National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
Video Player is loading.
Gwylliaid Cochion Mawddwy / Bandits of Mawddwy
In the old days it was all murder and mayhem around Llanymawddwy as this renactment of an old legend shows but, never fear, peace now reigns.
From the collection of:
Overview
This film, a retelling of a legend about bandits in the hills around Llanymawddwy, is a wonderful combination of a talented amateur film enthusiast and the knowledge and spirit of the local community. Sacks and rags and sheepskins are drawn into play as costumes; the farmyards, fields and hills of the area provide excellent locations, and the assorted farm dogs delight in all the action!
John W Meredith was a cine enthusiast who worked for the mechanical engineering firm Thompson Brothers at Bradley Engineering Works, Bilston, Staffordshire. Together with TP colleagues, he came to Penygeulan farm, Llanymawddwy, on an annual camping trip from 1929 onwards. He documented the first trip on film and the group then produced a fully-fledged drama for a few subsequent years. Meredith's eye for a good location/shot is evident in this bandit film, directed by local Reverend H E Hughes, and so popular was the making of it, and the end result, that it was decided to make a colour version in 1938. Filming was undertaken but the colour version was never quite finished.
Related
Watch for free
Caravan Holiday 1937 - and how we made the film 'The Bandits of Mawddwy' Caravan Holiday 1937 - and how we made the film 'The Bandits of Mawddwy'
Amateur film 1937 7 mins Silent Location: Llanymawddwy
Engineer John W Meredith works in Bilston, near Wolverhampton, but when he has a chance he exchanges the grime for the green of Llanymawddwy.
Watch for free
Farmer John Farmer John
Amateur film 1930 13 mins Silent Location: Llanymawddwy
O, sighs the office-bound man, how wonderful to be a farmer! And, with breeches and boots, he tries the good life as ‘Farmer John’.
Watch for free
Jack Reforms Jack Reforms
Amateur film 1931 15 mins Silent Location: Llanymawddwy
Jack likes the ladies, the beer and the odd flutter but steadfast Ted, who acts as his guardian angel, helps him reach salvation.
Watch for free
We Regret We Regret
Amateur film 1932 15 mins Silent Location: Llanymawddwy
Jack takes unemployment on the chin and, using his feet, ensures that it does not prevent him from joining his comrades on vacation in Wales.
Watch for free
Early film making at Welsh camp Early film making at Welsh camp
Amateur film 1929 7 mins Silent Location: Llanymawddwy
Men on holiday from work at a Staffordshire firm - and on leave from home – enjoy themselves camping at Penygeulan farm, Llanymawddwy.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Pusher New Perspectives: Pusher
Short documentary 2025 5 mins
Noah Bell of Northumbria University explains why you should seize the chance to watch Nicolas Winding Refn's debut.
Watch for free
Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A
Inside Film 2025 38 mins
Kyle MacLachlan talks to BFI CEO Ben Roberts about working with David Lynch on the legendary series Twin Peaks.
Watch for free
On Falling - Exclusive Q&A On Falling - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
Writer-director Laura Carreira talks to Nia Childs about her debut feature, On Falling.
Watch for free
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
Watch for free
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
Watch for free
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.