This film is part of Free
Ten Bob in Winter
An early classic of Black British cinema about the intriguing social dynamics that arise as a ten shilling note is passed around the black community.
Overview
An early classic of Black British cinema about the intriguing social dynamics that arise as a ten shilling note is passed around the black community. A student borrows ten bob from a white man and then in turn lends it to a natty musician. Later, when the student meets an upstanding member of the community he ignores the musician who is trying to return the note.
With its witty theorem that the influence of the British class system extends well beyond indigenous citizens, and its authentic focus on issues of black culture, Ten Bob in Winter is one of the most notable shorts to come out of the BFI Experimental Film Fund. Fresh and experimental yet still light and accessible, the film eschews dialogue for a jazz-rap style narration (by Reckford himself) reminiscent of Langston Hughes, while a sparky jazz soundtrack is provided by the Joe Harriott Quintet.
Related
SLR SLR
Drama 2013 23 mins Location: London
A twisted short film from Stephen Fingleton, director of The Survivalist. A man obsessed with βvoyeur pornographyβ meets his match in the form of a photographer known only by his online username ANORAK.
Christmas Play Christmas Play
1959 18 mins
Taking the lid off the creative process - of a group of theatrically-minded 11-year-olds as they stage the nativity.
Amelia and the Angel Amelia and the Angel
Amateur film 1958 26 mins Location: South Kensington
A young angel scours London for her wings in this tender short by the young Ken Russell.
Dead Hungry Dead Hungry
Comedy 2009 10 mins
A hungry zombie finds love while terrorising teenage campers in this gruesome but fun twist on the zombie movie.
The London Story The London Story
Comedy 1986 16 mins Location: Waterloo Sta
Sally Potter's lively dance film about spies and government intrigue.
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Coronation Scenes Coronation Scenes
Amateur film 1937 6 mins Silent Location: Westminster
The streets of Westminster and Camberwell are festooned with bunting and banners in preparation for the Coronation of George VI in this remarkable colour film from A E Ford.
Royal Wedding 1947 Royal Wedding 1947
Amateur film 1947 3 mins Silent Location: Westminster
Inhabit the unique perspective of an amateur filmmaker in the crowd at the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten, 1947.
Candidate for Murder Candidate for Murder
Amateur film 1951 6 mins Location: Westminster
A film-noir unpacking the various self-reflexive thoughts one might fall victim to after committing the ultimate sin, with a twist ending.
VJ Day in Central London VJ Day in Central London
Documentary 1945 2 mins Silent Location: Westminster
This nostalgic and charming window into VJ Day celebrations has its eye on all, from the soldiers and civilians to the local wildlife.
Southport AJEX Parade 1976 Southport AJEX Parade 1976
Amateur film 1976 6 mins Silent Location: Westminster
Southport branch of the Association of Jewish Ex-Service Men & Women join up with other groups in London for the annual Rememberance Parade.
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
Documentary 2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of childrenβs palliative care.
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.