This film is part of Free
John Daniel
John Daniel, a tame gorilla, plays with his human friends in this early amateur film
Overview
This early home movie sees John Daniel - a tame gorilla brought back to the UK from Africa by Major Rupert Penny - taking tea in the garden, helping to fetch water and even untying shoelaces. Keeping a wild animal at home is undoubtedly problematic for modern viewers, but this ambitious amateur film is nonetheless fascinating, offering a glimpse of eccentric upper-middle class leisure pursuits in the early 20th century.
Related
Visit to Germany Visit to Germany
Home movie 1936 28 mins Silent
Lloyd George tours the sights of Nazi Germany while his chauffeurs lark about with an SS Officer in this grimly fascinating film.
Family and Friends Family and Friends
Home movie 1962 24 mins Silent
An intimate portrait of the family life of the Taberhams, including Ruth and Tigger Cat at Christmastime, idling in the garden, and a wedding.
Cwrt-yr-Ala - Twins Cwrt-yr-Ala - Twins
Home movie 1948 8 mins Silent Location: Michaelston-le-Pit
A newly-built, dream home in Michaelston-le-Pit, Cardiff, where industrialist H H Merrett’s grandchildren have ample space to play.
George's Party and Porthcawl Prom George's Party and Porthcawl Prom
Home movie 1957 14 mins Silent Location: Porthcawl
Socialising at home - on George’s birthday, perhaps, and at Christmas – and walking the promenade.
Arthur Conan Doyle Relaxes with his Family at Windlesham Arthur Conan Doyle Relaxes with his Family at Windlesham
Amateur film 1929 17 mins Silent
The creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, relaxes with his family in Windlesham and goes on tour to Egypt, Africa and Australia
Golden Wedding At Ellel House Golden Wedding At Ellel House
Home movie 1950 4 mins Silent Location: Galgate
50 years together - congratulations! A family celebration of a long and happy married life.
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.