Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Film Archive is a free public access resource for teachers, students, historians and anyone who has an interest in moving images. Spanning from 1897 to the present day, the films in the Digital Film Archive cover all aspects of life in Northern Ireland and includes everything from dramas to documentaries, newsreels and features, animation to amateur footage.
This film is part of Free
Davy Jones
World's smallest man takes new car for test drive
In partnership with:
Overview
Standing just two foot, two inches tall, Davy Jones was at one time the world's smallest man. Here he explains how his Jaguar car has been modified to meet his particular requirements. Davy also gives an insight into his showbiz life, recalling how he once bested 'The Gorgeous Gael', the six foot, three inches tall actor, Jack Doyle.
This material is courtesy of the UTV archive. The specially made Jaguar is now part of the collection of the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum. Jack Doyle, the subject of Davy's anecdote, led an eventful life. He appeared in a number of films, starring in McGluskey the Sea Rover (1934) and Navy Spy (1937). Aside from his career in Holywood, he also fought as a professional boxer and was a celebrated tenor singer - signed by Decca Records, he performed at venues including the London Palladium. His private life was no less colourful. Doyle was famously involved with the actress Movita Castaneda - Marlon Brando's future wife.
Related
Watch for free
Landmarks of Lisburn Landmarks of Lisburn
News 1960 6 mins Silent Location: Lisburn
Take a tour through the Lisburn of yesteryear
Watch for free
The Sash My Father Wore The Sash My Father Wore
Amateur film 1971 6 mins Location: Lisburn
Is mythology stronger than history? Listen to children’s takes on why they commemorate the Battle of the Boyne.
Watch for free
The Last Horse-Drawn Tram in Ireland The Last Horse-Drawn Tram in Ireland
Amateur film 1954 22 mins Silent Location: Mullan
Travel through the ages and experience the last horse drawn tram in Ireland. As steam and horses give way to diesel and electric witness N. Ireland whilst they still share the road.
Watch for free
The Swansong of Steam The Swansong of Steam
Amateur film 1970 17 mins Silent Location: Ardee
Steam locomotives await their fate as a new era dawns. Witness final working year of steam and the burgeoning nostalgic tours of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland.
Watch for free
Full Steam Ahead to Dublin Full Steam Ahead to Dublin
Amateur film 1966 11 mins Silent Location: Belfast
Take a stroll through a forgotten Belfast on your way to catch the steam train to Dublin. Experience the city centre before it is reshaped by violence and regeneration.
Watch for free
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.