This film is part of Free
Health at the Centre
The latest developments in healthcare on show at Walton-on-Thames community health centre
Overview
The community health centre is "the biggest advance in general practice since antibiotics" as one doctor puts it, enabling doctors to work together rather than individually in their own houses. Healthcare has been a popular subject for documentary filmmakers since before the days of the National Health Service. See, for example, District Nurse (1952) which is also available to view on BFI Player.
This government film is a public record, preserved and presented by the BFI National Archive on behalf of The National Archives, home to more than 1,000 years of British history.
Related
Your Very Good Health Your Very Good Health
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1948 9 mins
Long before the ‘Charley Says’ campaign of the 1970s and ‘80s, another cartoon Charley was used to demystify the newly created NHS.
The Dentist The Dentist
1993 15 mins
This 1993 profile of local dentist, Brian Harvey, shows how he splits his time between a local practice and an advisory role - while leaving ample time to socialise at the local rotary club.
Life in Her Hands Life in Her Hands
Instructional film/TV programme 1951 55 mins
Kathleen Byron - of Black Narcissus fame - stars in one of the most ambitious recruitment films ever made.
Natural Born Smoker Natural Born Smoker
Public Information Filler 1985 1 mins
A sense of 1980s stylistic sheen filters through this sci-fi-tinged anti-smoking advert.
The Strange Case of Penny Allison The Strange Case of Penny Allison
Government sponsored film 2002 18 mins
Imelda Staunton and Hugh Laurie as you've not quite seen them before: in a comedy training video for Britain’s National Blood Service.
Polio - Diagnosis and Management Polio - Diagnosis and Management
Government sponsored film 1948 59 mins
Britain’s first Polio epidemic in 1947 demanded a coordinated response, and this film was a key part of readying postwar doctors for a new fight
Day in the Life of the School Day in the Life of the School
Amateur film 1970 25 mins Location: Walton-on-Thames
A typical day at Burwood Park, a boarding school for deaf children, features in this film made by two of its pupils, Alan Loft and Michael Chawner
The Perils of Picturegoing The Perils of Picturegoing
Amateur film 1950 6 mins Silent Location: Walton-on-Thames
Amateur comedy film within a film, about the unforeseen risks of going to the cinema, including 3D films, ice creams, lions and spears!
Filming Again Filming Again
Amateur film 1953 2 mins Silent Location: Walton-on-Thames
This behind the scenes film captures the range of skills shown by the members of the local cine club whilst filming the Perils of Picturegoing
Kingston Movie Makers' History of Walton Kingston Movie Makers' History of Walton
Amateur film 1952 18 mins Location: Walton-on-Thames
An award winning animation by John Daborn and team, who were part of an animation collective with grand ideas of rivalling Disney
Scenes at the Walton-on-Thames Lawn Tennis Tournament Finals Day Scenes at the Walton-on-Thames Lawn Tennis Tournament Finals Day
Amateur film 1934 3 mins Silent Location: Walton-on-Thames
Amateur film of the final day of play at the Walton-on-Thames Tennis Tournament 1934.
Canine Curiosities Canine Curiosities
Non-Fiction 1929 1 mins Silent Location: Walton-on-Thames
Freaky dog show, or world's worst pet owner competition? You decide.
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.