The North East Film Archive is one of a network of regional film archives established to collect, preserve and show film made in, or about the North East of England. Our collections are non-fiction, and date from the early 1900s to the present day, providing a rich record of life in the region over the 20th century. Many of our films are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
V.T.O.L
Jet set thrills at a 1969 Royal Air Force Exhibition on the Town Moor in Newcastle.
From the collection of:
Overview
The RAF have flown in to Newcastle. Crowds on the Town Moor enjoy gymnastics, motorcycle and aerial displays but the true star of this formidable exhibition is a revolutionary and slightly ominous Harrier Jump Jet. The filmmaker’s husband was a military man with honorary guest status, which explains her extraordinary access to the military hardware. Her son looks scarily at home with anti-aircraft guns and minesweepers in this pre-video games era.
This film was produced by the Middlesbrough-based amateur camerawoman Betty Cook, who was also the President of the Cleveland Cine Club and the North East Cine Society. She filmed many events in the north east region from the 1960s through to the 1980s.
Related
Watch for free
Bingo Bingo
Amateur film 1965 9 mins Silent Location: Jesmond
A business man’s luck runs out when he tries to lose a kitsch bingo prize at the Hoppings fair.
Watch for free
28 June 1967: Town Moor Hoppings 28 June 1967: Town Moor Hoppings
News 1967 6 mins Location: Town Moor
A rap on rain and rates with Britain’s first black British broadcaster and the travelling showpeople at the Hoppings funfair in Newcastle.
Watch for free
Bridges on the River Tyne Bridges on the River Tyne
Amateur film 1957 5 mins Silent Location: Town Moor
A pleasure flight from Newcastle Airport wings its way along the Tyne in the 1950s.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: La Haine New Perspectives: La Haine
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Charlie Hammersley, a student from Northumbria University, explains how Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film holds up a mirror to society.
Watch for free
Dreamers Q&A Dreamers Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
The film-makers behind a haunting tale of love and community within a UK immigration detention centre visited the BFI Southbank to discuss their film.
Watch for free
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 50 mins
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation at BFI Southbank, discussing the making of One Battle After Another.
Watch for free
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
Watch for free
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Watch for free
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.