesFacts and Fancies
Documentary195124 mins
Joan Collins gets to grips with the by-products of coal in her first screen appearance
Cabtrack The Direct Auto-control Personal Taxi ServiceCabtrack The Direct Auto-control Personal Taxi Service
Government sponsored film197216 mins Location: London
Could computer-controlled taxis solve the traffic crisis? Maybe not, but this film's a must for technology buffs (and fans of early electronic music).
Is This Your Life?Is This Your Life?
Amateur film19579 minsSilent
An unusual and visually sophisticated commentary on the routine drabness and drudgery of everyday suburban existence.
Screen TestsScreen Tests
Amateur film193012 minsSilent
There's a hint of the Radclyffe Halls in this peculiar film of actors emoting like crazy, before it's off to Boscombe for some beserk beach antics and a gathering in the country.
The Rollicking RajahThe Rollicking Rajah
Variety show19143 minsSilent
Early Vivaphone film capturing a jolly music hall routine about a maharajah's visit to London, made to be screened with a synchronised sound disc.
Servants SupercededServants Superceded
Comedy19117 minsSilent
Two gifted servants perform magical feats for their employer with the aid of some impressive cinematic trick effects.
Automatic MotoristAutomatic Motorist
Comedy19116 minsSilent
A leisurely drive turns into an out-of-this-world adventure for a newlywed couple and their robot chauffeur.
Lizars, EdinburghLizars, Edinburgh
Comedy19042 minsSilent Location: Edinburgh
Mitchell and Kenyon capture comedian Tom E. Murray at Lizars Theatre in Edinburgh on 12 December 1904.
Kashgar: 11Kashgar: 11
Amateur film19288 minsSilent Location: Kashgar
Actors in elaborate makeup and traditional costume - and a trained goat - perform for the camera in this rare glimpse of China’s westernmost city.
The Road to HellThe Road to Hell
Amateur film193333 minsSilent
Melodramatic amateur fiction film protesting against the government's hated Means Test.
"Spot the Stars""Spot the Stars"
Advert19301 mins
Ardent film fans could win a thousand pounds in this Daily Mail competition by naming screen actors in current releases.
Everything but Everything in Bri-nylonEverything but Everything in Bri-nylon
Industry sponsored film195920 mins
50s fashion meets carpet kitsch in a futuristic fantasy of domestic bliss - courtesy of versatile, magical Bri-Nylon.
See-saw CyclingSee-saw Cycling
Non-Fiction19281 minsSilent Location: Mitcham
Thrills and spills on two wheels at a charity motorcycling gymkhana in Mitcham, Surrey.
A Film about PooA Film about Poo
Animation & Artists Moving Image20092 mins
This is a film about poo, and the things that you should and shouldn't do.
Once We Were FourOnce We Were Four
Documentary19429 mins
Innocent bunnies face an onslaught of badgers, bombs and birds of prey in this black comedy masquerading as a nature film.
Tame Animals at WorkTame Animals at Work
Interest film19096 minsSilent Location: Ampthill Park Ho
Ostrich-riding and other outrageous animal antics at a private zoo in Ampthill, Bedfordshire.
As Dreams Are Made Of...As Dreams Are Made Of...
Fantasy196513 mins
Sophisticated, smart and surreal, this Courtaulds’ fashion show ventures well beyond the confines of the catwalk.
Happy in the Morning: A Film FantasyHappy in the Morning: A Film Fantasy
Advert193812 minsSilent
Musical performers Henry Hall and his Orchestra hog the limelight in this promotional film, ostensibly for Ascot gas water heaters.
Peter and the Moon ManPeter and the Moon Man
Children's192914 minsSilent
The man in the moon learns about hygiene in this 1929 public information short promoting the benefits of all-electric mod cons.
Cheese MitesCheese Mites
Comedy19032 minsSilent
What’s in your cheese? The microscopic mites here are unpleasant today but caused a sensation in 1903, in one of the Britain’s earliest exhibited scientific films.
Hints and Hobbies No.10Hints and Hobbies No.10
Interest film192614 minsSilent
Fashion tips for skinflint flappers and other invaluable stratagems, brought to you by 1920s cinemagazine Hints and Hobbies.
Hints and Hobbies No. 8Hints and Hobbies No. 8
Interest film192616 minsSilent
A grisly recipe for herring, teaching dogs to fight crime and other eccentric tips for modern living.
Hints and Hobbies No. 2Hints and Hobbies No. 2
Interest film192616 minsSilent
Tips for the lady motorist and how to repair galoshes with a piece of old tyre - the Hints and Hobbies team are back!
Hints and Hobbies No. 7Hints and Hobbies No. 7
Cinemagazine192614 minsSilent
How to prevent a dirty neck and amuse your guests with sugar-lumps; it can only be an instalment of the wonderful Hints and Hobbies series.
Hints and Hobbies No.12Hints and Hobbies No.12
Magazine and Review show192612 minsSilent
Who needs an iron when you have a jam jar to hand? The Hints and Hobbies team return for the last surviving edition of the weekly cinemagazine.
Hints and Hobbies No. 3Hints and Hobbies No. 3
Interest film19265 minsSilent
Electrocution beckons courtesy of the Hints and Hobbies team, here to advise how to construct an efficient wireless set for just 1/10d.
Pram-olympicsPram-olympics
Amateur film19764 minsSilent
From the decade that style forgot - it's the 1976 Portsmouth and Southsea Pram-Olympics!
Hints and Hobbies No. 1Hints and Hobbies No. 1
Interest film192615 minsSilent
Welcome to the strange and wonderful world of 1920s 'how-to' compendium Hints and Hobbies.
Manufacture of Stilton CheeseManufacture of Stilton Cheese
Non-Fiction19202 minsSilent
Ever wondered how your Christmas Stilton is made? All is revealed in this delectable short produced by pioneer Charles Urban.
The Unclean WorldThe Unclean World
Comedy19032 minsSilent
What's that crawling around in the cheese? Surprises abound in this spoof nature film.
Little Red Riding Hood Up-to-dateLittle Red Riding Hood Up-to-date
Advert19452 mins
Don't trust cross-dressing canines with your dirty linen says this 1945 soap powder advert.
Helping Jessie in the gardenHelping Jessie in the garden
Amateur film19686 minsSilent
Two Teddy Bears look on happily, as before their glassy eyes a normal suburban family falls victim to some very abnormal goings on in their back garden.
What We Want Is Watney'sWhat We Want Is Watney's
Advert19591 mins
A young Michael Caine bursts on to the scene as a cheeky soldier in this delightful advert for Watney's beer.
SmogSmog
Government sponsored film195610 minsSilent Location: Lambeth Br
With Cold-War style chemical kits at the ready, valiant volunteers sample a deadly London 'peasouper' in this fascinating 1950s research film.
Jocelyn in WonderlandJocelyn in Wonderland
Amateur film196113 minsSilent
Tired little Jocelyn, in her National Health specs, falls asleep in the garden and wakes up in Wonderland in this amateur re-telling of Lewis Carroll's classic.
Mrs Newlywed's First DinnerMrs Newlywed's First Dinner
Amateur film19498 minsSilent
There are culinary catastrophes galore when Mrs Newlywed attempts to cook the couple's first meal in their austerity kitchen.
Hiker's HauntHiker's Haunt
Amateur film195017 minsSilent Location: Knole Park
Disrespectful townie hikers get what's coming to them when the woodland spirits of Knole Park take their revenge.
A Dog's life by BonzoA Dog's life by Bonzo
Amateur film195512 minsSilent
Pity poor Bonzo. Bought by a couple who quickly tire of his doggie antics, he's now the object of murderous intentions. But can Bonzo redeem himself in time to save his skin?
4 and 20 Fit Girls4 and 20 Fit Girls
194011 minsSilent
Flock to your local keep fit class - there's a war on and Britain needs its citizens in tip-top shape.
George on a Cycling Tour through SussexGeorge on a Cycling Tour through Sussex
Amateur film196114 minsSilent
A surrealistic animation featuring cut-out characters on a beserk bicycle ride through Sussex towards a final destination in the Brighton Dome.
An Englishman's Home..........An Englishman's Home..........
Advert19462 mins
A wonderfully tongue-in-cheek vision of domestic bliss courtesy of a certain bedtime malted milk drink.
The Man and His BottleThe Man and His Bottle
Trick film19085 minsSilent
The demon drink has dreadful consequences in this fantastical early trick film.
So Clever Are German SpiesSo Clever Are German Spies
Non-Fiction19151 minsSilent
A slightly baffling example of cinema playing its part in the anti-German propaganda machine during WWI.
Britain Can Make It No. 12Britain Can Make It No. 12
Government sponsored film194610 mins Location: South Kensington
Innovative British design meets stylish practicality in a crowd-pleasing exhibition of postwar goods at London's Victoria & Albert Museum.
Sam Goes ShoppingSam Goes Shopping
Advert19396 mins
Stanley Holloway recounts the exploits of Sam Small, whose wife sends him shopping for... what was it again?
Time-lapse Photography of Nail GrowthTime-lapse Photography of Nail Growth
Documentary19602 minsSilent
Medical film or lost avant-garde body horror classic? You decide!
Artificial Hip Joint using the McKee Farrar ProsthesisArtificial Hip Joint using the McKee Farrar Prosthesis
School programme and Educational film196614 minsSilent Location: Norwich
Can't stand the sight of blood? - then DON'T watch this! This amazing film is of one the first ever successful hip replacements pioneered by consultants McKee and Farrar
The Organ of a Thousand MoodsThe Organ of a Thousand Moods
Performance19515 mins Location: Minnis Bay
Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails in the company of organ maestro Nick Olson, tickling the ivories at Uncle Tom's Cabin, Minnis Bay, Birchington.
RescueRescue
Amateur film19687 mins
After a short but flammable existence, Victor, a matchbox from Sweden, reflects on life's vicissitudes as he awaits his fate in the gutter.
Darling, Do You Love Me?Darling, Do You Love Me?
Comedy19684 mins
In a hugely entertaining parody of her media persona, Germaine Greer stars as a terrifyingly amorous woman who pursues a man relentlessly.
The Beast of Bodmin MoorThe Beast of Bodmin Moor
Current affairs19832 mins Location: Bodmin
A farmer tells all about some wild goings-on
Club SpiritClub Spirit
Animation & Artists Moving Image19649 mins Location: Halifax
The dangers of drinking take on a surreal turn as one of the pink elephants seen by our inebriated hero materializes and thwarts all attempts to get rid of her, even a safari hunter.
Aberaman AnticsAberaman Antics
Home movie19394 minsSilent Location: Aberaman
Aberaman Original Silver Band in action, and a group of men play-acting for the camera with false beard, bird cage and washing dolly!
At the Midnight, In the SilenceAt the Midnight, In the Silence
Drama19665 minsSilent Location: Birmingham
Conjuring up demons in Birmingham.
ShadowmanShadowman
Amateur film19948 mins Location: Harlesden
A female protagonist falls prey to the ‘Shadowman’, who stalks his victim before attack. Uses stop-motion animation as well as live action.
Blodwen - one of the last of the fewBlodwen - one of the last of the few
Amateur film195815 minsSilent
Recorded for posterity: the partnership between Mr Herbert Bellis and Blodwen the Beautiful, one of the last steam rollers in operation.
Frank Liptrot Who Talks To The AnimalsFrank Liptrot Who Talks To The Animals
News19774 mins Location: Letchworth Garden City
Frank Liptrot, gentle and unassuming, has a penchant for imitating the sounds of a range of domestic pets and farm animals.
Perpetuum MobilePerpetuum Mobile
Amateur film19747 mins Location: Colchester
Human puppets act out a tale of love, jealousy and obsession in this short experimental film by Colchester Cine Club, 1974.
Hand in GloveHand in Glove
Amateur film197612 mins
To carry on his important work the ego-maniacal scientist Dr Kelly must obtain another hand … a hand which begins to take on a life of its own.
The Fifth MinuteThe Fifth Minute
Amateur film19769 mins
Nightmarish visions become a reality in this imaginative production that mixes live action, animation, and special effects.
Feline ReincarnateFeline Reincarnate
Amateur film197611 mins
Driven to distraction a young man murders another, however the dead victim’s feline reincarnation wants revenge!
CureCure
Amateur film197724 mins
Extra-terrestrial plantlife is discovered in the Welsh countryside causing mischief for scientist Dr Felix Ackerman, filmed in 1977.
Going to Meet BeckyGoing to Meet Becky
Amateur film198019 mins
A summertime reunion with an old flame turns into uncanny happenings for Dear Jonathon. Episode five of eight from the 'Other Realms' series.
Transcending Mirror BoundariesTranscending Mirror Boundaries
Amateur film19818 mins
An uncanny tale of doppelganger supplantment partners an atmospheric soundtrack of ambient music by Brian Eno. 'Other Realms' Episode 6.
Man on Platform OneMan on Platform One
Amateur film19835 mins
An 'Other Realms' production created and written by Jon Coley in 1983 inspired by 1960s cult TV series' 'The Outer Limits' and 'The Invaders'.
Stunt SequencesStunt Sequences
Action and Adventure197715 minsSilent
Inspired by Patrick McGoohan’s ‘Danger Man’, 18 year old Jon Coley creates a showreel of cleverly choreographed stuntman action, 1974-1978.
Jorvik SagaJorvik Saga
Amateur film10 mins Location: North Yorkshire
Ever wondered what the Vikings would make of modern York?
Army and the Cornish PastiesArmy and the Cornish Pasties
News19775 mins Location: Belfast
When did you last see camouflage, candelabra and Cornish pasties round one table?
Woolco Toilet Roll RaceWoolco Toilet Roll Race
News19783 mins Location: Newtownards
Shoppers clear the aisles, as Ulster Television’s toilet roll racers get ready for action.
Dial A PrayerDial A Prayer
News19641 minsSilent Location: Belfast
Join the dial-a craze and receive spiritual comfort from the comfort of your own home.
Drinking MontageDrinking Montage
News19741 minsSilent Location: Belfast
Are you ready for your close-up? It’s down the hatch as pints are pulled, glugged, and delicately sipped for an unknown news story.
StigmataStigmata
Animation & Artists Moving Image197022 mins
A man loses everything he has day-dreaming his way through life
Seventh AngelSeventh Angel
Amateur film196210 mins Location: Belfast
It was a day like any other for Percy Faith until he hears a voice he’ll never forget.
It's RidiculousIt's Ridiculous
News19771 mins Location: Belfast
It’s 1977 in Northern Ireland; find out what people in the street are shouting about? It might not be what you expect.
Close-ups of the StarsClose-ups of the Stars
Advert19466 mins
A triple bill of glamour courtesy of Lux toilet soap.
PastfindersPastfinders
School programme and Educational film197428 mins
An engaging blend of sci-fi, education and unintentional humour aids this anti-smoking diatribe aimed at 1970s teenagers.
Eve and Everybody's Film Review 362Eve and Everybody's Film Review 362
Animation & Artists Moving Image192815 minsSilent
From fashion and slimming tips to a jazz age night out in London - just some of the diverting items in this cinemagazine
The PeachesThe Peaches
Animation & Artists Moving Image196416 mins
Meet a very beautiful, very clever girl who adores peaches in Michael Gill's BFI-funded fantasy short.
A Party Dish by X. Marcel BoulestinA Party Dish by X. Marcel Boulestin
19369 minsSilent
Guests to impress? Celebrity chef Marcel Boulestin out a quick veal escalope with the aid of a shiny new gas cooker.
Hot Water and VegetabuelHot Water and Vegetabuel
Comedy19289 mins
"Don't be cruel to a vegetabuel": delightful pair of music hall numbers from the eccentric writer of Jollity Farm.
JailbirdJailbird
Drama197111 mins Location: Chelsea
After breaking out of jail, a young woman struggles to hold down a job and eventually becomes a very unlikely nun.
Livin' EasyLivin' Easy
Government sponsored film197020 mins
Dick Emery and dance troupe The Young Generation invite you to "simply pay through Giro" in this musical money promo.
Project the Right ImageProject the Right Image
Training film/TV programme197514 mins
A wannabe trendy vicar has difficulty entering the audio-visual age thanks to a hapless projectionist
HangmanHangman
Documentary198517 mins
Health and safety gone mad: stuntmen have a blast in this grisly warning to building site workers
Five Guineas a WeekFive Guineas a Week
Musical195633 mins
1950s song and dance revue set in a colourful world of boarding houses and coffee bars
Corfam - DanceCorfam - Dance
Advert19691 minsSilent
If this groovy 60s advert is to be believed, all the cool young things will be wearing Corfam shoes this season…
Using the TelephoneUsing the Telephone
197018 mins
A young David Jason tries and fails to master sales calls in this highly enjoyable 1970s corporate film
Dreams of ToylandDreams of Toyland
Animation & Artists Moving Image19087 minsSilent
Decades before Toy Story, a young boy’s toys come to life through animation
Alan Klein and Julie Samuel - Come OutsideAlan Klein and Julie Samuel - Come Outside
Music video19623 mins
1960s songster Alan Klein invites Julie Samuel to ‘Come Outside’ - but she’d rather do the twist - in this pop promo
Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band - Creole JazzAcker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band - Creole Jazz
Music video19613 mins
It’s trad, Dad! Mr Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band stomp up a storm of Creole Jazz in this early 60s promo film
Cabaret GirlCabaret Girl
Documentary195626 minsSilent Location: Soho
This ultra-kitsch documentary goes behind the scenes at Murray's Cabaret Club, where Christine Keeler was later a showgirl.
Co-op 3-D FilmCo-op 3-D Film
Advert19521 mins Location: Doncaster
This strange early 1950s stereoscopic 3-D film is a colourful document of the Co-operative Wholesale Society in Doncaster
Boogie Rag Roll - Thunderclap JonesBoogie Rag Roll - Thunderclap Jones
Animation & Artists Moving Image19636 mins
Frantic Welsh boogie-woogie maestro Thunderclap Jones pounds the piano in this fast and furious pop promo
Is This a Record?Is This a Record?
Animation & Artists Moving Image197322 mins
Pythons join Frank Muir, Connie Booth and Willie Rushton celebrating the Guinness Book of Records.
Something Completely DifferentSomething Completely Different
19744 minsSilent Location: Doune
Join John Cleese and the cast of Monty Python and the Holy Grail on location in Scotland
Movements of Stomach after Bismuth MealMovements of Stomach after Bismuth Meal
19140 mins
An early medical imaging film
ZwischenZwischen
Drama19707 mins Location: Derry / Londonderry
Between us is truth, let there be truth between us
NebelungNebelung
Drama197810 mins Location: Derry / Londonderry
A Derry classroom becomes an unlikely setting for this uncanny experimental film by Terence McDonald and Gerry Wills
No. 26No. 26
Animation & Artists Moving Image19863 minsSilent Location: Belfast
Take a few minutes to meditate on this mesmerising Super 8 experiment straight from the artist’s studio
Hints and Tips No. 1Hints and Tips No. 1
Documentary194517 minsSilent
Thrifty housewives rejoice! These how-tos, ranging from the handy to the slightly mad, will steer you right
Hints and Tips No. 2Hints and Tips No. 2
194516 minsSilent
Handy hacks for 1940s domestic goddesses, including outlandish tips for keeping flowers fresh and treats for 'Mr. Puss'
Hints and Tips No. 3Hints and Tips No. 3
194518 minsSilent
No money? No problem! Fancy handbags and luxurious baths lie at the 1940s housewife's fingertips
Hints and Tips No. 4Hints and Tips No. 4
Instructional film/TV programme194516 minsSilent
A lampshade fit for a drag queen and frugal food in an age before Delia Smith. Who says austerity can't be fun?
Hints and Tips No. 5Hints and Tips No. 5
Documentary194516 minsSilent
You don't have to be rich to be a glamour-puss, as this 1940s advice for housewives proves
Cutting for StyleCutting for Style
Training film/TV programme195423 minsSilent
A delightfully eccentric hairdressing tutorial for the stylists of 1950s Britain
A Chinese Baby ShowA Chinese Baby Show
Non-Fiction19180 minsSilent
Chinese children toddle to traditional music in this intriguing Gaumont newsreel.
Bothered by a BeardBothered by a Beard
Documentary194635 mins
Reached peak beard? Embrace life as a clean-shaven chap with this comic history of shaving.
Strange VisitantsStrange Visitants
Non-Fiction19271 minsSilent Location: Nottingham
Drunken firemen and Martians invade the centre of Nottingham for the annual student rag, leading to mass flour fight
An Old Shoe for LuckAn Old Shoe for Luck
Advert192310 minsSilent
The 'little Lux shepherdess' helps reunite two quarrelling lovers in this fun early advert.
More WTF films in our Rentals collection.