1949 Home Events - London

Swans, boats and bridges are celebrated by lyrical commentary and fine images in this delightful tour of the Thames from “trivial” beginnings to torrential end.

A mermaid, a fat man in a barrel and water-bound jockeys all appear in this brilliant short showing Londoners taking part in the Molesey Regatta.

A ceremonial swan census takes place on the river Thames.

A nostalgic pre-war voyage down the mighty Thames, shot by Technicolor maestro Jack Cardiff.

Don your straw boater and join Victorians at play as you potter down the river at Henley-on-Thames

A rare glimpse of 1930s London in colour: the Thames has never looked lovelier.

Journalists congregate outside the Japanese embassy in London following the announcement of the death of the Emperor Meiji.

Geeky Pavan takes his 'English Rose' on a date to the most authentic Indian restaurant in the city. To his horror she goes off-menu, in Hindi...

Capital scenes thanks to Victorian filmmakers

The Band of the First Life Guards approaches Westminster Bridge during Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

A conquering Boer War hero enjoys a rapturous homecoming parade

A sports day gives the young residents of the Foundling Hospital a chance to let off steam

Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.

Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.

Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.

Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.

Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.