John Halas Movies

A humorously semi-factual account of the history of cinema.

T'was the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

First Line of Defence is a short cartoon recruitment film for the RAF created in 1949 by animation duo Halas and Batchelor. The story follows a...

Set to Gilbert and Sullivan tunes, a musical cartoon attempts to describe the character of the British nation, with occasional interruptions by...

An animated film about the history and use of hot water.

An animated visual interpretation of the song "Autobahn," by German electronic pioneers Kraftwerk. A fast-paced experimental film which proved to be...

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

Popular animated character Charley explains the National Insurance Act, which was legislation that made health insurance available to all British...

An animated short based on the cartoons of Gerard Hoffnung.

An updated version of Halas and Batchelor's short film, 'The Magic Canvas', with a new electronic score.

If you haven’t already been diverted by the history of John Gilpin, or would like to venture that way again, you couldn’t find a better...

Cartoon tennis match, with players based on Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe.

An animated cartoon on smoking and health. The villain, Old Nick O'Teen, disguises himself as an 18-year-old motorcyclist, the better to lure...

The film is designed to encourage recycling - which was a key part of the war effort.

An illustrated version of Twa Corbies made as the BFI’s contribution to the Festival of Britain. Enlivened by the distinctive voice of John...

Meet Charley, your jovial cartoon guide to Britain’s changing towns and cities.

A powerfully graphic piece of animation that best expresses John Halas' own feelings about mans universal quest for freedom.

Cartoon proof that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In this 1940s cinema advert, the tardiness of Signalman Squirrel's breakfast...

Cartoon on the fly nuisance, showing the dangers of food contamination and how the dangers can be minimised by food-protection and cleanliness that...