This film is part of Free

Kew and Me
A peek behind the scenes at Kew Gardens in the 1940s, courtesy of the ever-eccentric Secrets of Life series
Overview
This peek behind the scenes at Kew Gardens in the 1940s was part of the ever-eccentric Secrets of Life series. Arcadian images of tranquil greenery, attended to by a discreet army of gardeners, make it hard to believe WWII was raging in the background. We're also treated to a spot of the series’ trademark time-lapse nature photography and charming narration - one plant described as "rather like an Italian having an argument with his hands".
Related

Kew Gardens During the War Kew Gardens During the War
Amateur film 1941 5 mins Silent Location: Kew
Rare wartime colour film shows Kew Gardens in full bloom while visitors of all ages stroll past or relax on the sunlit lawns.

The Torrens family visits Windsor, Kew and London The Torrens family visits Windsor, Kew and London
Amateur film 1955 8 mins Silent Location: Richmond
Join the Torrens family as they cram in as many sights as possible in their short trip to London - taking in Windsor Castle, Kew Gardens, the Tower of London and polar bears

St Faith's go to Kew for tea St Faith's go to Kew for tea
Amateur film 1936 20 mins Silent Location: Brentford
Enjoy a nostalgic trip down river with members of the St Faith community - with tea at Kew, feeding penguins at London Zoo and lots of chatter - all in sign language!

Surrey Symphony Surrey Symphony
Amateur film 1949 11 mins Location: Kew
A picturesque look at the attractions in Surrey, including Kew Gardens, Wimbledon and Guildford

The Palm House at Kew The Palm House at Kew
Documentary 1957 22 mins Location: Kew
Absorbing official film by the Ministry of Works showing the careful restoration of the corroded 1848 Palm House in Kew Gardens in 1956.

Spliffs, Joints and Pot Spliffs, Joints and Pot
1965 31 mins Location: London
A beat musician shoots up on camera in this straight-talking 1965 film about recreational drug use.

If I Make It To The Morning If I Make It To The Morning
Drama 2024 9 mins
A Chinese teenager dreams of living with her cool aunt in New York, until tensions boil over during a crab dinner.

We’ll Go Down in History We’ll Go Down in History
Documentary 2025 25 mins
Two years in the life of TRUK United FC, a beacon for positive change and trans inclusivity in football.

Wrong Bathroom Wrong Bathroom
Drama 2024 9 mins
A trans high-schooler is tempted by toxic masculinity in the boys’ bathroom.

Dragfox Dragfox
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2024 8 mins
A child struggling with their identity and a charismatic fox (voiced by Sir Ian McKellen) learn to embrace their differences in this heart warming stop-motion animation.

Wait, Wait, Now! Wait, Wait, Now!
Drama 2024 13 mins
A Maori and a Kiwi teen buddy up to raid their mum’s wardrobe and pucker their lips with red.

NGGAK!!! NGGAK!!!
Drama 2024 8 mins
‘I pronounce you wife and wife.’ A young couple design their perfect wedding online, but then mum dials in.