This film is part of Free
Hoxton....Saturday July 3rd, Britannia Theatre
Fantastically lively images from around East London's greatest music hall.
Overview
Long before it acquired its modern reputation as a hipster mecca, Hoxton, in Shoreditch, attracted a very different clientele, thanks to the presence of East London's most celebrated music hall, the Britannia. But in 1920 (if the date on this film's title card is to be believed) there was no less of a buzz to the place. The Britannia, badly damaged in a fire in 1900, had by then been taken over by the Gaumont chain and reused as a cinema.
In scenes that recall the films of Mitchell and Kenyon from earlier in the century, the streets teem with people, most of them transfixed by the presence of the camera. Despite the opening title, at least one source suggests that the footage was shot a decade earlier - and the absence of motorised transport makes it hard to be sure either way. All the same, it's an extraordinary picture of old East End energy. Also featured are the London Apprentice pub - still standing at 333 Old Street and now home to the bar and club 333 Mother - and the tower of St Leonards Church.
Related
London Street Scenes - Trafalgar Square London Street Scenes - Trafalgar Square
Non-Fiction 1910 1 mins Silent Location: Trafalgar Square
Spot the changes and continuities in this majestic Edwardian panorama of Trafalgar Square.
Animated Politics Animated Politics
Non-Fiction 1910 0 mins Silent Location: Woolwich
Woolwich candidates face the voters in the first of 1910's two general elections.
Miss Davison's Funeral Miss Davison's Funeral
Non-Fiction 1913 2 mins Silent Location: Bloomsbury
The funeral procession of suffragette Emily Davison - fatally injured at the Epsom Derby - passes through London to her final resting place in Morpeth.
To Defend the East Coast To Defend the East Coast
Non-Fiction 1914 1 mins Silent Location: Eltham
Magnificent artillery horses and their youthful riders parade the streets of Eltham as rapt locals look on.
Looping the Loop at Hendon Looping the Loop at Hendon
Non-Fiction 1914 1 mins Silent Location: Hendon
Spectacular feats of early aviation at Hendon Aerodrome, North London.
Old London Old London
Non-Fiction 1914 6 mins Silent Location: Westminster
A revealing tour of London's notable buildings - some now lost for ever - which uncovers their intriguing histories.
None to Bless None to Bless
Student film 1965 15 mins Location: London
Moving, bitter documentary showing the harsh reality of life for London’s working class senior citizens in impoverished areas.
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.