Boys' Cricket Match and Fight

A rambunctious local scene

As a lanternist and showman, James Bamforth was renowned for casting local folk in his scenes: here the practice is updated to film. Initially operating as a maker of lantern slides, Bamforth adapted easily to the new medium. In the early days, most actors who appeared on film were what we'd now call 'non-professional' (usually, the family and friends of the producer), but this lively scene highlights the rewards of letting local characters show-off for the benefit of the camera (and the audience).