Title and statement of responsibility area
Title proper
Films and videos
General material designation
- moving images
Parallel title
Other title information
Title statements of responsibility
Title notes
- Source of title proper: Title based on contents of series.
Level of description
Series
Reference code
Edition area
Edition statement
Edition statement of responsibility
Class of material specific details area
Statement of scale (cartographic)
Statement of projection (cartographic)
Statement of coordinates (cartographic)
Statement of scale (architectural)
Issuing jurisdiction and denomination (philatelic)
Dates of creation area
Date(s)
-
1930-1994 (Creation)
Physical description area
Physical description
26 film reels and 7 videocassette tapes
Publisher's series area
Title proper of publisher's series
Parallel titles of publisher's series
Other title information of publisher's series
Statement of responsibility relating to publisher's series
Numbering within publisher's series
Note on publisher's series
Archival description area
Name of creator
Name of creator
Name of creator
Custodial history
Scope and content
This series consists of films and videos held by the Provincial Mental Hospital, Essondale (later Riverview Hospital). Film dates range from 1930-1963 and videos as late as 1994, though many are undated. The majority of films seem to have been created by the hospital as records of operations and events, or as visual aids for medical studies. There is little to no information about the creation of these films or their contents. A few films have sign out cards in their cannisters, indicating staff were able to check them out and view them. All films have titles and some have dates or additional technical information. There may be multiple short films on a single reel or tape; each part has been identified with it's own title in the item list when possible.
Many films cover hospital events, such as patient dances, carnivals, graduations, parades, sports days and the opening of the Crease Clinic. There are films recording the Essondale grounds and building construction. There are also films regarding pathology, some of which are recorded in the GR-3420 index of pathological photographs. These films record various physical or mental conditions. They were generally filmed for particular doctors studying a condition or patient.
The series also includes a few commercial films likely used by the hospital for instructional purposes, and a copy of the National Film Board documentary titled "Breakdown".
Many of the films have video copies which may be more easily accessible. Films were not reviewed by archives staff. The existence of a video copy for particular films is estimated based on film descriptions and the contents of videos. Possible copies are indicated in the item list.
Notes area
Physical condition
Immediate source of acquisition
Arrangement
Language of material
Script of material
Location of originals
Availability of other formats
Restrictions on access
These records are subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act or other acts and access may be restricted. Please contact the BC Archives to determine the access status of these records.
Conservation restriction: material in cool or cold storage is inaccessible.
Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication
Copyright may be held by the Government of British Columbia or other film creators.
Finding aids
Contact archives staff for a list of films and their availability.
Associated materials
Series GR-3420 Pathological master file photographs index references some of these films.
Item AAAA0405 is an alternative copy of the film titled Breakdown
Accruals
General note
Accession number: 96-4242, 97-2114
Conservation
Moving image originals may be in cool or cold storage. Contact staff for specific details. Some films are in very poor condition and may not be viewable. Videos are generally in better condition.
Physical description
Films may be black and white, colour, or a combination of both.
Films may be silent, with sound, or a combination of both.
Alternative identifier(s)
Standard number area
Standard number
Access points
Place access points
Name access points
- British Columbia. Dept. of the Provincial Secretary (Subject)
- British Columbia. Mental Health Branch (Subject)
- British Columbia. Mental Health Services (Subject)
- Provincial Mental Hospital, Essondale (Subject)
- Riverview Hospital, Essondale (Subject)