Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Film Archive is a free public access resource for teachers, students, historians and anyone who has an interest in moving images. Spanning from 1897 to the present day, the films in the Digital Film Archive cover all aspects of life in Northern Ireland and includes everything from dramas to documentaries, newsreels and features, animation to amateur footage.
This film is part of Free
Davy Jones
World's smallest man takes new car for test drive
From the collection of:
Overview
Standing just two foot, two inches tall, Davy Jones was at one time the world's smallest man. Here he explains how his Jaguar car has been modified to meet his particular requirements. Davy also gives an insight into his showbiz life, recalling how he once bested 'The Gorgeous Gael', the six foot, three inches tall actor, Jack Doyle.
This material is courtesy of the UTV archive. The specially made Jaguar is now part of the collection of the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum. Jack Doyle, the subject of Davy's anecdote, led an eventful life. He appeared in a number of films, starring in McGluskey the Sea Rover (1934) and Navy Spy (1937). Aside from his career in Holywood, he also fought as a professional boxer and was a celebrated tenor singer - signed by Decca Records, he performed at venues including the London Palladium. His private life was no less colourful. Doyle was famously involved with the actress Movita Castaneda - Marlon Brando's future wife.
Related
Watch for free
Landmarks of Lisburn Landmarks of Lisburn
News 1960 6 mins Silent Location: Lisburn
Take a tour through the Lisburn of yesteryear
Watch for free
The Sash My Father Wore The Sash My Father Wore
Documentary 1971 6 mins Location: Lisburn
Is mythology stronger than history? Listen to children’s takes on why they commemorate the Battle of the Boyne.
Watch for free
The Swansong of Steam The Swansong of Steam
Amateur film 1970 17 mins Silent Location: Ardee
Steam locomotives await their fate as a new era dawns. Witness final working year of steam and the burgeoning nostalgic tours of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland.
Watch for free
The Last Horse-Drawn Tram in Ireland The Last Horse-Drawn Tram in Ireland
Amateur film 1954 22 mins Silent Location: Mullan
Travel through the ages and experience the last horse drawn tram in Ireland. As steam and horses give way to diesel and electric witness N. Ireland whilst they still share the road.
Watch for free
Full Steam Ahead to Dublin Full Steam Ahead to Dublin
Amateur film 1966 11 mins Silent Location: Belfast
Take a stroll through a forgotten Belfast on your way to catch the steam train to Dublin. Experience the city centre before it is reshaped by violence and regeneration.
Watch for free
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
Watch for free
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Watch for free
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Watch for free
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.
Watch for free
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
Watch for free
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.