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Love Letters and High Wires: Highlights from the GPO Film Unit

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Some of the most playful British films of the 1930s are highlighted in this witty collection of pre-war gems. The General Post Office Film Unit was was headed by 'father of documentary' John Grierson, and nurtured some of Britain's greatest ever film talents. The films chosen here highlight their remarkable range and skill, and are a marvellous account of a different age

N or NW (Dir. Len Lye 1938) A lovers' reconciliation is derailed by an errant postcode

Love on the Wing (Dir. Norman McLaren 1939) Animation advocating the Empire Airmail Service.

The Fairy of the Phone (Dir. William Coldstream 1936) Mr. Parsnip receives prim instructions on how to use the telephone.

The Horsey Mail (Dir. Pat Jackson 1938) Postmen Bob and Claude struggle against East Anglian floods.

Trade Tattoo (Dir. Len Lye 1937) Colourful animation - 'post early to bolster trade!'

A Midsummer Day's Work (Dir. Unknown 1939) In the countryside work begins on a new telephone line.

The Tocher (Dir. Lotte Reiniger 1938) Silhouettes tell of a boy winning favour with his girlfriend's father.

Night Mail (Dirs. Harry Watt, Basil Wright 1936) A landmark film: the Down Postal Service’s nocturnal delivery is set to W.H. Auden’s cantering verse.

"Eccentric miniatures of wonder and wit" – The Independent

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