This film is part of Free
Governor's Notebook
Rare images of Northern Ireland before the Troubles.
Overview
Pre-Troubles Northern Ireland is seen from an Establishment viewpoint - literally - in this amateur film by the province's then Governor, Lord Wakehurst. Re-packaged for BBC broadcast with his Etonian voiceover, in hindsight it feels partial and desperately complacent. Few of its original TV viewers could have suspected that the sleepy backwater Lord Wakehurst evokes would be facing near civil war a decade and a half later.
Some of the original films shot by Lord Wakehurst and edited by the BBC are also available on BFI Player.
Related
Ulster Story Ulster Story
Travelogue 1947 16 mins Location: Bangor
Part of a travelogue series, this films visits to Derry, the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, Mount Stewart and Belfast
Gallons of Goodness Gallons of Goodness
Advert 1958 5 mins Location: Armagh
The scientific production of CWS Wheatsheaf Brand tinned milk products, partly shot at Tullygoonigan Creamery.
Catering For People Catering For People
Travelogue 1965 20 mins Location: Aldergrove
Hungry to find out more about Northern Ireland’s hospitality trade? From barman to chambermaid, porter to waitress, see what it's really like to cater for people.
Through Ulster 5 Through Ulster 5
Travelogue 1957 17 mins Silent Location: Belfast
Journey through Ulster's popular tourist destinations in the company of American visitors, Olive and Dave Eggers.
The Pub with no beer The Pub with no beer
News 1980 5 mins Location: Armagh
How can opening a pub help you resist the temptation of a drink? Meet the Armagh Pioneers to find your answer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.