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Circus at Clopton Hall

On a summer's day, a group of children improvise a circus at an abandoned farm in Suffolk.

Documentary 1961 22 mins

Overview

Beautifully shot in black and white, this short film evokes memories of long summers of freedom and play. Donning costumes and make-up, the children recreate big-top acts from clowns to trapeze artists, tightrope walkers to strongmen. Their antics are edited to lines by the surrealist poet Philip O'Connor, narrated languidly by Vanessa Redgrave; an adult reflection on the childhood self.

The film could qualify as a late entry to the 'Free Cinema' canon. It was partly shot by John Fletcher (cameraman on O Dreamland and Nice Time), and its two artists-turned-filmmakers had guidance from Karel Reisz and Lindsay Anderson, who advised them to pay no attention to rules of continuity. Production began in May 1957 and took place over two years, with the BFI's Experimental Film Fund contributing.

Director

Denis Lowson and Annie Mygind

Featuring

Vanessa Redgrave

Genres

Documentary

Country

United Kingdom

Language

No Dialogue with English subtitles

Subjects

Children

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