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
Unveiling the Cenotaph - Penarth
A granite obelisk designed by Sir William Goscombe John of Cardiff is unveiled in memory of those who are stone dead for King and Country.
From the collection of:
Overview
This film does not catch the unveiling of the memorial by the two women who had each lost 3 sons in the Great War, but it is a record of the community’s act of remembrance on Armistic Day (11/11) 1924, and it is obviously a moving occasion. The obelisk of white granite with a bronze winged Victory figure was designed by Cardiff-born sculptor Sir William Goscombe John (1860-1952), son of a wood carver, who also suggested the memorial’s inscription.
The report in The Penarth Times two days after the event is a classic of war-time-speak. “A glorious reunion” in heaven awaits those suffering earthly loss, and Capt Henry Arthur Evans (MP - Conservative – Cardiff South), speaking on the day, stated that the blood letting had created a “greater and nobler country”. Everyone is reminded that the “sacrifice” by “splendid manhood” for King, Country and Empire was not in vain. Taken together with the 1916 film ‘Hepworth Cinema Interviews – I, II and III’, whose tone is best illustrated by the mouthings of the Earl of Meath, it is easy to imagine how difficult it might have been to suggest in public that the Great War was murderous, bloody and ridiculous.
Related
Great Western Ports Great Western Ports
Industry sponsored film 1929 86 mins Silent Location: Cardiff/Caerdydd
"Any Ware to Anywhere" - a film advertising the thoroughly modern merits of the Great Western Railway ports (e.g. Cardiff, Newport, Barry, Port Talbot, Swansea, Fishguard).
Promenade - a summer's day at Penarth Promenade - a summer's day at Penarth
Documentary 1967 26 mins Location: Penarth
Who wouldn’t come to Penarth on a sunny day, when it offers sea, sand and boat trips, the delights of the pier and promenade, cafes to suit all tastes and Mods and Rockers?
Wade Family - Penarth, Barry Wade Family - Penarth, Barry
Home movie 1950 14 mins Silent Location: Penarth
A Penarth family enjoys the garden at 3 Cwrt-y-Vil Road in summer (with hammock and swing seat), in winter (with snow) and trips to the seaside (The Knap, Barry) and Scotland.
Coast Line of South Wales Coast Line of South Wales
Amateur film 1935 38 mins Silent Location: Penarth
George and Maurice Holley, Cardiff pharmacists and pianists, go on a tour, witnessing the crowds at Barry and the seaweed drying near Castlemartin for the making of laver bread.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Luke Bean 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
Samantha Arnold of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.
Horace Ové on Pressure Horace Ové on Pressure
Inside Film 2005 36 mins
The acclaimed director discusses his landmark film in this interview from 2005.
Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 28 mins
Directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor dig deep into their thrilling biopic Baltimore, in discussion with Nadia M Oliva.
Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film
Inside Film 2023 17 mins
Actor Herbert Norville discusses working with the pioneering filmmaker on his groundbreaking 1975 drama, Pressure.
Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective
Inside Film 2023 77 mins
An impassioned discussion on the life, work and legacy of the eminent filmmaker Horace Ové, chaired by Samira Ahmed.