All Films

Kids Is Kids

1961 • 45 min • United States of America

Prof. Ludwig Von Drake shares his knowledge on the subject of child psychology. He is particularly studying Donald Duck (whom Von Drake refers to as "Mr. X" to protect his identity) and offers advice on how to handle Huey, Dewey and Louie.

Arabesque for Kenneth Anger

1961 • 5 min • United States of America

Filmed at the Alhambra in Spain in just one day, according to Marie Menken. Arabesque for Kenneth Anger concentrates on visual details found in Moorish architecture and in ancient Spanish tile. The date 1961 refers to the addition of Teiji Ito's soundtrack and its subsequent completion, but the film was likely shot in 1960 or earlier. - David Lewis

School for Cats

1961 • 15 min • Czechoslovakia

Who Killed Julie Greer?

1961 • 60 min

Amos Burke is an L.A. cop who's inherited millions and usually arrives at crime scenes in a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce. Investigating the death of actress Julie Greer, he finds lots of suspects - but the killer's identity surprises him.

Compressed Hare

1961 • 7 min • United States of America

Bugs battles Wile E. Coyote. A ten trillion volt electric magnet draws everything imaginable.

Enemies

1961 • 20 min • Soviet Union

On a dark September evening, a doctor loses his young son to diphtheria. Soon afterwards, a landowner arrives and begs the doctor to come see his sick wife.

Five Fingers: The Judas Goat

1961 • 60 min • United States of America

In Hungary, Sebastian searches for a traitor who betrays his people after promising them freedom. An episode of the spy show Five Fingers edited for theaters. Released theatrically in the UK in October 1961 as supporting film to The Queen's Guards.

They Took Us to The Sea

1961 • 25 min • United Kingdom

Made for the NSPCC by the noted film director John Krish, They Took Us To The Sea follows a group of children taken by Inspectors of the NSPCC on an outing from Birmingham to Weston-Super Mare.

The Bottle and the Throttle

1961 • 10 min • United States of America

The dangers of drinking and driving are illustrated to a teenager returning from a beach party, where after having "one too many beach beers" he runs over a young mother and her child. This black and white short is not to be confused with the later color film, with same title, from 1968 (some sources indicate 1965).

The Creation of Woman

1961 • 14 min • United States of America, India

This 14-minute film talks about the Hindu god Brahma's creation of life, the world and of course the first woman. Saeed Jaffrey narrates the story as dancers Bhaskar, Dinu and Anjali Devi "act" out the story.

The Steamroller and the Violin

1961 • 46 min • Soviet Union

Seven year old Sasha practices violin every day to satisfy the ambition of his parents. Already withdrawn as a result of his routines, Sasha quickly regains confidence when he accidentally meets and befriends worker Sergei, who works on a steamroller in their upscale Moscow neighborhood.

Lotte Lenya Sings Kurt Weill

1961 • 17 min

Ken Russell directed a short document of German actress (and widow of famed composer Kurt Weill) Lotte Lenya performing many of Weill's best known compositions for BBC TV series "Monitor."

The Ashlad and His Good Helpers

1961 • 15 min

Askeladden (Norwegian "The Ash Lad") is the main character in many Norwegian folktales.

Big Night Out: The Peggy Lee Show

1961 • 45 min

Peggy Lee hosts an all-star cast and sings a number of her signature songs.

Stranger in the City

1961 • 23 min • United Kingdom

Aspects of a London day, including prostitutes on street corners, a striptease show and the 2i's Coffee Bar.

¡Cuba Sí!

1961 • 53 min • France

Chris Marker’s documentary traces the course of the Cuban Revolution, from its early optimism to the aftermath of the Bay of Pigs invasion. Through on-the-ground footage and interviews—including two with Fidel Castro—the film captures the spirit and contradictions of a nation in transformation.

Whaler out of New Bedford

1961 • 24 min

Pictures made from an 1800-foot panorama painted in 1848 and authentic songs of the period sung and played by Peggy Seeger and Ewan MacCall are used in portraying a whaling voyage around the world. Includes views of New Bedford, Mass., the Azores, Hawaii, Tahiti, the Alaskan whaling grounds, the Horn, and the harbors of Typee and Rio.

Down and Outing

1961 • 7 min • United States of America

Tom accompanies his owner, Clint Clobber, who has severe anger management issues, on a fishing trip.

A Story of Water

1961 • 12 min • France

A young woman tries to go to Paris, but her garden and the whole village is flooded with water.

Thursday

1961 • 19 min • Japan

A young couple go on a picnic in the forest, where the woman reveals that she is pregnant.

Hamilton the Musical Elephant

1961 • 10 min

Hamilton the elephant is being trained for the circus when he discovers his amazing musical ability; the ringmaster decides to exploit his new-found talent for jazz.

Broadway Express

1961 • 19 min • United States of America

Shot in 1959, Michael Blackwood’s first film Broadway Express is a portrait of New York City’s diverse population, as captured in the city’s subways during the evening rush hour and late at night. The film is a portrait of the city through the faces of the passengers held captive for the ride.

The Key

1961 • 57 min • Soviet Union

The film is a cautionary tale about the need to develop good work habits, personal responsibility and conscience in life.

Poop Deck Pirate

1961 • 6 min • United States of America

Woody is trying to sleep in the middle of the big city but there is way too much racket going on. He decides to vacation at the peaceful Tooti Fruiti Islands but there is even noise going on here...coming from a pirate (a literal "Sea dog") trying to bury his treasure. Craving rest and relaxation, Woody is determined to send the nautical canine on his way, eventually blowing him up with a shore mine. The pirate doesn't appreciate this and forces Woody to walk the plank... but, being none too smart, the old tar often ends up many times in the drink himself and not the woodpecker.