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
Scream Quietly or the Neighbours Will Hear
Shocking and unsentimental Thames documentary recording the experiences of a group of abused wives in a landmark refuge in Chiswick.
From the collection of:
Overview
“Scream Quietly Or The Neighbours Will Hear” was a ground-breaking book by Erin Pizzey documenting the experiences of battered women. In 1971, Pizzey opened a shelter – Chiswick Women’s Aid on Belmont Terrace, now Refuge – that when this film was made by Thames in 1974 housed 18 women and 46 children. It’s powerful and moving, with women discussing horrific experiences, but also unsentimental in its depiction of life in a shelter. Directed by Michael Whyte.
Pizzey features in the film but does not dominate, with the director letting the women – of all races and classes - relate their shocking experiences. As well as chronicling ugly acts of violence and abuse, the film also shows in detail the difficult life for those in the shelter, with so many women and children, many traumatised by their experiences, living in close proximity. Many of the women are matter-of-fact about what they have been through, but one conversation with an Irish women is particularly traumatic. A fascinating and moving snapshot of social, domestic and political life in the 1970s.
Related
Watch for free
Automatic Fare Collection on London Buses Automatic Fare Collection on London Buses
Industry sponsored film 1971 2 mins Silent Location: Chiswick
A motley group of London Transport office staff line up to test the efficiency of two bus driver-operated ticket machines.
Watch for free
A Bit of Fun at the Chequered Flag A Bit of Fun at the Chequered Flag
Amateur film 1957 1 mins Silent Location: Chiswick
A mock standing start marks the beginning of an amusing classic car race that ends before it even gets going
Watch for free
1960 Wedding at Methodist Church Chiswick High Road 1960 Wedding at Methodist Church Chiswick High Road
Amateur film 1960 4 mins Silent Location: Chiswick
Glimpses of Chiswick High Road form the backdrop to the wedding guests arriving for a colourful 1960s wedding
Watch for free
Hold Tight/Hideaway Hold Tight/Hideaway
Music video 1966 5 mins Location: Chiswick
Take a very groovy road trip with Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich in this early pop promo.
Watch for free
Bathing Fashion Bathing Fashion
Non-Fiction 1922 1 mins Silent Location: Chiswick
Wonderful film of seven women parading the latest in 1920s beachwear, including a stylish hat that can be worn while diving, at Chiswick outdoor pool.
Watch for free
Chiswick's Gallant Gunner Chiswick's Gallant Gunner
Non-Fiction 1916 1 mins Silent Location: Chiswick
Three cheers for Maurice Samuels, as a Chiswick tram driver receives a medal for bravery at the Western Front at Ypres.
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.