Aarchive Shop Has Moved
Aarchive Films has now passed on the DVD sales to Wolverton Rail. Established in 1987, Wolverton has been selling railway DVDs and videos for many years and have an impressive catalogue of over 4500 titles about steam, trains, locomotives and more.
When you click on a link below, it will take you to the Wolverton Rail site.
Plymouth Series
Sadly, I am no longer selling the DVDs of the Plymouth Series. They are all free to watch online, on our YouTube channel.
There are links below of each of the videos. Some of which have been updated, with the others a work in progress.
DOCK IN THE HAMOAZE
A unique collection of archive film footage from 1907, plus rare photographs and slides, tells the story of the development of Devonport and its dockyard from 1691 to 1971. The film includes a series of visuals of famous ships associated with the dock and takes us back to 1907 to see the launching of HMS Lion, which became the flagship of Admiral Beaty during the 1st World War. It’s all here, including the launching of HMS Plymouth and the sea trials of HMS Scylla. Most of this visual material is now available for the very first time on video.
The film also tells of the great dockyard fires, the execution cell and unique moving images of the workforce in action at the height of the yard’s activity. Also included is a record of the last passenger train service.
JOINT PROJECT – BRIDGING THE TAMAR
When Roger Lilley first viewed the 16mm print of Reg Blackett’s film of the building of the Tamar Road Bridge, he was so thrilled that he just had to make it into a film documentary. The images were recorded from 1959 to 1961 and Reg was able, with the permission of the contractors, to film from the top of the towers while building was in progress. His detailed script was of such interest that most of it has been included in the narration.
The unique journey of the last Saltash ferry is included, together with the official opening of the bridge by HM The Queen Mother in 1962. The film not only captures the visual images of the construction but also gives valuable insight into some of the major engineering works.
In September 1995 the bridge is due to be closed for a night for vital inspections. Aarchive’s film cameraman will be there to capture the event to round off this unique and exclusive documentary.
PLYMOUTH – POLICING A CITY
The Plymouth Constabulary formed in 1836, served the community for over 130 years until 1967, when a parade was held in the city centre to make the end of the force under Plymouth’s control. This documentary chronicles its history from those days and, with the aid of unique archive movie film, shows how the police were highly active in the1920’s distributing the Parish Fund, a forerunner to Social Security.
Also featured is a superb road safety film, inspired by the Chief Constable in 1926, showing, amongst other thing, how to board a tram. The war years are also featured together with the story of an unexploded bomb hit Greenbank Police Station and two German pilots were captured in the same day. With other rare photographs and movie film, this documentary is a history brought to life for all to see, in part, the policing of the City of Plymouth over the years.
PLYMOUTH’S HISTORICAL FERRIES AND BRIDGES
The Plymouth Constabulary formed in 1836, served the community for over 130 years until 1967, when a parade was held in the city centre to make the end of the force under Plymouth’s control. This documentary chronicles its history from those days and, with the aid of unique archive movie film, shows how the police were highly active in the1920’s distributing the Parish Fund, a forerunner to Social Security.
Also featured is a superb road safety film, inspired by the Chief Constable in 1926, showing, amongst other thing, how to board a tram. The war years are also featured together with the story of an unexploded bomb hit Greenbank Police Station and two German pilots were captured in the same day. With other rare photographs and movie film, this documentary is a history brought to life for all to see, in part, the policing of the City of Plymouth over the years.
PLYMOUTH’S RISE FROM THE ASHES
The effect of the 2nd World War left Plymouth’s city centre in ashes, but 1947 saw the beginning of the reconstruction in earnest. As the workmen moved in, Cyril Miller, a Plymouth amateur cinematographer, was there to record for future generations the gradual rebuilding of the main city centre.
The images in this unique documentary stretch from 1947 to 1964 and cover the city centre redevelopment, the opening by HM Queen Elizabeth II of the Civic Centre and other events, including the 1960’s demolition and redevelopment of Drake’s Circus. To complement the archive images, Roger Underwood filmed the modern city to show the completion of the Plan for Plymouth originated in 1943. Produced and directed by Roger Lilley, this film is a compelling record for all who live in the city of Plymouth. Additional archive material supplied by Reginald Blackett.
PLYMOUTH’S ROARING TWENTIES
Plymouth born Reginald Blackett has been a film enthusiast for most of his life. A good job too, because he has lovingly preserved for us the incredible images on this video dating back to the 1920s. Not only did he preserve them, but also carefully transferred the old master material to 16mm film, sometimes frame by frame, so that future Plymouth generations could enjoy their heritage.
In this film we are treated to the antics and capers of people of old Plymouth as they romp through Plymouth, Devonport and Milehouse in a pram push. The 7 O’clock Regulars are featured in their daily swim gear at Plymouth pier and a host of people of the past doing daft things. Considering its age, the film images are of very good quality, but it’s the antics of our ancestors that make this film a fitting record of Plymouth’s Roaring 20s!