A Baby's Happy Birthday Morning

Judy Campbell on her first birthday filmed by her father Jack Campbell.

The baby of the film's title was later to become the actress, Judy Campbell. The baby, Judy Campbell, is woken in her cot by her elder brother John. Judy is in a portable bath and then in a baby chair in the garden. Her brother brings birthday presents including woolly toys and a string of pearls, which he puts around her neck. There are hankies and two gold sovereigns from her parents. Judy's brother goes to fetch his own present, a child's tea service. He prepares a 'pretend' cup of tea. The final scenes show the young boy pushing his sister around the garden in her pram.

Featured Events

The first birthday, 31 May 1917, of June Mary Campbell, who later would become an actress and use the stage name Judy Campbell.

Keywords

Babies; Birthdays; Childhood; Family life

Intertitles

- Wake up Baby Sister its your Birthday. - “Tell Nanny to dress you quickly and I will go and see what the postman has brought.” - She wonders in her baby way what joys the tray contains. - First all woolly toys that so delight a Baby’s heart. - The Godmothers gift of a String of Pearls. - Thoughtful Aunties & Granney send pretty hankeys which Brother knows how to use. - Daddy & Mother have decided two golden Sovereigns shall start her bank account. - Then off Brother trots to fetch his own special gift. A Baby’s tea service from which they all enjoy a little meal. - Then its decided by Mother its time for her morning walk & so. “GOODBYE.”

Background Information

Jack Campbell (he changed his name from Gamble) was a cinema owner in Grantham, hence the use of the 35 mm camera. The film was received with the film, The Golden Wedding Of Mr. & Mrs. William Gamble, Runcton House, Kings Lynn. Jack Campbell was the couple's son. There were some other family films but these were shot on nitrate, some of which had deteriorated beyond restoration. Some others were lost in a fire at Jack Gamble's cinema. In later life the baby featured here became an actress, Judy Campbell. Her daughter was also an actress, Jane Birkin. Judy Campbell’s granddaughter is actress Charlotte Gainsbourg (daughter of Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg).