In the early 1930s, a little girl called Mary was filmed by her father eating sand on a beach, sitting in her pushchair, throwing sticks for a dog, pushing a pram, riding a pony and playing with her family. 75 years later, in February 2009, Mary’s London neighbour created a film from the original home movies to celebrate Mary’s 80th birthday, sound-tracking it with “Remember” by Harry Nilsson.
The footage contains a surprise at 1:30.
Gosh! When the ‘surprise’ appears I fair enough welled up. What an astonishing moment.
Wow! (Don’t reveal what the surprise is, anyone! it is indeed spectacular.)
Absolutely beautiful film. My daughter is named Mary which just increased the poignancy for me.
suprise at 1:30? I did not see anything! what am i missing?!
I edited this piece of film and put it to music. Thank you for featuring it here on your excellent website and for your beautifully written introduction. I wish you had told me about it. It’s nice to be appreciated…even nicer to know about it!
I also made this clip about the 80 year old little girl that you might appreciate:-
http://vimeo.com/4448583
Thank you for such a positive comment Peter. I am sorry not to have told you that your film had been featured on “How to be a Retronaut”. I confess to deliberately not telling, as I wanted you to find it organically, and for it to be a surprise – which you did, and it was. I found this film to be extremely moving, and so have many of the people who have commented on it. Thank you for creating such a powerful way of looking at the passage of time.
For me, the surprise was not the ones Chris mentioned,
but one angled shot on Mary in the pram…& then the complete recognition at the end.
Great choice of soundtrack, Peter.
It was the first item I came to on your site, Chris I visit daily & have recommended it to several people I deem
suitable.
I thought I knew what the surprise was until I heard that Duke welled up. I think I’m missing something personal?
I believe it is the Hindenburg zeppelin.
I loved this~I thought it was so beautiful ~:o)
Slack-jawed here. What an amazing surprise and what a lovely lady. Well done.
Aw no video player is appearing on the page =(
Just made me cry.. what a lovely little girl and a beautiful family!! So sweet!
so lovely!
does anyone know if the suprise is the famous thing i think it is? i know that was circa 1931-37.
the surprise is Mary’s famous father. Sorry spoiler
Lovely. Thank you.
What beautiful moments to remember and share. Just beautiful. Thank you for sharing.