London’s Screen Archives enables Londoners see their past come alive on film. Managed by Film London, we are a unique network of historic film collections that cares for, collects and screens heritage film across the city. Together we preserve London’s rich film heritage from feature films to home movies, public information films, newsreels, and records of the capital’s many different industries.
This film is part of Free
Davis Family Films: Canvey – 20th Wedding Anniversary, Central London and Canvey Island (1963)
A lovely shot of Berwick Street market in Soho is among the highlights of this sweet family film, which also captures a 20th anniversary holiday in Canvey Island.
From the collection of:
Overview
Filmed by the Davis family – and found in their old family home after they moved – this home movie starts with footage from an athletics stadium and a very impressive 100m sprint to camera. Next comes film from the balcony of a London estate, followed by great shots of central London, including a teeming Berwick Street market. The film concludes with holiday footage from Canvey.
A label on the film case said this film captured a 20th anniversary, and the Davis adults are seen clinking glasses – presumably in celebration of this occasion – from the fold-out table inside their holiday caravan in Canvey. The Canvey footage also includes an impressive lollipop, two muddy boys, a funfair and local houses and churches. The London footage is also great, particularly the characterful shot of a Soho street market. Bruce Castle Museum
Related
Watch for free
Discover Your City: Soho Discover Your City: Soho
1962 12 mins Location: Soho
A children’s guide to bustling Soho, with a glimpse of its music industry, architecture and thriving restaurant scene.
Watch for free
Year of the Ox Year of the Ox
Documentary 1997 6 mins Location: Soho
Impressions of London's Chinatown during the Chinese new year celebrations for the Year of the Ox.
Watch for free
Cabaret Girl Cabaret Girl
Documentary 1956 26 mins Silent Location: Soho
This ultra-kitsch documentary goes behind the scenes at Murray's Cabaret Club, where Christine Keeler was later a showgirl.
Watch for free
21st Century Nuns 21st Century Nuns
Documentary 1994 10 mins Location: Soho
Derek Jarman features in this touching documentary about the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
Watch for free
Superette Story Superette Story
Promotional 1962 5 mins Silent Location: Soho
The sales practices employed at the LPE Superette run by John Beasley at Berwick Street market.
Watch for free
Burlesque Queen Burlesque Queen
Documentary 1961 6 mins Silent Location: Soho
Tassel-spinning showgirl Tina stars in this rare 60s British burlesque stage show reel.
Watch for free
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Watch for free
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Watch for free
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Watch for free
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.
Watch for free
China O'Brien: The Reunion China O'Brien: The Reunion
Documentary 2024 60 mins
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.
Watch for free
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.