Leeds nostalgia: Leeds Movie Makers

Before there are any pictures, a young girl’s voice announces, ‘Ladies and gentlemen welcome to our Christmas film show.’

See the film here.

A group of children then break into song with ‘Silent Night’. The film then starts up with the title, ‘Rock Follies’, against a background of young children accompanied by the music of juke box jury. Names are given: Katy, Nicky, Clare and Lee, and the children appear playing in a living room. One of the children, with headphones on, puts on a 45 record - the music that accompanied the ‘muscle man’ on the TV programme ‘Opportunity Knocks’. A small boy goes over to ask a slightly bigger girl for a dance and they take to the floor. She is dressed for the occasion, and he gives her a quick kiss at the end. The small boy playing the DJ puts on another record, ‘Modern Millie’ - the music coming from a reel-to-reel tape behind the DJ - and a different boy and girl take to the floor with enthusiasm, trying out several moves. Next up is ‘Nutbush City Limits’ and three children dance with even greater vigour. With Slade singing ‘Merry Christmas’ the children take up guitar and tambourine, before tiredness takes over.

After this the film continues with a small girl tidying up and playing with her toys. There is a microphone under the Christmas tree, and she walks up to the camera and glaring into it close up. Then a baby is bathed and has a nappy put on. There is a look at a cake and buffet before the baby is shown off to the camera by her parents. Next the whole family gather at the church for the baby’s christening, followed by the baby’s first year birthday party. This is another occasion with some children dancing, with four girls and the baby dancing along to Bucks Fizz.

The final scenes include the baby, slightly older, playing in an inflatable dingy in the garden.