The Little Theatre Cinema is set to present a screening of a long-lost documentary featuring the City of Bath, footage that the venue itself had a hand in originally losing in the 1960s.
Photo courtesy of Bath in Time
Preceded by introductions from Bath historian Dr Amy Frost and broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, the film is being shown as part of the Little’s 80th birthday celebrations, and the staff will be decked-out in vintage dress for the day.
Dusty old reels tucked away in the corner of the projection room were revealed as the rare film of Bath from 1952.
It is thought that the Little borrowed the film in the 1960s then forgot to return it. On sending the film to the BFI, the cinema was told that this was footage that had been considered lost for many years.
Bath: Queen of the West will be shown on Sunday 25th September at 3.00.
The travel documentary, presented by Richard Dimbleby, shows a different Bath from the one we know now, before the bulldozers did their work in the 1960s, and with walls still covered in soot.
Broadcast as part of the About Britain series, the programme takes in the Roman Baths, where the presenter talks to the assistant curator about excavations on the site.
The programme also features a history of the city, the roles of figures such as Beau Nash and Ralph Allen, and stunning architecture including Prior Park, the Royal Crescent and Circus.
Dimbleby explores local traditional industries, discovering how Bath stone is cut in a nearby quarry and how gold leaf is applied to book covers at a bindery.
This is followed by a visit to local author Horace Annersley Vachell, then in his 91st year, before ending with a trip to Bath Abbey.
Dick Fiddy, of the BFI, said: “This is a genuine new find from the early days of TV and an intriguing travelogue featuring a fascinating look at Bath of the 1950s.”
The screening will be introduced by Dr Amy Frost, who will talk about Bath’s architectural heritage as exhibited in the film.
There will also be a few words from ex-Bathonian Jonathan Dimbleby, whose first chance it will be to see what his dad had to say about his old home city. There will also be some images on screen from Bath in Time.
Manager Martin Jennings-Wright said: “When we came across this material we had no idea it would be such a find!
“We are very grateful to the BFI for permitting the screening and for the Bath Preservation Trust and Bath in Time for lending such support.
“It’s exciting to be able to show this material at last, and it will be very interesting to see what the people of Bath make of this window on the past.”
Tickets are available from www.picturehouses.co.uk or via 0871 902 5735.
