Detail
Collection Bognor Regis Film Society
Summary
The Bognor Regis Film Society was one of the country's pioneering amateur film societies; producing films in 1930s Bognor, featuring local news stories and everyday life, along with selected fiction films noted for their excellent camera work.
| Collection ID | 694 | Reference code | WS 940913 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title | Bognor Regis Film Society | ||
| Dates | 1930s | ||
| Production | Bognor Regis Film Society | ||
| Materials | FILM 16mm 9.5mm Documentation Audio | ||
| Access status | Contact Screen Archive South East for details | ||
Description
The Bognor Regis Film Society (BRFS) was co-founded by Harry Guermonprez in 1935, with its first meeting being held on the High Street in Cleeves Chemist. Throughout the 1930s the BRFS produced several 'local topical' newsreels and dramas which were exhibited at Bognor venues, including the 2000-seater Theatre Royal. Their films serve as important records of amateur film-making, and of everyday life and special events in pre-Second World War Bognor Regis.
The BRFS became one of the country's pioneering film societies, producing films with excellent camera work. The BRFS showed an eagerness to experiment with technical innovations, notably sound and colour. Consequently, the Society was often mentioned in the pre-war film journal "Home Movies & Home Talkies", and their films were critiqued and occasionally awarded prizes by "Amateur Cine World" magazine.
Further documentation relating to the Bognor Regis Film Society can be found at the West Sussex Record Office.
Films in this collection:
Showing 13 results.
Bognor Regis Review
| Date | 1929; [ca. 1930s] | ID | 3167 |
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A compilation of local news in and around Bognor Regis. The items have been edited together at a later date; intertitles, some animated, introduce each item.
Room 17
| Date | [ca. 1930s] | ID | 5030 |
|---|
This fictional film was produced by the Bognor Regis Film Society in the 1930s. Set in a fictional hotel near Goodwood, a thief persuades his wife to help him steal some pearls belonging to a wealthy guest. However, the plot goes wrong when his wife falls in love with another guest and refuses to take part in her husband’s plan.
What a Hunt
| Date | [ca. 1930s] | ID | 5031 |
|---|
This silent black and white fiction film shows a parish vicar hosting a garden party in the village of Norbog. But guests get a surprise when they come face to face with an escaped lion. A car accident leads to a romance, as a large group of villagers search for the lion. Upon returning to the church yard they find a child in a lion costume... is this the lion?
Cross Currents
| Date | [ca. 1930s] | ID | 9871 |
|---|
This complex amateur drama tells the story of a cocaine smuggllng ring on the south coast of England, through a group of women and sailors, at Chichester Harbour, who try to unravel who the culprit might be.
What and What Not
| Date | 1931 | ID | 5033 |
|---|
A compilation of local news and events in and around Bognor Regis in 1931 including; Bognor from the air, the Mirror Girls in performance, the Schneider contest, boating in Bosham, Commander Daniels and Captain Barnard air circus.
Where Was George?
| Date | [ca. 1936?] | ID | 5028 |
|---|
This silent black and white fiction film tells the story of a man named George who feels undermined by his wife. Upon receiving money left to him by a relative, he sets about fixing his domestic troubles by visiting a hypnotist. Working with a colleague, he plans to mislead his wife by going on holiday to Brighton without her. George tells his wife he is on a business trip. Unfortunately for George, she foils his plan and tracks him down at a hotel.
Silver Jubilee Celebrations at Bognor Regis
| Date | 1935 | ID | 9870 |
|---|
This black and white film provides highlights of a parade with procession and floats in Bognor Regis for HM George V Jubilee Celebration. The parade is followed by a sports display on a playing field, a fire brigade demonstration and closes with a fireworks display.
Symphony of the Seasons
| Date | 1936 | ID | 3164 |
|---|
Seasonal imagery of English nature has been edited into a linear format, tracing the passing of a year. Intertitles quoting lines of classical poetry introduce the different scenes.
Local News Film
| Date | [1936-1937?] | ID | 3165 |
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A compilation of local news and events in and around Bognor Regis including; sporting activities and games, a beauty contest and gymkhana, the 1936 Carnival, several charity fetes, armistice day, an air show, the 1937 Aldershot Tattoo, a wedding, a talent competition and a Zeppelin flying over the town.
Regis Review [1]
| Date | [1936-1937?] | ID | 3166 |
|---|
A compilation of local news and events in and around Bognor Regis including; the opening of new town buildings, a house on fire, fitness classes and sports, fancy dress and beauty competitions, the town carnival and Coronation procession. The items have been edited together at a later date; intertitles introduce each item.
News From Hollywood
| Date | [1938?] | ID | 5029 |
|---|
Amateur fiction film about a Hollywood actress 'Rita Marblo' who visits Bognor Regis but hides from the press. Two plucky reporters from the local newspaper try a number of scams to get an interview or a photograph. They finally get an exclusive picture of her departing by air.
Death Let Loose
| Date | 1938 | ID | 9869 |
|---|
A fiction film about a scientist kidnapped by a group of Russian mobsters. A secret formula is stolen and espionage is suspected. A policeman is knocked out and later found dead on a beach. The scientist is forced to hand over the formula to the Russian mob, but a raid leads to the mob being caught in the act. This film is heavily damaged in the first part of the film.
Murder at the Theatre Royal
| Date | [1939?] | ID | 5032 |
|---|
A murder mystery that takes place at the Theatre Royal. Famous tenor Maxwell Foster is murdered in his dressing room by Trevor 'Taffy' Jorden. When evidence is found that proves his guilt, Jorden frames his love rival Jack Merridew before committing suicide.
Showing 13 results.