This film is part of Free
Green Grow the Rushes
Brandy-smuggling locals resist government interference in this Ealing-esque comedy, filmed on Romney Marsh
Comedy 1951 78 mins
Overview
This Ealing-esque comedy focuses on a small Kent village where the community is supported by brandy smuggling. When visitors from Whitehall come with proposals for redevelopment, the smugglers resolve to resist. A pre-fame Richard Burton stars alongside Honor Blackman and Roger Livesey. Adapted from a novel by Howard Clewes (who co-wrote the screenplay), Green Grow the Rushes owes an obvious debt to the hit Ealing comedy Whisky Galore (1949).
This was the first feature made by ACT Films, the production company formed by the cinema technicians’ union. As if there was any doubt about its influences, Green Grow the Rushes was retitled Brandy Ashore on its re-release in 1954.
Subjects
Related
Comedy Genius
The Perfect Woman The Perfect Woman
Comedy 1949 87 mins
In a bid to improve on nature, a scientist creates a robot female. But the experiment doesn't quite turn out as planned...
Tilly and the Fire Engines Tilly and the Fire Engines
Comedy 1911 2 mins Silent
Mischievous sisters Tilly and Sally borrow a fire engine and take it for a joy ride in this spirited film comedy.
Something Completely Different Something Completely Different
1974 4 mins Silent Location: Doune
Join John Cleese and the cast of Monty Python and the Holy Grail on location in Scotland
Miranda Miranda
Comedy 1948 80 mins
A man goes fishing and comes home with a most unusual catch in this comedy feature.
Le Petomane Le Petomane
Comedy 1979 33 mins
The immortal Leonard Rossiter makes flatulence a fine art in this short, poignant comedy-drama from Hancock writers Galton and Simpson
Arthur? Arthur! Arthur? Arthur!
Comedy 1969 101 mins Location: Camden
A hen-pecked inventor plots murder while he leads a bizarre double life as a bewigged playboy who runs a dating agency
New Romney
Life in Miniature Life in Miniature
Amateur film 1969 7 mins Location: New Romney
Budding film director Anthony Armstrong, aged 10, presents a delightful film about things on a smaller scale like locomotives, trams and the tiny town of Bekonscot.
New
Picturesque Japan Picturesque Japan
Travelogue 1907 9 mins Silent
A grand tour of Japan’s major cities, offering scenic views of the streets and daily life.
The Ainus of Japan The Ainus of Japan
Interest film 1913 3 mins Silent
This ethnographic film offers a brief overview of the traditional culture of the Ainu, an ethnic minority in Japan.
Japanese Dancers and Japanese Stave Duel Japanese Dancers and Japanese Stave Duel
Documentary 1905 4 mins
The performance of a masked dancer is followed by a scene from a kendo match, contrasting grace and ferocity.
Japanese School Children Japanese School Children
Non-Fiction 1904 2 mins Silent
In a school gymnastic festival, boys and girls demonstrate their physical rigour through exercise and dance.
Japanese Festival Japanese Festival
Interest film 1909 5 mins Silent
A vibrant festival with parades of fishermen and geisha celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of Yokohama Port.
Some Japanese Temples Some Japanese Temples
1912 5 mins Silent
Pathécolor’s mechanical stencil colouring is put to good use illustrating a festival at an ancient shrine.