British Pathe

Reel 1. A group of young boys (6 - 10 years old?) play football in a park. One of the boys has a dog (Staffordshire Bull Terrier?) which is attached to a park bench by a lead. C/U of ball being kicked then boy in shorts running after it. M/S of policeman walking towards camera - he is gesticulating...

Reel 1. A group of young boys (6 - 10 years old?) play football in a park. One of the boys has a dog (Staffordshire Bull Terrier?) which is attached to a park bench by a lead. C/U of ball being kicked then boy in shorts running after it. M/S of policeman walking towards camera - he is gesticulating at the boys that they can't play football in the park. They look at the policeman and there is a C/U of one of the boys shrugging his shoulders and complaining. "What is the world made for if not to provide a glorious great place in which to play..." says narrator. Boy collects his dog from the bench - dog nearly pulls him over. Boys play football in a grey city street. Group of younger children and two girls sit on a wall and watch. Narrator speaks of how nearly a thousand children every year are killed because the street is not the proper place to play. Group of boys sitting on the wall shout and laugh. Various shots of boys playing football - the ball smashes a window. The boys look sheepish then run off down the street. Narrator demands that there be playgrounds within scooting distance of every child's home - to keep children away from the Juvenile Courts and out of the cemeteries! Mayor Councillor Kemp opens gates to a new playground in Bermondsey. Visiting dignitaries and stars of stage and screen inspect the facilities. Stars include Ronald Shiner. Members of the public follow the celebrities. C/U of children in the crowd. The playground was a present from the Variety Club of Great Britain. M/S of Ronald Shiner pushing a child on a swing. A female star (not recognised) does the same. Three starlets sit on a rocking horse type ride with lots of children. C/U of one of the women taking off her hat and putting it on the head of a baby. National Playing Fields Association is talked of. M/S of Prince Philip shaking hands - presumably with members on the board of the NPFA. M/S of young girl presenting flowers to Queen Elizabeth who is in evening wear. Another girl presents flowers to Princess Margaret. John Mills accompanies the royals. The Taverners Ball - various shots of the guests seated at large round tables. The cabaret entertainment includes a comedy cricket routine - presumably played out by stage and screen stars - in L/S so can't identify players. The Queen and Margaret laugh and applaud. L/S of large playing field. C/U of Prince Philip in striped blazer walking by a marquee with the Earl Marshall Duke of Norfolk. Philip tosses a coin and the charity cricket match begins.

Various shots of the game and of the crowd of spectators. Prince Philip bowls as the Duke of Norfolk goes up to bat. C/U of film star Betty Hutton arm in arm with a lady Mayor. They are visiting a playground. Various shots of crowds and Betty Hutton. C/U of Betty kissing a young girl on the cheek. Betty has a go on one of the children's swings. L/S of six children being pushed on swings. Convoy of cars shot from following car passes under a sign reading: "Welcome to Bletchley." Prince Philip cuts a tape to open a new playing field. L/S of some girls playing "catch", boys playing football and two boys riding on a seesaw. C/U of sing reading: "Welcome to Treviscoe." Prince Philip arrives and shakes hands with local dignitaries. Various shots of Prince and of the crowds. Young girl in a white dress (looking very cold as everyone else is in overcoats) curtseys and presents Philip with a flower. C/U of Taunton city plaque. C/U of a tablet presented from the citizens of Taunton Massachusetts to the people of Taunton England. C/U of two boys on a seesaw. Photographer takes pictures of the children playing Two children are dressed up as a King and Queen and sit astride a toy locomotive.