National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
Your Hand in Mine
Old age hits, often along with loss of partner, mobility and abilities. Can it be embraced or does it have to be endured? Might it include love?
From the collection of:
Overview
Concerns about how best to embrace or endure old age have not been relieved since this film was produced, the arguments for and against living in a Home or at home still raging, not least because of the variable quality and level of care available on both fronts. But, what this film demonstrates, is that although the past is inevitably often going to be a sweeter place for the elderly to inhabit, it is still possible for some to defy the odds and enjoy a dynamic, romantic present.
This acclaimed film, sponsored by the Welsh Arts Council, had its premier at the National Film Theatre in London on 16/5/1980 and was broadcast on BBC Wales the following evening. It was filmed in and around Cardiff (e.g. Adamsdown, Llandaff Fields, Canton) and features 'Ollie' and 'Nellie'. It was directed by Geoff Thomas (b.1947) of Rhydyfro, a graduate of Newport Film School. He produced the film with his wife Frances Gallaher, a former newspaper editor who, via their company Scan Film Productions, went on to write and direct the documentary 'Mr Hearst and Mr Kane' (narrated by Orson Welles) which was screened on Channel 4 following its premier – as 'Citizen Kane a Cynan' - on S4C's opening night in 1982.
Related
Watch for free
Screenwriter Tess Morris on how to write a romcom Screenwriter Tess Morris on how to write a romcom
Inside Film 6 mins
The writer of romantic comedy Man Up talks about screenwriting in the genre, and offers tips for aspiring romcom creators.
Watch for free
The Kiss in the Tunnel The Kiss in the Tunnel
Comedy 1899 2 mins Silent
A snatched kiss in a railway tunnel, played by real-life married couple GA Smith and Laura Bayley
Watch for free
Dear Margery Boobs Dear Margery Boobs
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1977 5 mins
Agony Aunt finds her romantic match in a man with increasingly complicated sex fantasies.
Watch for free
Three Big Words Three Big Words
2002 4 mins
Miles (played by Simon Ludders) faces a challenge that many have stumbled over before and since.
Watch for free
Paris, Brixton Paris, Brixton
Romance 1997 13 mins Location: Brixton
Breaking Bad’s Laura Fraser stars in this delightful short about a student who falls in love with a burglar.
Watch for free
The Private Life of Don Juan The Private Life of Don Juan
Comedy 1934 87 mins
Husbands lock up their wives when the renowned Romeo returns to Seville; but the man wooing the city’s ladies is not what he seems.
Watch for free
Sunshine Girl Sunshine Girl
Advert 1959 12 mins Location: Merthyr Tydfil
What makes a South Wales Sunshine Girl? Well, the answer may vary depending on whether you ask a chauvinist or a feminist!
Watch for free
The Boat Builders The Boat Builders
Documentary 1963 16 mins Location: Cardiff/Caerdydd
A boat is a work of art, as this film illustrates so beautifully.
Watch for free
J.G. - John Ivor Golding J.G. - John Ivor Golding
Biopic 1973 14 mins Location: Cardiff/Caerdydd
A glimpse of the life of a chain-smoking, proud-to-be-gay raconteur-of-sorts and resident of Whitchurch Hospital, Cardiff.
Watch for free
The Opening of the Prince of Wales Hospital at Cardiff The Opening of the Prince of Wales Hospital at Cardiff
Non-Fiction 1918 13 mins Silent Location: Cardiff/Caerdydd
Miss Clara Deacon, matron (or 'commandant' as the press refer to her) of this pioneering hospital, accompanies the royal patron on his visit.
Watch for free
From Dyserth to Llandudno and Cardiff From Dyserth to Llandudno and Cardiff
Home movie 1958 4 mins Silent Location: Llandudno
Donald Duck comes home with the Sunday School trippers from Bethel Chapel, Dyserth!
Watch for free
Encil Yr Haul/ The Sun's Retreat: an example of art in the environment Encil Yr Haul/ The Sun's Retreat: an example of art in the environment
Documentary 1978 19 mins Location: Cardiff/Caerdydd
A mechanical grave digger is co-opted to help with the creation of a garden at Glan Ely High School, Cardiff.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.