British Pathe

London.

Long shot of a round table filled with people. This is "the world's most unusual editorial conference - the famous Punch table to which only the most distinguished literary figures and humorists are invited" - informs a voiceover. Several shots of people and drawings are shown. An art...

London.

Long shot of a round table filled with people. This is "the world's most unusual editorial conference - the famous Punch table to which only the most distinguished literary figures and humorists are invited" - informs a voiceover. Several shots of people and drawings are shown. An art editor (Bill Hewison) carves his initials on the table's surface - W. H. This is considered to be a tradition at the 'Punch' table. Some great men have carved their initials on it. Succession of C/U shots of the initials of the great men: American humorist James Thurber, novelist William Makepeace Thackeray, John Leach... and one of the three guests ever to be honoured with permission to carve their initials - Prince Philip.

The editor Bernard Hollowood and the art editor Bill Hewison are seen working at the table covered in papers. Several shots of their faces and the drawings as they work. Follow the shots of the two brilliant late 19th century illustrations: "19th century forecast of television" and "air-to-air refuelling". The first depicts two men sitting in front of a fire place watching a wall illustration (looks as if it was projected on the wall) each holding a miniature gramophone horn in their hands. The second shows a zeppelin with a sign reading "Petrol Supply Co. Ltd" throwing a barrel in the air and a man standing on the aeroplane wing fishing it with a net.

Mr Russell Brockbanck is seen working at his desk. Follows a succession of shots showing contemporary illustrations. Camera shows a clerk sorting subscription orders. The last stage of magazine mass-production is shown - a line of magazines is being stapled. Finally, the bags filled with magazines ready for distribution around the world are shown. Labels on the bags read Washington, Moscow, Johannesburg... Lots of labels lying around.
Note: Those present at the Punch table were: Peter Agnew, Kenneth Bird, J. B. Boothroyd, H. F. Ellis, W. Hewison, C. Hollis, B. Hollowood, D. Langdon, R. Mallett, N. Mansbridge, F. L. Marsh, R. G. G. Price, B. A. Young and P. Dickinson.