Alive and Kicking

Arsenal footballers including Ted Drake, Eddie Hapgood and Cliff Bastin show off their skills in training for this council film to promote healthy living.

Made by the “health propaganda department” of Bermondsey Borough Council, this film shows Arsenal players demonstrating their skills including heading, shooting and throw-ins. Features good shots inside Highbury, from the unglamorous boot room to the pitch, as well as of several Arsenal stars. Also has some slow-motion footage of Hapgood booting the ball to show his technique. An interesting film, showing how Arsenal were the most forward-thinking team of the era.