Look at Life

Discovering the origins and evolution of man-powered flight focusing on the John Wimpenny is the first man to pedal himself through the air for more than half a mile on the Puffin, designed and built by instructors and students of the de Havilland Aeronautical Technical School.

The railways are changing, with coal-powered steam being phased out and replaced by diesel engines by 1972. Crowds pay their respects to the Flying Scotsman's last departure from Kings Cross as it is replaced by a 33-horsepower diesel. The network is being modernised by new signalling, longer continuous track on concrete sleepers and flyovers, and controversial closures of lines.

Natural boundaries no longer limit the range of motoring as cars are carried through tunnels, on ferries, over the new Forth Road Bridge, by train, air ferry and possibly by hovercraft in the future.

Meeting the veteran car enthusiast and looking at the restoration of vintage vehicles with a visit to National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Montagu Motor Museum at Beaulieu in the New Forest, the high-speed trials at Silverstone and the famous London to Brighton run

The story of Britain's pilotage services.

A look at canals today and how they have been rediscovered by holidaymakers.

Closer co-ordination between our roads, railways and coastal shipping.

The story of the oil tankers and the crews that sail in them.

Following the River Thames from its source in Gloucestershire to the Port of London, which is modernising services and keep traffic moving.

An urgent look at Britain's links with the Continent.

At Boscombe Down, on the edge of Salisbury Plain, every part of a new plane is tested, and it is then flown to its operational limit. Not only are the aircraft tested, but also the men who fly them.

Aerobatics, born of necessity in World War I, now form part of the RAF's training.

Every year, Britain gets caught in the cold; cities crawl to a standstill, and road and rail traffic is disrupted. Why does this happen in an age of scientific miracles?

The story of computers: from electronic tape and punched cards, to austere-looking robots.

An interesting look at the new mechanised way of cleaning.

Pests come in all shapes and sizes, from the woodworm and grain weevil to the homely city pigeon. This film shows the research which goes on to control them.

A close look at the operation of the Berkeley Nuclear Power Station.

This moving film shows an achievement in which science and humanity have combined to offer the 100,000 people in Britain who have lost a limb a chance to live happy and useful lives.

A look at the educational centres where training in technical subjects is aiming to keep pace with the demands of this scientific age.

‘Look at Life’ went to see what the six months’ compulsory quarantine means to the 3,000 dogs and 500 cats brought into Britain each year.

This exciting film shows the work of the men who build tunnels below water level, and the scientific and medical care that ensures they suffer no ill-effects from their unusual occupation.

The girls behind the men who fly: members of the WRAF.

A look at the emerging independent countries of Africa, featuring images of life in both the village and the city.

For centuries the men of Berchtesgaden have earned their living from the trees that surround them; now mechanisation is eroding their traditional skills.

The story of Ulster began when James I obtained money from the city of London to colonise the north of Ireland. This film looks at Ulster’s role in Britain’s productivity.

A look at wine producing in France and Germany.

How does a homing pigeon 'home'? This film traces the development of the birds, from fledglings to long-distance champions.

A look at the rise of swimming as a sport, with civil engineer Frank Rudge, coach Jose Juba, swimmer Anne Cotterill and driver Margaret Austen.

A fast-moving film that not only captures the thrill and elegance of the show-jumping ring but also goes behind the scenes to see how jumpers, and their riders, are made.

Why do people gamble? To rich? Or to escape from everyday worries for a few hours? From horse-racing to football pools, this film examines what has become a very big business indeed.

Once considered a rich man's pursuit, golf is now highly popular in Britain. In this film, both famous and unknown players share the magic of a game that unites all sections of the community.

over ten years, Lancashire saw a new industrial revolution; from 1950, more than 55 cotton mills were converted for light industries. This film examines the process of change for Lancashire's wokers.

A film capturing the appeal of the four hundred castles, halls and mansions in Britain that are now open to the public.

Behind every full state ceremonial is the Earl Marshal of England. And behind the Earl Marshal is the Collge of Arms. This film documents its facinating, little-known work.

A look at the work of the forrestry commission.

A look at the office of mayor in Britain, and the Lord Mayor's Show in London.

The humble suggestion box seen on many factory walls is only one of the many ways to ste up Britain's output and hold her place in world markets.

A comprehensive look at hair - from the training of hairdressers and the creation of new hairstyles, to the making of wigs.

Look at Life visits a unqiue office block on the South Bank: a 26-storey city of commerce boasting shops, restaurants, a recreation centre, a hair salon and even a swimming pool.

A trip to the north-east of England and a look at its precarious position in modern industry

A cross-sectional view of the British fashion industry, ranging from top designers' exclusive creations to the mass-produced garments of Britain's largest chain store.

Look at Life visits the rich salt beds beneath Cheshire, where Britain's only active salt mine is located.

A different look at silver, and the surprising jobs it is used for today.

Some of the ways in which money is collected for charity.

Gold: stores in vaults of the Bank of England, worked by craftsmen and turned by the Royal Mint into sovereigns for export.

Caravanning in Britain today. Holiday sites and permanent sites. The export of caravans from Britain: now the world's biggest exporter.

Archaelogical activities in Britain.