This classic film from the long-running ‘Secrets of Nature’ series shows the birth, life and reproduction of sweet peas – as shown via an enthralling combination of close-up and time-lapse photography, occasionally interspersed with stop-motion animation, narrated by a somewhat florid commentary that has dated rather more noticeably than the still-astonishing images. (Michael Brooke)

This is one of nineteen complete films included on the BFI DVD ‘Secrets of Nature: Pioneering Natural History Films’: http://filmstore.bfi.org.uk/acatalog/…

More information about early British natural history filmmaking can be found on BFI Screenonline: http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/i…