Here’s our regularly-updated selection of films that may be of use to news editors and journalists in covering important anniversaries, contextualising current events or illustrating trending topics.

 

 
 
Gordon Banks Dies
 
With the news that Gordon Banks, England’s World Cup winning goalkeeper, has died on 12 February, take a look back at this amazing save he made during a 1967 match against Scotland. We think it is better than his famous save against Pele in 1970! 
 
 
The Valentine’s Day Massacre
 
The 14 February marks the 90th Anniversary of the Valentine’s Day Massacre. Seven members of Chicago’s North Side Gang were shot, prompting a struggle between them and their South Side rivals, led by Al Capone. Take a look back at Capone’s life in these films.
 
 
‘D-Day’
 
On 15 February 1971, the U.K. and Ireland decimalised their currencies. This ended a long-standing debate on the topic in Britain, which had lasted for over a century and a half! Take a look back at these archive films showing the transition to the new currency.
 
 
Fidel Castro Becomes Cuban Premier
 
The 16 February marks the 60th Anniversary of Fidel Castro being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Cuba. Though his office was reformed under the 1976 Constitution, where he became Cuba’s President instead, Castro remained in office until 24 February 2008. 
 
 
Britain Joins the EEC
 
On 17 Feburuary 1972, the British Parliament voted to join the European Economic Community (EEC), the forerunner to the EU. The vote narrowly passed 309 – 301. Take a look back at the history of the EEC and the EU with this archive collection.
 
 
Malcolm X Assassinated
 
On 21 February 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated. Take a look back at these archive films, relating to his life, speeches and career.
 
 
 
 
“The Week That Changed the World”?
 
On 21 February 1972, Richard Nixon became the first U.S. President to visit the People’s Republic of China. The visit, lasting a week, marked the resumption of normal diplomatic relations between the U.S. and China, and every successive President has visited the country since, with the exception of Jimmy Carter.
 
 
Stan Laurel Dies
 
On 23 February 1965, Stan Laurel died. Take a look back at his life and career with this collection of films relating to ‘Laurel & Hardy’, the famous double act of which he was a part, with Oliver Hardy. 
 
 
 
Edward Elgar Dies
 
The 23 February also marks the 85th Anniversary of the death of Edward Elgar, the famous composer. Take a look back at his life and enjoy his works in this collection of archive films.
 
 
 
The Nazi Party is Founded
 
On 24th February 1920, the Nazi Party was founded. Take a look at this wartime documentary, which examines the rise of the party in Germany during the 1920s and 1930s.
 
 
 
Nancy Astor Makes Her Maiden Speech
 
On 24th February 1920, Nancy Astor became the first woman to speak in the British House of Commons when she made her maiden speech. Astor had been elected on 28th November 1919, and was the first female MP to take her seat in the Chamber.
 
 
Muhammad Ali Becomes the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion
 
The 25 February marks the 55th Anniversary of Muhammad Ali becoming the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion. Take a look back at his life and famous bouts in this archive collection.