Look at Life was a regular British series of short documentary films of which over 500 were produced between 1959 and 1969 by the Special Features Division of the Rank Organisation for screening in their Odeon and Gaumont cinemas. The films always preceded the main feature film that was being shown in the cinema that week. It replaced the circuit's newsreel, Universal News, which had become increasingly irrelevant in the face of more immediate news media, particularly on television with the launch of ITN on the Independent Television service, which began broadcasting in parts of the United Kingdom in 1955.[1]
Produced on 35mm film and in Eastmancolor, these eight-minute 'featurettes' melded a light-hearted magazine format with a more in depth documentary approach and depicted aspects of life, mainly in Britain, but sometimes further afield. The films often depicted elements of the 'push button' or 'jet age', demonstrating advances in technology and a reflection on the changing tastes, fashions and trends representative of the so-called 'swinging sixties' era, which were often portrayed in a glossy, vibrant and optimistic way. The films also reported on topical issues that were affecting modern day society such as road safety, civil defence and pollution, and often sought to explain the rapid changes that were taking place in the country in an entertaining and informative narrative. Look at Life also took its cameras abroad to focus on events and affairs within the Commonwealth and British colonies including Aden, Gibraltar and the ever diminishing British controlled areas of Africa. Look at Life cameras were also offered exclusive access behind the Iron Curtain to present life in the Eastern Bloc, particularly in East Berlin and the Soviet Union.
The films were generally narrated in the style typical of newsreel films with a principal voice-over while letting the images tell the story. The narration was generally spoken over the natural sounds of the subject being discussed such as motor traffic or the activities within a workplace and with musical accompaniment. People who were featured in the programmes were seldom heard to speak unless as background sound, their activities and interactions with others generally being commented upon by the narrator. Otherwise the subject of the film or clip would sometimes address the camera directly or perform in a given situation, both in a staged and a scripted manner whereby the narrator could often add a humorous or ironic comment in the context of the subject.
On occasions an expert or professional in the field of the subject such as inventor of the Hovercraft Christopher Cockerell could be watched presenting the film directly to camera and providing the voiceovers. In the most part narration of the films was provided by well known celebrities and presenters of the time including Raymond Baxter, Eamonn Andrews, Wynford Vaughan-Thomas, Michael Ingrams, Anthony Bilbow, Sid James and Martin Jarvis in later editions. James Bond’s Island was narrated by voice actor Peter Hawkins. However the majority of the films were narrated by actor Tim Turner.
In the early years at the end of each film the caption "Take a Look at Life Again Soon" would appear on screen. Most episodes were between 8 and 10 minutes long, but some such as Common Market and High, Wide and Faster were more feature length at 17 minutes.
When the first issue of Look at Life, "Marrakesh" was released in March 1959, it was hailed in the trade journals as an "exciting venture in film journalism" and Rank announced this innovation would have "a more lasting impact than the present ephemeral newsreel content". Look at Life was a popular formula but did become rather frozen in time with its light-hearted presentation and jaunty theme tune, despite subtle changes to the opening titles, their graphics and the introduction of the Rank 'gong' logo at the beginning of later films. Television led audiences into a documentary world that had more grit and less glamour than the relative escapism of the cinema and by 1969 Rank could no longer ensure the survival of the series and the concept waned just like other newsreels and magazine films also available at that time, such as the Pathé Pictorial which was shown on the rival ABC cinema circuit, and as cinema audiences continued to decline rapidly on the verge of the 1970s.[2]
Over 500 episodes were produced altogether. Digitally restored from the original film elements, the Look at Life series is now licensed by ITV Studios Global Entertainment, previously known on screen as Granada Ventures and distributed by the Network imprint. Many of the films have not been seen in full since their original screenings in the cinemas, although a number of films have been previously released on Super 8 and on DVD in themed categories. These include Look at Life – Swingin' London, which explores elements of contemporary London life, work and traditions and Look at Life – On the Railways, which represented the great changes that were taking place to Britain's railways in the wake of the modernisation programme and the decline of steam. However Network has gradually released box-sets of the films over eight volumes, containing a total of 499 films.
Volume 1: "Transport" is a four disc compilation released in 2010 and contains 54 films on the theme of transport. Look at Life Volume 2: "Military" containing 45 films on three discs was released in June 2011, whilst Volume 3: "Science" containing 45 films on three discs was released in September 2011.
Two further volumes, Volume 4: "Sport" containing 42 films on three discs and Volume 5: "Cultural Heritage" containing 64 films on four discs were for release in August and November 2012 respectively. Volume 6: "World Affairs" containing 72 films on five discs was released on 1 February 2013. On 10 August 2015, a seventh volume Volume 7: "Business and Industry" containing 60 films on three discs was released.
The final 7 disc Volume 8: People and Places presenting a remaining 117 films on seven discs was released in the spring of 2021.
In November 2012, the series Britain on Film commissioned by BBC Scotland for broadcast on BBC Four began a twenty-part series providing an insight into life in Britain in the 1960s exclusively featuring footage from the Look at Life series. Distributed by ITN Source, a partly owned subsidiary of ITV Plc, each episode features a different aspect of British life and culture during the decade, including the changing role of women and how leisure time was spent including the rising popularity of overseas travel. It is presented with original commentary from the series with captions to provide the contemporary viewer with explanation.[3]
In the 2020s, many of the original films have been shown regularly on the UK channel Talking Pictures TV, both live on broadcast platforms and on demand via the red button and the channel's Encore website.
Peter Lamb, the Chief Test Pilot of East Cowes-based Saunders Roe, talks about hovercraft with the inventor Christopher Cockerell and the recording of the first cross Channel crossing on 25 July 1959.
August 1959
Talking of Coaches
Tim Turner
Life from the back of a coach with a tour of Blackpool and Italy with young Eric.
October 1959
Alpine Rescue
Tim Turner
A Swiss Flying Club uses adapted aircraft to deliver supplies to Alpine ski lodges - and to effect the rescue of injured mountaineers
October 1959
Shopping for a 'Queen'
Tim Turner
Replenishing the Queen Elizabeth, the 83,000-ton liner, before her next voyage.
November 1959
Sailing the Sky
Tim Turner
A look at the world of silent flight, including a brief introduction to record breaking British female glider pilot and instructor Ann Welch
December 1959
Driving Test
Tim Turner
Driving school tuition, including the innovative mock-up car with moving lights, cars for disabled people, the junior driver course at Grammar schools, and the training of police drivers and London Bus drivers.
January 1960
Shape of a Ship
Tim Turner
Building ocean liners such as the Canberra and how their shape is changing, plus a review of the slump affecting cargo shipping and the exciting future of air freight.
February 1960
Air Hostess
Tim Turner
Following the perceived glamorous life of 24-year-old airline hostess Pat Rossiter on her working day on an 11-hour flight from London to Rome and Benghazi
March 1960
Taxi! Taxi!!
Tim Turner
Looking at the organisation behind London's taxis, their maintenance, regulation of meters, training for "The Knowledge", to picking up passengers and driver welfare.
April 1960
All Through the Night
Tim Turner
A look into trunk roads with the night lorries, following the night drivers, to see where they eat and who they meet
Painting the Forth Bridge and a look at modern bridge-building including temporary bridges. Reflecting on past bridge successes and future methods of construction.
A look at traffic controls in West Germany and their autobahns and how Britain can learn as they build miles of new motorway including the new Hammersmith Flyover.
April 1962
Scooter Commuter
Tim Turner
Amidst the jams, In ten years, the number of scooters on British Roads has increased from 4,250 to over 470,000, and the convenience of "Corgi" style bikes.
May 1962
Sea Horses
Tim Turner
A look at tugboats, without which any big port would come to a standstill, and ocean-going tugs, delivering their load across thousands of miles of sea.
September 1962
So They all Hover Now
Tim Turner
For passenger services large and small, the development of the hovercraft and how the declining ship yards of Clydeside are adapting to hovercraft design. Featuring the SR.N2.
September 1962
The Village Sleeps Again
Tim Turner
The arguments for and against building by-passes, featuring Transport Minister Ernest Marples, how these can be built through many urban areas, how objections to new routes can be overcome, and what effect they are having on previously swamped towns and villages.
The railways are changing, with coal-powered steam being phased out and replaced by diesel engines and a network that is being modernised by new signalling, continuous welded track on concrete sleepers, and controversial closures of lines.
June 1963
The Car Has Wings
Tim Turner
Cars are carried through tunnels, on ferries, over the new Forth Road Bridge, by train, air ferry, and possibly by hovercraft in the future.
June 1963
Vintage Models
Raymond Baxter
The story of Britain's vintage car scene, including the high-speed trials at Silverstone, the Montagu Motor Museum at Beaulieu, and the famous London to Brighton run
July 1963
Pilot Aboard
Tim Turner
A look at Britain's pilotage services.
August 1963
Where No Tide Flows
Raymond Baxter
A look at canals and how they have been rediscovered by holidaymakers.
Looking at the Finnish icebreakers which keep the Baltic shipping routes open.
December 1966
Skimming through the Sixties
Tim Turner
Revisiting the Hovercraft and how it has been evolving.
December 1966
The Big Take-Off
Tim Turner
Assessing what was happening to Britain's aircraft industry in the face of stiff competition.
March 1967
Lighter than Air
Tim Turner
A brief history of ballooning and lighter than air flight.
May 1967
Just an Accident
Tim Turner
Accident prevention and safety measures with the HM Factory Inspectorate, ROSPA, and in-house company courses
May 1967
Scrambling for It
Eamonn Andrews
The motor sport of scrambling, which is attracting thousands of followers.
June 1967
The Straights of Dover
Tim Turner
A closer look at the 750 ships that pass through the five-mile wide shipping channel every day.
August 1967
Where Do You Leave the Boat?
John Witty
The problems of where to keep pleasure boats as more are built.
October 1967
Pushing the Bike
Tim Turner
The impact of the bicycle on the world today.
December 1967
Playing Trains
Tim Turner
Britain's burgeoning railway preservation scene, and a trip with the locomotive Flying Scotsman on one of its last main line runs
September 1968
The City's for Living In
Ann MacEwen
A response to the Buchanan Report with a focus on Bath and Norwich as to how British cities face the danger of the impact of traffic on the environment.
March 1969
All in a Day's Work
Duncan Carse
People who travel the world by air as part of their everyday jobs
March 1969
A Load of Pheasants
Duncan Carse
The journey of the intercontinental lorry driver delivering a trailer load of pheasants abroad, with the aid of the TIR convention.
A visit to Germany to find out what kind of army the country is raising today under the auspices of NATO, with a focus on the mountain troops and how they train
1960
Submarine
Tim Turner
A glimpse of the life and work of the submariners of HMS Narwhal}
A film looking at the work involved in being a test pilot of jet planes, particularly concentrating on test pilot Jim Dell and the English Electric Lightning.
1962
Rendered Safe
Tim Turner
The work of a bomb disposal squad with Charles Lawrence, bomb disposal expert with the Royal Navy.
1962
The Last Battleship
Tim Turner
The story of the last British battleship, HMS Vanguard, as it makes its final journey to the scrapyard
1962
Amphibian
Tim Turner
A look at the DUKW ['duck’] amphibious military craft.
1962
Turning Blades
Tim Turner
Helicopters and their uses
1962
Plumbing the Depths
Tim Turner
The importance of surveying the seas and oceans and the part played by HMS Vidal in the surveying.
1962
Golden Wings
ACM Sir Philip Joubert
A look at some of the most important military aircraft through the decades
The work of the Women's Royal Air Force, with Dame Anne Stephens, Air Commandant Jean Conan Doyle, senior radar technician Carole Nicholson, and Mary McGurk.
1963
The Sky's the Limit
Tim Turner
Aerobatics, originally devised as manoeuvres to avoid a pursuing enemy, are today part of the training of specialised squadrons of the Royal Air Force. Civilian flying is also discussed.
1964
Forward, March!
Tim Turner
The infantryman as the indispensable soldier of the British Army
1964
Doctor on Call
Tim Turner
A North Malayan civilian doctor makes his regular and emergency calls by helicopter made available by the R.A.F.
1964
Trouble-Shooters
John Witty
The Royal Marines, whose 300th anniversary fell on the year this film was produced
Documentary on aspects of bread production and marketing, including research into the problems of staleness and how to prevent it
1965
Frontiers of Medicine
Michael Ingrams
A look at the advances being made in medical technology and the treatment of diseases
1965
Sugaring the Pill
Tim Turner
Facts and figures behind Britain's growing pharmaceutical industry
1965
Beating the Racket
Tim Turner
A study of the research into what was being done to reduce noise levels.
1965
Will Taps Run Dry?
Tim Turner
New measures for the collection, storage, and distribution of Britain’s rainwater to meet increasing consumer demand.
1966
Treading on the Gas
Tim Turner
The import of methane gas by sea from North Africa to Britain
1966
Boxes of Tricks
Tim Turner
The research which goes into developing programmed learning for schools, universities, and industry.
1966
The Givers
Antony Bilbow
Blood donors and the help they give in medical emergencies.
1967
What Price Ideas?
Tim Turner
How the National Research Development Corporation helps by governmental loans to develop new inventions for industry
1967
Cleaning People
Michael Ingrams
The dry cleaning business and the work of the chemists behind it.
1967
Press-Button Farms
Michael Ingrams
Survey of the revolution in farm machinery which leads to automated farming
1967
Keeping Tabs on Space
Tim Turner
A brief look at Britain's burgeoning space industry which culminated in the launch of the UK3 satellite
1968
Brain Drain
Martin Jarvis
A look at the problems arising from the emigration of many of Britain’s top engineers and scientists, who are travelling abroad for work
1968
North Sea Commuters
Martin Jarvis
A look into the lives of the men on the North Sea oil and gas rigs
1968
Their Lifeline – The Nile
Robert Tyrrell
The story of the Aswan High Dam in Egypt and the changes and improvements it has meant to the lives of the people who live along the banks of the River Nile.
The story behind the 1959 Grand National won by Oxo
1959
Derby Day
Unknown
A look at the tradition behind Derby Day at Epsom
1959
Kings of Speed
Unknown
A look at the motor racing industry and the part played by British cars and British drivers.
1959
Making an Effort
Tim Turner
Following the thrills of the Hampton Court Regatta, the Jersey Battle of Flowers, and shark fishing off the coast of Cornwall
1959
Pony-Tale
Tim Turner
A film of a pony from the time it is rounded up in the forest until, with its young rider astride, it enters for the high spot of the pony-riding year at the Pony Club Championships
1960
Four Men Down
Tim Turner
Deals with the thrills and dangers of bobsleighing on the Cresta Run, following the British Olympic bobsliegh team as they practice at St. Moritz.
1960
Ten Pins Down
Unknown
A look at ten-pin bowling in Britain today, and also oldstyle skittle alleys
1960
Smashing Through
Tim Turner
The sport of stock car racing and a visit to a race at Brayfield, Northamptonshire
A look at the Saturday afternoon football tradition
1960
Out for a Catch
Antony Bilbow
A look at angling - both coarse and fly fishing
1961
Against the Clock
Raymond Baxter
Look at Life follows the RAC International Rally of Great Britain
1961
Man into Fish
Tim Turner
A film covering the training, both above and below the surface of the British Sub-Aqua Club.
1961
Ski Fever
Tim Turner
A look at what British skiers are doing, both at Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands, and at Murren, where the British Championships provide almost as many thrills
The flourishing winter sports business within Scotland, taking an in depth look at the famous Austrian Ski School at the Struan House Hotel in Carrbridge
1962
Riding it Rough
Tim Turner
The growth of speedway and all its thrills
1962
Target - The Stadium
Tim Turner
The raising of finances for the Commonwealth Games, held in Perth, Australia,
1962
A Flight of Fancy
Tim Turner
Pigeons, their fanciers, and racing
1962
Getting Wet
Tim Turner
The growth of the sport of swimming and the building of swimming pools in Britain
1963
See How They Jump!
Wynford Vaughan-Thomas
A glimpse into the world of show jumping
1963
It's A Gamble
Tim Turner
The vast scale and variety of gambling in Britain
1963
Queue for the Tee
Tim Turner
A look into the world of golf, both as a sport and an industry
1963
In the Kart
Tim Turner
The sport of karting which was quite new at the time of filming
1963
Over My Shoulder
Tim Turner
A look at the training in self-defence that is given to Women Police Officers and at the self-defensive arts and sports of Japanese origin
1964
Women with Leisure
Tim Turner
The rising popularity of ten-pin bowling among women
1964
Rulers of Racing
Tim Turner
The story of Newmarket, racing and the Jockey Club, told against the background of the Cesarewitch and the Grand National.
Taking a look at the British country market, and the problems it is facing through changing customer demand
1963
They Learn as They See
Tim Turner
History and geography lessons outside the classroom
1963
Jazz All the Way
Tim Turner
Survey of the jazz scene in Britain today: record sales and the festivals at Cleethorpes and Manchester.
1963
Island Refuge
Tim Turner
The Island of Skomer off the Pembrokeshire coast and the work of the warden of the wildlife sanctuary there,
1964
Holiday Camps
Bob Willcox
The development of holiday camps in Great Britain and elsewhere
1964
Sound of a City
Tim Turner
Liverpool and the beat music scene
1964
Saving a Heritage
Tim Turner
The work of the National Trust
1964
The Way of Reckoning
Tim Turner
The pros and cons of the metric system and decimal coinage for Great Britain.
1964
Lady by the Sea
Tim Turner
Investigation of the present position of the seaside landlady in the face of competition from easily available Continental holidays.
1965
Early Starters
Tim Turner
A look at some of the independent and local government-sponsored nursery schools in Britain
1965
But Not on a Sunday
Tim Turner
A look at a typical Sunday in England – and the changes that are taking place.
1965
The Things They Sell
Tim Turner
A brief look at some of Britain’s less publicised exports
1965
Boys Without Girls
Tim Turner
The history of Boys' Clubs in Britain
1965
Members Only
Michael Ingrams
A visit to London's members only clubs
1965
City of Sailors
Tim Turner
The changing face of the city of Portsmouth
1965
Why Drown Yourself?
Tim Turner
The part played by voluntary life-saving organisations in helping bathers and water sportsmen and the RAF’s Air Sea Rescue Service in saving those in distress at sea.
An impression of the present-day activities of the great livery companies of the past
1965
The Needles Point the Way
Tim Turner
An assessment of the Isle of Wight and its industries
1966
Crisis in the Cathedral
Tim Turner
The plight of England’s medieval cathedrals threatened with serious decay, insufficient funds and no state aid.
1966
The Tower of Babble
Tim Turner
The building of the Post Office Tower in London and the part it plays in Britain’s communications system.
1966
On Tape for Tomorrow
Vernon Greeves
Some of the organisations which travel around the country recording traditional songs and stories.
1966
The Abbey Backstage
John Westbrook
Issue devoted to Westminster Abbey on its 900th anniversary and its administration
1966
The Shape of Things
Tim Turner
The work of the Ministry of Public Buildings and Works in designing new buildings, and furniture and consumer goods for the vast range of government buildings and contracts.
1966
Churchill Pilgrimage
Tim Turner
The homes of Sir Winston Churchill and the churchyard at Bladon in Oxfordshire.
1967
High and Dry
Tim Turner
The ceremony of the installation of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and the life of the seven Cinque Ports
1967
IN gear
Michael Ingrams
The film presents the "in" scene of London by visiting some of London’s fashionable shops and the young people who frequent them.
1967
Hidden Treasure
Michael Ingrams
The present state of the British Museum, and the shortage of space for its many thousands of items
1967
Goodbye, Piccadilly
Tim Turner
A look at the changing face of London's Piccadilly, both above and below ground
1967
Change at The Tower
John Westbrook
A look at the day-to-day running of the Tower of London and how it copes with the growing number of tourists
1967
The Spoilers
John Witty
The need for co-operation in the conservation of the countryside.
1968
Queue for Gardens
John Westbrook
The greenhouse at Kew Gardens and the plants at the Gardening Centre at Syon Park
A film showing the emigration to Canada of a typical English family.
1962
Chasing the Dragon
Tim Turner
A look at illegal drug trafficking in Hong Kong and the problems of heroin addiction
1962
The Trail leads Upwards
Tim Turner
A visit to a Native Canadian family, and a look at the construction of a new bridge across the Niagara River.
1962
GHQ Middle East
Tim Turner
A look at the British base at Aden, which at the time of filming was GHQ Middle East. There is also a glimpse of the visit by the aircraft carrier HMS Centaur which coincided with ‘Aden Forces Week’.
1962
The Wall
Tim Turner
A visit to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, and a more detailed examination of the Berlin Wall.
1962
Out of the Sun
Tim Turner
A look at immigration from the West Indies into Britain
1962
Common Market
John Snagge
An assessment of the progress of the Common Market during a period in which its member countries had begun to remove trade barriers
1962
The Changing River
Tim Turner
A film looking at the changing face of the River Rhine.
1962
Millions on the March
Brian Connell
Following the state visit of Queen Elizabeth II, this film looks at India’s development in terms of farming and industry
1963
Call from the Wild
Peter Scott
A look at wildlife protection in North and South Rhodesia, and the development of national parks
1963
Out of the Bush
Tim Turner
A look at the emerging independent countries of Africa and the growth of urbanisation
1963
Men of the Woods
Tim Turner
How mechanisation is eroding the traditional skills of the Bavarian lumberjacks of Berchtesgaden
1963
Forging New Links
Tim Turner
A film looking at Ulster’s role in Britain’s productivity
1963
Gypsy Holiday
Tim Turner
A look at Europe’s annual gypsy pilgrimage to the Camargue
1964
Pick of the Bunch
Tim Turner
A glimpse into the vinification industries in France and Germany
A trip to Australia to see how the country is coping with its large intake of immigrants
1964
Men of the Snowy
Tim Turner
A look at the men working on Australia's Snowy Mountains irrigation scheme
1964
Singapore is Youth
Tim Turner
A fascinating look at a modern, forward-looking Singapore
1964
Off the Sheep's Back
Tim Turner
A glimpse into Australia's lucrative wool trade
1964
Constant Hot Water
Tim Turner
A film looking at the volcanic zone of New Zealand, and the hot water it produces
1964
Tide on the Turn
Tim Turner
A study of the new industry in Ireland and the efforts to keep the young people at home to reduce emigration
1965
Malta Milestone
Tim Turner
A documentary on the fate and development of the Maltese economy
1965
Women at Sea
Tim Turner
A look at the various seafaring jobs for women – from work on the great passenger liners, to merchant navies.
1965
James Bond's Island
Peter Hawkins
A look at post-independence Jamaica, and the country’s hope to gain a firm footing in the modern world
1965
Volunteers for Service
Tim Turner
Some aspects of the varied work being done by young volunteers from Britain for Voluntary Service Overseas in social and medical services
1965
Men Against the Sea
Tim Turner
The Dutch Delta-Plan sea defence scheme and what it aims to achieve
1966
The Curtain Changes
John Snagge
A look at the frontiers of the Iron Curtain between Eastern and Western Europe
1966
On Top of the World
Tim Turner
A glimpse into the changing way of life in Lapland brought about as a result of the revolution in transportation through the introduction of the motor-sledge
1966
Swedish Pattern
Michael Ingrams
A survey of industrial and domestic modern-day Sweden
1966
Market by the Danube
Roger Wesson
A visit behind the Iron Curtain to Hungary to see how it has changed
A film providing a background to the achievements of the Russian people
1967
Inside Russia 2: The Heiresses
Michael Ingrams
A look at the significant role of women in the Soviet Union
1967
Inside Russia 3: Childhood
Anthony Bilbow
A film that traces the story of Russian children, through kindergarten, school and university.
1967
Inside Russia 4: The Woken Land
Michael Ingrams
This film explores Siberian life east of the Urals.
1968
Winter Blossoms
John Westbrook
A look at the rapid changes taking place in the Algarve as tourism grows
1968
Man of the Desert
Uncredited
How the Republic of Tunisia is solving its problems, ten years after it gained independence from the French
1968
Something new under Everest
Michael Ingrams
How the past is coming to terms with the present in Nepal - one of the world's most ancient and secretive of societies.
1968
A new shade of red
Michael Ingrams
A look at the changing pattern of Czech life during the upheaval of 1968
1968
Coming of Age
Michael Ingrams
What has been achieved in India since independence from English rule
1968
Home is Tibet
Michael Ingrams
A film looking at Tibetan refugees, and the way in which their Dalai Lama has kept the scattered community intact
1968
The Sinking City
Martin Jarvis
A look at the efforts being made to prevent Venice from sinking
1968
Escape into Riches
Michael Ingrams
The richness of the arts of India
1968
In the shadow of the Wall
Tim Brinton
This film looks at the rebuilding of West Berlin, and the hope of reunification
1969
After the Queen's visit
Duncan Carse
The rising standards of living in Chile and the opportunities for Britain to increase her exports there following a visit to the South American country by Queen Elizabeth II
1969
Look at Man
Martin Jarvis
A visit to the Isle of Man to discover why it wants greater independence.
Shows the work of the gramophone record industry, from the birth of an idea to the finished disc, and how Helen Shapiro's hit "Walkin' Back to Happiness" was recorded, pressed, and distributed.
1961
Jobs with a Thrill
Tim Turner
Demonstrates some thrilling occupations, including a steel erector, a quarry blastman, steeple jacks and riding the wall of death
1961
Roses All The Way
Anthony Bilbow
The art of rose growing and the competition it breeds.
A look at `modern' technology and how it was used at the time to make life more difficult for lawbreakers
1959
Dustmen's Day
Sidney James & Michael Henderson
A day in the life of a 'dusty' and an insight into the particular problems of refuse disposal
1959
Let's Go Dancing
Raymond Baxter
A survey of all that dancing involves, from amateur teaching to exhibition ballroom dancing
1960
Running Dry
Tim Turner
A look at the emergency and temporary measures put in place to ensure water is available during periods of drought
1960
Model World
Uncredited
A look at various model villages, including Bekonscot.
1960
Student Nurse
Uncredited
The life of a female student nurse, looking at the training and opportunities available to her
1960
In the Swim
Kay Hammond
A glimpse into the world of tropical fish, both as a hobby and as ornaments.
1960
Safe in a Boat
Tim Turner
Safety at sea, and the research into ways of improving current working methods
1960
Glamour Girls
Tim Turner
A look into the world of the fashion model
1960
I Protest
Tim Turner
A look at some protesters in Britain, including the Aldermaston marchers and Speaker’s Corner
1960
BRAINS - Unlimited
Tim Turner
How the schools and colleges of today are measuring up to the demands of the world of tomorrow
1960
Wheel Power
Uncredited
A look at the many aspects of bicycling
1960
Keeping Fit
John Langham
Shows the different ways in which people in Britain strive for physical fitness
1960
All Their Own Work
Tim Turner
An item covering how the inhabitants of the Cotswold town of Moreton-in-Marsh decided to save on the rates when the town needed doing up, and how volunteers reopened the Talyllyn narrow-gauge railway in Wales
1960
Holiday - With Pay
Tim Turner
A film looking at the part-time summer jobs available to students throughout the UK
1960
Women in Green
Antony Bilbow
An account of the work and organisation of WVS in Britain.
Shows the organisation, training methods and work done by the Fire Brigade in London.
1961
High Tension
Tim Turner
Looking at ways of relieving stress and tension in today's modern world
1961
Match Makers
Tim Turner
A glimpse at those who make intricate models from matchsticks
1961
Battle of the Bulge
Anthony Bilbow
The world of slimming, and a focus on all the things you can do to lose those extra ounces
1961
Prison on Wheels
Uncredited
Light-hearted miscellany covering the problems of parking cars in London, and a glimpse of the eight-storey mechanical park in the City that could be an answer
1961
Controlled Landing
Tim Turner
Inside the control tower of London Airport, showing the talk-down procedure for an incoming Comet arriving in a fog. We also see the 'Blind Landing Experimental Unit' on a Vickers Viking.
1961
Men in the Mode
Tim Turner
A look into the story of the male fashion world and how it is slowly moving toward gaiety and decoration
1961
High Rise
John Witty
An intriguing look at the world of lifts, known to some as elevators
1961
Relax, Relax!
Tim Turner
A light-hearted look at relaxation methods
1961
A Girl's Best Friend
Tim Turner
A look at the world of gems, how gems are formed geologically, the night classes in gemology held in London’s Northern Polytechnic, the world of the diamond business at the Diamond Trading Company in London, and diamond cutters.
1962
Earning Their Keep
Tim Turner
A look at the various uses of the horse and dogs - animals who very much earn their keep.
1962
Getting a Move On
Sidney James
A look at the work of the removal men as a family move from Suffolk to Scotland
1962
The Cinema Steps Out
Tim Turner
A look at cinema and the evolution of the motion picture
1962
One Horse-Power
Tim Turner
How police horses and their riders are trained and how they do their job.
1962
A Clean Sweep
Tim Turner
The problem of air pollution from chimneys and how they are cleaned and swept
1962
In Good Shape
Tim Turner
The importance of good industrial and commercial design and the work of the Design Centre in London.
1962
Blue Streak
Uncredited
Record of the construction and testing of Britain’s "Blue Streak" intermediate-range ballistic missile.
A look at the interesting profession of window cleaning and the various problems faced
1963
Beauty - and the Rest
Unknown
A look at annual beauty contests with some of the contestants
1963
Island at the Cross-roads
Tim Turner
A look at the plans to make the Isle Of Man a tourist attraction once more.
1963
The Greatest of These...
Tim Turner
Some of the ways in which money is collected for charity
1963
As Good as Gold
Tim Turner
A look at the production of gold and its journey through London
1963
Rolling Home
Tim Turner
Caravanning in Britain today, looking both at holiday sites and permanent sites.
1964
Digging Up the Past
Tim Turner
Taking a look at professional and amateur archaeological digs
1964
Chairbound
Tim Turner
A visit to the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville showing what happens after patients become paralysed. Includes a look at the annual Stoke Mandeville Games.
1964
Glorious Mud
Tim Turner
The story of mud in our lives, from the motorcyclist and sports car enthusiasts contending with it to the men who dig out fuller’s earth for industry.
1964
Instant Homes
Tim Turner
A film showing how the conveyer belt idea is being applied to building houses and flats in Britain, with the result that a multi-storey block of flats can now be completed in less than six months.
1964
Do it Yourself
Tim Turner
Investigates the new found 'Do-it-Yourself' craze, a hobby that is becoming icreasingly popular
1964
Who Wants a Statue?
Tim Turner
A look at the statues of the past and the statuary of today
1964
Donkey Work
Tim Turner
A look at the popularity of donkeys, including donkey racing.
1964
What's on the Roof?
Tim Turner
A glimpse in to the world of the roofer, and how new buildings are putting their roofs to new uses
1964
Calling the Tune
Tim Turner
A general look at music, the increasing popularity of classical music and the lack of composers
1964
Keeping in Touch
Tim Turner
A look at the devices that the blind use to help them overcome their disability
1964
Crossing the Channel
Tim Turner
A look at the fascination of some to swim the English Channel
A documentary about Eel Pie Island, and its a jazz youth club
1967
Coming to Terms
Tim Turner
The problems facing overseas students when they come to study in Great Britain - making friends, finding somewhere to live, and raising enough money to live on
1967
Ark in the Sky
Tim Turner
Looks at the remarkable livestock traffic passing through London’s Heathrow Airport, which are cared for by the RSPCA
1967
Booming Good Wishes
Tim Turner
A short film covering the growth of the greetings card business
1967
Gardens to Order
Roy Hay
The changes in modern gardening techniques when plants are available fully grown and the necessity of waiting years to establish a garden has gone
1967
Pulling the Strings
Tony Britton
Exploring the world of puppetry, from Punch and Judy to the people who bring them to life
1967
Murder Bag
Tim Brinton
The glimpse behind the scenes of Scotland Yard’s Murder Squad
1967
So Much Hot Air
Franklin Engelmann
A look at central heating and how houses can now be insulated so as to prevent the loss of heat.
1968
Little Orphan Annie
Ray Browne
A comparative look between the children’s homes of the twenties and thirties and those of the present day.
1968
Out of the Inn
Michael Ingrams
A look at the changing face of Britain's public houses
1968
Gun Dogs
John Stockbridge
The training and work of gun dogs in Britain and America
1968
Mini and Mod (aka Many A Mod)
John Westbrook
The project given to the students of Hornsey College of Art, which was to design a flat that would appeal to the ‘minis’ of Carnaby Street.
1968
Stuck on Stamps
Jeffrey Kirkham
A look at Britain’s stamps from the time they are first designed
1968
The Big Sell
Tim Turner
Brussels and Toronto are taken as examples to show how British Weeks are planned and carried out.
1968
High Living
Martin Jarvis
A look at the problems of housing and growing population in Britain, and the development of the high rise block of flats to ease the problem
1968
Throwaway Society
John Stockbridge
This film looks at different types of rubbish generated by society, and the problems of how to dispose of it, including recycling.
1968
Some of My Best Friends are People!
Unknown
An examination of the relationship between humans and animals particularly wild animals in captivity