The Box is a major cultural and heritage attraction and archive, which opened in Plymouthβs city centre in September 2020. Its collection, formally the South West Film and Television Archive (SWFTA), is the regional film archive for the South West of England, comprising the combined programme libraries of Westward Television and Television South West (TSW). It also includes a significant number of donated film collections dating back to the early 1890s.
This film is part of Free

Joan's Birthday Party
It's party time in Bournemouth in the pioneering decade that set the standard for change
From the collection of:

Overview
The 1920s is an important decade for film and for political, cultural and societal change. This film illustrates style and fashion with bob haircuts, the Mary Jane ankle strap button shoe, loose clothing and the dropped waistline of the shift or chemise dress. What is charming is a child staring down the lens of a moving image camera and early examples of photobombing. So while women's hemlines were rising towards their pearls, the next generation was making its mark.
Joan's father and grandfather had a keen interest in amateur filmmaking and opened the first camera shop in Bournemouth. These are part of Joan's home movie collection and capture the party at a time when the 16mm film format was commercialised in the 1920s. 16mm safety film was introduced by Eastman Kodak in 1923 and became a standard in the non-professional market. A year prior to this, Pathé Frères introduced 9.5mm film with its single central sprocket and these also form part of Joan's home movie collection. By 1932 8mm had been introduced and was to become the true home movie format before the introduction of the video home system (VHS) and digital formats.
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 Merrettβs 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 Georgeβs birthday, perhaps, and at Christmas β 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.

Arundel, Poole and Lulworth Cove Arundel, Poole and Lulworth Cove
Amateur film 1938 4 mins Silent Location: Arundel
Join Sydney Bligh's whistle stop tour of Southern beauty spots - calling at Arundel, Poole Harbour and the dramatic sea ravaged cliffs at Stair Hole, Dorset

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.