Look at Life
Look at Life was a regular British series of short documentary films of which 507 were produced between 1959 and 1969 by the Special Features Division of the Rank Organisation for screening in their Odeon and Gaumont cinemas. The films always preceded the main feature film that was being shown in the cinema that week. It replaced the circuit's newsreel, Universal News, which had become increasingly irrelevant in the face of more immediate news media, particularly on television with the launch of ITN on the Independent Television service, which began broadcasting in parts of the United Kingdom in 1955.
40 episodes
- 1. MarrakeshView of Marrakesh, men riding on donkeys whilst commentary describes the position of Marrakesh CU of a camel. Camels being led: the market place: Arabs meet to talk or to drive a bargain: commentary gives a brief history of MarrakeshUCCJan 1, 1959
- 2. Follow The StarsLooking at the stars from the astrologer’s, the astronomer’s and the radio-astronomer’s point of view.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 3. The Doctor SuggestsShows how hypnotism has developed from being a stage entertaiment to being a useful tool in the hands of the doctors.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 4. A Marriage Is ArrangedNo synopsis available yet.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 5. Jumping To AintreeNo synopsis available yet.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 6. Ticket To TokyoNo synopsis available yet.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 7. Letting Off SteamNo synopsis available yet.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 8. A Dog’s LifeDogs as pets, including the Queen’s corgis, and as working dogs - gun dogs, sheep dogs, guide dogs, police dogs and guard dogs. Also shows breeders, veterinarians, the People’s DispensaryUCC15minJan 15, 1959
- 9. Market PlaceSupermarkets contrasted with London street markets.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 10. Cause For AlarmPresent day methods to prevent crime often employ mechanical means to give warning.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 11. New Roads For OldNo synopsis available yet.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 12. A Car Is BornNo synopsis available yet.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 13. Saving FaceA look at the cosmetics industry.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 14. The Divided CityTravelogue - Berlin. Panning aerial shots: the Mayor’s offices: Emperor William Memorial Church (94): Willy Brandt, Mayor of West Berlin, arriving in London on April 21st 1959 for discussionUCCJan 15, 1959
- 15. Operation Noah’s ArkOperation Noah’s Ark’ devoted to rescuing animals from an island which was flooded by the Zambesi river.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 16. Down London RiverTravelogue of the River Thames. Shot of: Big Ben: the Embankment: people boarding a pleasure boat at Westminster: people buy tickets: the steamer sets off: the Houses of ParliamentUCCJan 15, 1959
- 17. Coffee BarCoffee bars and their clientele.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 18. Garden Of TomorrowA trip around the Chelsea Flower Show.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 19. Derby DayA look at the tradition of Derby Day.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 20. Money TalksA look at the financial institutions of London, including the Royal Mint.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 21. Flight On A CushionLooks at the development of the Saunders-Roe SR.N1 hovercraft, the first full-size experimental model, and its maiden flight across the English Channel. Includes an interview with Christopher Sydney Cockerell, inventor of the hovercraft, who demonstrates his original model made of tin cans, and Peter Lamb, test pilot for the hovercraft.UCC10minJan 15, 1959
- 22. Talking Of CoachesA look at the advances in coach travel.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 23. SeawayThe St Lawrence Seaway and its impact on Canada.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 24. Kings Of SpeedA look at the motor racing industry and the part played by British cars and British drivers.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 25. Making An EffortNo synopsis available yet.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 26. Village Of ViolinsThe violin making industry in Mittenwald in the Bavarian Alps.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 27. The Black ArrowsExplores the internationally famous formation team and their aerobatic daring in Hunter jets.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 28. Ceremonial SoldierA day in the life of a guardsman.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 29. Alpine RescueJust four men, Swiss glacier pilots, have mastered the art of landing light aircraft on the glaciers and snowfields of the Alps, rescuing injured or stranded climbers in situations difficult toUCCJan 15, 1959
- 30. Down On The FarmThe Royal Agricultural Show and the agricultural industry.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 31. Shopping For A "Queen"Every fortnight the liner the Queen Elisabeth has to be completely restocked and this is a mammoth housekeeping operation which has to be completed in 48 hours.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 32. Channel TunnelThe possibilities of the construction of a Channel Tunnel.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 33. Harvest of HopsThe annual trip to the hop fields in Kent by people living in the East End of London.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 34. Pony TaleA film of a pony from the time it is rounded up in the forest until, with its young rider astride, it enters for the high spot of the pony-riding year.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 35. Sailing The SkyThe sport of gliding.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 36. Dustmen’s DayThe collection of refuse and its disposal.UCCJan 8, 1959
- 37. Let’s Go DancingA survey of all that dancing involves from teenage rock ‘n’ roll sessions to exhibition ballroom dancing.UCCJan 15, 1959
- 38. Soldier AbroadThe British Army on the Rhine.UCCJan 22, 1959
- 39. Island Of MenA tour of Fair Isle, in the Shetlands, where live three times as many men as women.UCCJan 29, 1959
- 40. BullfighterDealing with the professional work of Vincent Hitchcock, the British bullfighter; shots of him training and in action.UCCFeb 5, 1959
Look at Life
Look at Life was a regular British series of short documentary films of which 507 were produced between 1959 and 1969 by the Special Features Division of the Rank Organisation for screening in their Odeon and Gaumont cinemas. The films always preceded the main feature film that was being shown in the cinema that week. It replaced the circuit's newsreel, Universal News, which had become increasingly irrelevant in the face of more immediate news media, particularly on television with the launch of ITN on the Independent Television service, which began broadcasting in parts of the United Kingdom in 1955.
Creators and cast
- Studio
- The Rank Organisation Special Features Division
Maturity rating
UCheck the rating before watching with younger viewers.
Audio languages
English
Where to watch
Not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service.
Details and artwork from TMDB. Availability from JustWatch and can change without notice.