Subscribe today using voucher code SUMMER22 for an extended free trial

Free

Ordinary and Extraordinary Lives

Home movies give us unique permission to step inside the lives of people who we've never met and never will.

Home movies are always acutely personal - in subject and perspective - and most were never intended for audiences beyond family and close friends. But even so, these private films share generously with the uninitiated stranger. Watching home movies transports us into other lives and other times, where the actions of people we never knew, in places we've never visited, resonate with our own memories. The home movies of the stars, the rich and the famous, the royals - see past the familiar faces and they're much like anyone's: intimate film portraits of loved people and places, colourful moving picture albums of experience and emotion. These simple point-and-shoot home movies seem to connect with the past in a profoundly authentic way - their images unfiltered by filmmaking technique and artifice.

Read more Close
Watch for free

Visit to GermanyVisit to Germany

Home movie 1936 28 minsSilent

Lloyd George tours the sights of Nazi Germany while his chauffeurs lark about with an SS Officer in this grimly fascinating film.

Watch for free

Family and FriendsFamily and Friends

Home movie 1962 24 minsSilent

An intimate portrait of the family life of the Taberhams, including Ruth and Tigger Cat at Christmastime, idling in the garden, and a wedding.

Watch for free

Cwrt-yr-Ala - TwinsCwrt-yr-Ala - Twins

Home movie 1948 8 minsSilent 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.

Watch for free

George's Party and Porthcawl PromGeorge's Party and Porthcawl Prom

Home movie 1957 14 minsSilent Location: Porthcawl

Socialising at home - on George’s birthday, perhaps, and at Christmas – and walking the promenade.

Watch for free

Arthur Conan Doyle Relaxes with his Family at WindleshamArthur Conan Doyle Relaxes with his Family at Windlesham

Amateur film 1929 17 minsSilent

The creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, relaxes with his family in Windlesham and goes on tour to Egypt, Africa and Australia

Watch for free

Golden Wedding At Ellel HouseGolden Wedding At Ellel House

Home movie 1950 4 minsSilent Location: Galgate

50 years together - congratulations! A family celebration of a long and happy married life.

Watch for free

Astor Home Movies No. 1Astor Home Movies No. 1

Home movie 1920 87 minsSilent Location: Cliveden

Astor family and friends at play, from boating on the River Thames to fishing in Scotland and riding at Cliveden.

Watch for free

Amateur Film of Rudyard KiplingAmateur Film of Rudyard Kipling

Home movie 1935 3 minsSilent Location: Bateman's

Paddleboats ahoy! Charming film of Rudyard Kipling and young family guests on the ponds of his Sussex estate.

Watch for free

David Lean Home Movies - ItalyDavid Lean Home Movies - Italy

Home movie 1950 8 minsSilent

Colour home movie shot by British director David Lean while on holiday in Italy with his then wife, actress Ann Todd.

Watch for free

King's Visit to North Wales: David Lloyd George Personal FilmKing's Visit to North Wales: David Lloyd George Personal Film

Home movie 1937 10 minsSilent Location: Caernarfon

Crowds throng the streets of Caernarvon to glimpse King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, in this amateur film by Lloyd George's driver.

Watch for free

Saga of Valerie Jean DouglasSaga of Valerie Jean Douglas

Home movie 1949 50 mins

An epic tale of one girl's life from the ages of one to 22, lovingly filmed by her dad.

Watch for free

A Movie Letter from HomeA Movie Letter from Home

Training film/TV programme 1943 7 minsSilent Location: Wealdstone

An unusual, poignant piece of wartime correspondence showing how movies can be used to comfort those who are far away.

Watch for free

The Pioneers of NudismThe Pioneers of Nudism

Amateur film 1938 27 minsSilent Location: Bricket Wood

If you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise...

Watch for free

Johnny Wardle Home Movies - England in Australia 1958/59; Centenary Test, 1977Johnny Wardle Home Movies - England in Australia 1958/59; Centenary Test, 1977

Amateur film 1958 59 minsSilent

Sabrina bowls! The 50s bombshell takes centre stage - and the attention away from some wonderful cricket footage.

Watch for free

Shoreham Peeps 1Shoreham Peeps 1

Amateur film 1962 35 mins Location: Shoreham-By-Sea

A local epic about Shoreham-by-Sea featuring bin-men, carnivals, Morris dancers, a beauty contest and Britain's famous and favourite crooner, Frankie Vaughan.

Watch for free

SquatpartySquatparty

Amateur film 1981 17 mins Location: Putney

Female punks have fun boozing, smoking and talking in this fascinating film by London lifestyle chronicler Captain Zip.

Watch for free

This is a B.D.D.A. film taken by members of Cardiff BranchThis is a B.D.D.A. film taken by members of Cardiff Branch

Amateur film 1935 13 minsSilent Location: Brecon/Aberhonddu

Weston-Super-Mare’s pier promises β€˜Happiness’, β€˜Mirth’ and β€˜Enjoyment’ and is the destination of a trip undertaken by members of the Cardiff Deaf Club, who use sign language.

Watch for free

Island ArtistIsland Artist

Amateur film 1953 20 mins Location: Bardsey Island/Ynys Enlli

At home with Brenda Chamberlain. The artist/writer from Bangor lived on Bardsey 1947-62 and is filmed there by a regular visitor to the island.

Watch for free

Mam's 80th BirthdayMam's 80th Birthday

Home movie 1970 4 minsSilent Location: Tumble

Mrs Amy Jane Richards of Upper Tumble, Carmarthenshire, mother of 7, beams as her large family gather round to celebrate her 80th birthday.

Watch for free

Gary and StuartGary and Stuart

Home movie 1964 5 minsSilent Location: Broughton

Out and about with Gary and Stuart, two lively young brothers from Lancashire.

Watch for free

Gary's 1st ChristmasGary's 1st Christmas

Home movie 1961 4 minsSilent Location: Broughton

A teddy bear, a toy telephone, and lots more for baby Gary's first Christmas.

Watch for free

Gary's ChristeningGary's Christening

Home movie 1961 8 minsSilent Location: Preston

A new baby - a cause for celebration, and the centre of attention in the household.

Watch for free

Nikil's 6th BirthdayNikil's 6th Birthday

Home movie 1978 3 minsSilent Location: Heysham

Anyone for musical chairs? Fun and games at a little boy's birthday party.

Watch for free

Christine's 21st BirthdayChristine's 21st Birthday

Home movie 1960 4 minsSilent Location: Bollington

You're only 21 once, so enjoy yourself, and celebrate with friends and family.

Watch for free

Joce and Gill at HomeJoce and Gill at Home

Amateur film 1936 28 minsSilent

Joseph Emberton's marvellous film captures the early years of daughters Jocelyn and Gill - with birthdays, Christmas and a trip to Blackpool

Watch for free

Christmas 1949Christmas 1949

Home movie 1949 4 minsSilent Location: Galgate

Merry Christmas! Anyone up for a game of table tennis to work off the turkey?

Watch for free

Southampton’s MP Films his Family and FriendsSouthampton’s MP Films his Family and Friends

Amateur film 1931 11 minsSilent Location: Hampshire

William Craven-Ellis records the antics of family and friends in his garden, on the beach and in and around Southampton

Watch for free

Relaxing in HammocksRelaxing in Hammocks

Home movie 1940 3 minsSilent Location: Didsbury

Fun with hammocks and a 'push-me-pull-you' - a relaxing afternoon in a Manchester garden can be an energetic affair.

Watch for free

Camping Holiday at SennenCamping Holiday at Sennen

Home movie 1968 1 minsSilent Location: Sennen

Steady now as handheld captures camping holiday

Watch for free

Beach Holiday at Sennen CoveBeach Holiday at Sennen Cove

Home movie 1930 9 minsSilent Location: Sennen

Holidays are close to home for the Parsons' family.

Watch for free

Basque Refugees at Stoneham and a Holiday to Lands EndBasque Refugees at Stoneham and a Holiday to Lands End

Amateur film 1937 13 minsSilent

There's something reminiscent in this home movie from the 1930s – with refugees escaping from a distant civil war to find safety in England

Watch for free

Seaside at Westgate, Monica and Jim's WeddingSeaside at Westgate, Monica and Jim's Wedding

Amateur film 1930 7 minsSilent

Leslie Goulden's amusing home movie combines beach-time fun with what could be courting couples and the wedding of Jim and Monica

Watch for free

A Family Holiday on the Isle of WightA Family Holiday on the Isle of Wight

Amateur film 1949 12 minsSilent Location: Isle of Wight

Join the Waterhouse family on their colourful holiday to the Isle of Wight with views of Chale Bay, Newport and steam trains at Ryde Esplanade

Watch for free

Distinguished Visitors Enjoy the Fly-Fishing at Bossington HouseDistinguished Visitors Enjoy the Fly-Fishing at Bossington House

Amateur film 1953 4 minsSilent Location: Bossington

Lord Brabazon, Edwin Hubble and a former American ambassador relax at Bossington House in this delightful home movie from the Fairey family

Watch for free

Marjorie Glasspool Films Her Family in AltonMarjorie Glasspool Films Her Family in Alton

Amateur film 1930 8 minsSilent Location: Hampshire

Marjorie Glasspool's home movie captures a variety of events and occasions experienced by a Hampshire family

Watch for free

Coastal Camping in CornwallCoastal Camping in Cornwall

Home movie 1971 3 minsSilent Location: Sennen

Home movie maker films family in Cornish field

Watch for free

John's 5th BirthdayJohn's 5th Birthday

Home movie 1955 11 minsSilent Location: Fulwood

For those who have rarely had times as pleasant as those of riding around the garden on a trike, in the pre-school age of innocence.

Watch for free

Christmas at Marlene's 1965Christmas at Marlene's 1965

Home movie 1965 5 minsSilent Location: Sale

Oh, you really shouldn't have, but thank you - presents and party hats for everyone at a family Christmas.

Watch for free

Domestic Scenes at 30 Devonshire RoadDomestic Scenes at 30 Devonshire Road

Home movie 1949 4 minsSilent Location: Lytham St Anne's

The alarm clock goes off and the working day starts - daily routines, up close and in colour.

Watch for free

Ireland Family New Year Party 1974/5Ireland Family New Year Party 1974/5

Home movie 1974 4 minsSilent Location: Garston

Should old acquaintance be forgot... not likely at this family get-together in Liverpool.

Watch for free

The Wedding of Billy and Joyce 25 March 1950The Wedding of Billy and Joyce 25 March 1950

Home movie 1950 9 minsSilent Location: Lancaster

Congratulations to the happy couple! A lovely record of a special day in Lancaster.

Watch for free

Norma's Birthday Party And Family Get-togetherNorma's Birthday Party And Family Get-together

Home movie 1941 10 minsSilent Location: Droylsden

Even in wartime, the fun goes on for the Hart family of Droylsden, and their friends, and dog.

Watch for free

Weddings and HolidaysWeddings and Holidays

Amateur film 1955 12 minsSilent Location: Devon

There are blizzards of confetti in this wedding montage which also features holidays in the West Country and the Empress Queen

Watch for free

Holiday in the HighlandsHoliday in the Highlands

Amateur film 1937 11 minsSilent

Join the Woolseys as they visit the Scottish Highlands - filming their relatives, pipers, castles, railways and stunning natural scenery

Watch for free

Farnborough Air ShowFarnborough Air Show

Amateur film 1961 8 minsSilent Location: Farnborough

John P Mitchell captures many famous and exotic examples of Britain's once vibrant aviation industry at the 1961 Farnborough Show

Watch for free

Local Scenes and Family PicturesLocal Scenes and Family Pictures

Amateur film 1927 14 minsSilent

Grandma and Grandad also join in the fun of this home movie - with beaches, swings & roundabouts and a medieval pageant led by Christopher Robin

Watch for free

Ross Family PicturesRoss Family Pictures

Amateur film 1933 17 minsSilent Location: Croydon

Join the Ross family and friends - and a frisky fox terrier - for fun in the garden, frolics on the beach and plane-spotting at Croydon Aerodrome

Watch for free

House of Jan and Pete: A BirthdayHouse of Jan and Pete: A Birthday

Amateur film 1984 14 mins Location: Milton Regis

Sarah celebrates her 18th birthday surrounded by family and friends - but before she gets her front-door key she must endure the 'bumps'

Watch for free

Joan's Birthday PartyJoan's Birthday Party

Home movie 1929 3 minsSilent Location: Poole Harbour

It's party time in Bournemouth in the pioneering decade that set the standard for change

Watch for free

Wedding at the Grand in PlymouthWedding at the Grand in Plymouth

Home movie 1940 1 minsSilent Location: Plymouth

A joyous occasion of marrying a man in uniform as rare moving images are taken in Plymouth.

Watch for free

Wedding Day - Jannaud Rides AgainWedding Day - Jannaud Rides Again

Home movie 1962 3 minsSilent Location: Mousehole

The beginnings of a wedding videography industry as this home movie maker shoots to fill.

Watch for free

Psyche's WeddingPsyche's Wedding

Home movie 1920 10 minsSilent Location: Devon

Bright young things thereto plight troth in a society wedding.

Watch for free

Plymouth Hoe PromenadingPlymouth Hoe Promenading

Home movie 1940 2 minsSilent Location: Plymouth

Iconic area of Plymouth Hoe is the focus for city's entertainment

Watch for free

Plymouth's Bombed Out St Andrew's ChurchPlymouth's Bombed Out St Andrew's Church

Home movie 1949 1 minsSilent Location: Plymouth

Civic and Church leaders gather for a special service in the shell of St Andrew's

Watch for free

Holidaying in the South WestHolidaying in the South West

Home movie 1950 10 minsSilent Location: Cawsand

A whistlestop tour of Devon and Cornwall is filmed in this holiday home movie.

Watch for free

Ann Feeding the Hens and Other ScenesAnn Feeding the Hens and Other Scenes

Home movie 1959 3 minsSilent Location: Bollington

Young members of the family playing, and helping with the chores.

Watch for free

The Family at Home 1950The Family at Home 1950

Home movie 1950 4 minsSilent Location: Galgate

Family life in the post-war years: domestic scenes in Lancashire.

Watch for free

A Family Get-togetherA Family Get-together

Home movie 1970 4 minsSilent Location: Bollington

Drinking and dancing and dominoes - satisfaction guaranteed for a family social evening.

Watch for free

Visit to Ravenglass and Eskdale RailwayVisit to Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

Home movie 1976 4 minsSilent Location: Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

All aboard La'al Ratty for a grand day out, steaming through the Cumbrian countryside.

Watch for free

Outing on the ThamesOuting on the Thames

Amateur film 1933 9 minsSilent Location: Henley-on-Thames

An interwar outing on the River Thames with a reminder of the Great Western Railway's influence in Birmingham.

Watch for free

Coracles, Jet Skis and the Girls' Friendly SocietyCoracles, Jet Skis and the Girls' Friendly Society

Home movie 1960 10 minsSilent Location: Cenarth

From the River Teifi and coracles at Cenarth to Fishguard and the sea around Pembrokeshire for jet-skiing, sailing and sandcastles.

Watch for free

Circus Comes to DenbighCircus Comes to Denbigh

Home movie 1960 4 minsSilent Location: Denbigh/Dinbych

A brave new world of elephants is revealed to waiting schoolchildren when 5 of the enormous pachyderms alight from a train at Denbigh station.

Watch for free

Eddie Savage's AberystwythEddie Savage's Aberystwyth

Amateur film 1950 15 minsSilent Location: Aberystwyth

Savage’s Garage in Queen’s Road, once an institution in Aberystwyth, lives again in this film showing its proprietor and his family.

Watch for free

1969 Prince Charles at U.C.W1969 Prince Charles at U.C.W

Home movie 1969 4 minsSilent Location: Aberystwyth

Well-wishers assemble to pat-a-prince as Charles enters and exits the Old College during his pre-Investiture studies at UCW Aberystwyth.

Watch for free

Wedding, 'Dolclettwr' and Farmers in ScotlandWedding, 'Dolclettwr' and Farmers in Scotland

Home movie 1965 4 minsSilent Location: Rhydlewis

A delightful duo perform on bottles and tubs in Taliesin between shots of a wedding near Rhydlewis and a sale of Welsh Black cattle in Scotland.

Watch for free

Derry and London Scenes - Adams Personal FilmDerry and London Scenes - Adams Personal Film

Amateur film 1959 2 minsSilent Location: Derry / Londonderry

Four woman pose for the camera in these amateur home movie shots taken from the streets of Derry and London in 1959.

Watch for free

Tiger Bay and The Rainbow Club - ITiger Bay and The Rainbow Club - I

Home movie 1960 39 minsSilent Location: Butetown

Tiger Bay in Cardiff's docks area: a successful, multi-cultural community, providing a variety of activities, but which is threatened by 'slum' clearance.

Watch for free

Bryan Forbes Home Movies No. 43Bryan Forbes Home Movies No. 43

Home movie 1968 3 minsSilent

Home movie shot at the Victorine Studios in Nice, France, on the set of Bryan Forbes' film The Madwoman of Chaillot.

Watch for free

Tiger Bay and The Rainbow Club - IITiger Bay and The Rainbow Club - II

Home movie 1960 65 minsSilent Location: Butetown

Cardiff's Shirley Bassey, seen here as a member of The Rainbow Club, established to promote the performing arts amongst Tiger Bay children, found the crock of gold!

Watch for free

Warminster Street Celebrations and Street ScenesWarminster Street Celebrations and Street Scenes

Amateur film 1911 7 minsSilent Location: Warminster

Long live the King - and the car! Warminster celebrates the coronation of George V with a parade of motor cars.

Watch for free

Derry Scenes - Adams Personal FilmDerry Scenes - Adams Personal Film

Amateur film 1959 6 minsSilent Location: Derry / Londonderry

Charming home movie of a London family's holiday in their homeland: back to the Bogside in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland.

Watch for free

Mark Fairbairn Home Movies: White Heather Club, Eyemouth, Scotland / Trawler LaunchMark Fairbairn Home Movies: White Heather Club, Eyemouth, Scotland / Trawler Launch

Amateur film 1967 5 minsSilent Location: Eyemouth

Eyemouth, a small town in the Scottish Borders, plays host to a popular BBC variety show.

Watch for free

John DanielJohn Daniel

Home movie 1925 7 minsSilent

John Daniel, a tame gorilla, plays with his human friends in this early amateur film

Watch for free

Phyllis Calvert Home Movies Can 4Phyllis Calvert Home Movies Can 4

Home movie 1947 108 minsSilent

Wonderfully intimate home movie shots of British star Phyllis Calvert in Hollywood.