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
Cardiff - the capital of Wales
The Holley brothers, pharmacists George and Maurice, record the city when horse-drawn vehicles were still traversing its streets and policemen helped people to cross the road.
From the collection of:
Overview
An inter-titled tribute to Cardiff, filmed by two brothers, George and Maurice Holley, both pharmacists, who moved to the city from their home-town of Pontypridd. Using the device of a motorcyclist taking a friend - William - on an extensive tour of the city, the film show its amenities and services, its industries and its opportunities for leisure. William concludes, in a note to his wife, that "This is just the place we have been looking for and we must settle down here."
Related
Watch for free
Family Album Family Album
Amateur film 1947 5 mins Silent Location: Cathays
When cars were not so common, roads could be used as playgrounds, particularly when snow fell, as seen here in Cardiff.
Watch for free
Peace comes to Rhigos Gardens Peace comes to Rhigos Gardens
Home movie 1945 4 mins Silent Location: Cathays
How best to celebrate the end of a world war?
Watch for free
Cardiff - the capital city Cardiff - the capital city
Promotional 1976 16 mins Location: Cathays
A clarion call to potential investors: shots of all the city has to offer are rounded off with a direct appeal to the pocket by Labour Prime Minister and Cardiff MP, James Callaghan.
Watch for free
Weddings - Cathedral Road Synagogue, Cardiff Weddings - Cathedral Road Synagogue, Cardiff
Amateur film 1938 9 mins Silent Location: Cathays
Summer 1938 must have been an exciting time for Marie Cohen and Nettie Morris as they planned their weddings at the synagogue on 25/8 and 6/9, and receptions at the Connaught Rooms.
Watch for free
Lord Mayor's Speech Lord Mayor's Speech
Non-Fiction 1943 3 mins Location: Cardiff Bay
The Lord Mayor of Cardiff speaks to camera, exhorting all good citizens to support the war-time Wings for Victory Week by saving and thereby lending money to the government.
Watch for free
"V.E." Celebrations "V.E." Celebrations
Amateur film 1945 11 mins Silent Location: Whitchurch
The war is over at last and Victory in Europe Day is celebrated on 8/5/1945 at the Iles home in Heathwood Road, Cardiff, and with parties in Heathway and Albert Street.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.