This film is part of Free
Fifty Years of Ascot Fashions
Fascinating panorama of a half-century of sartorial choices at Royal Ascot...some better judged than others
Overview
This fascinating film compiles amateur footage of the stylish attendees at Royal Ascot taken between the 1930s and 1980s, giving the effect of flicking through 50 years of Tatler society pages. The finely attired guests include, naturally, royalty - look out for King George VI and a young Queen Elizabeth II. Notably, the film reveals almost nothing about men's fashion - while the women's flamboyant outfits change with each summer's trends, the men don the same grey morning suits year on year.
This wonderful glimpse of high society at leisure was made by Matthew Nathan, a prolific amateur filmmaker. Other films of his, including Rural Reconditioning, Village Life in Somerset and L.C.C. Nursery School, are also available on BFI Player.
Related
The Turn of the Tide The Turn of the Tide
Amateur film 1934 12 mins Silent Location: London
Hunger marchers demonstrate and the London season opens: the contrast between rich and poor in 1930s Britain
'Gold Cup' Race at Ascot 'Gold Cup' Race at Ascot
Non-Fiction 1912 2 mins Silent Location: Ascot
The fashions, the royalty, the parades - and the hats... It's a wonder there's any time for racing at Royal Ascot.
Horses at Ascot, Winter Quarters, Ascot Horses at Ascot, Winter Quarters, Ascot
Amateur film 1939 12 mins Silent Location: Ascot
Colour footage from the Bertram Mills Circus’ winter base in Ascot showing training for the Christmas show at Olympia.
Loading Trains, Tenting Circus at Nottingham, Animals Coming from Station, Ascot Loading Trains, Tenting Circus at Nottingham, Animals Coming from Station, Ascot
Amateur film 1934 3 mins Silent Location: Ascot
The circus hits town with fine shots of animals and performers parading through town, as well as scenes from the winter quarters at Ascot.
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
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 - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
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.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.