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.
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Music and Magic and Movies
From music (a girl band in amazing matching outfits) to the magic (literally!) of home movies, shot by a film-maker and magician from Blaenau.
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Overview
Dennis Hughes, from Blaenau Ffestiniog, loved magic and home-movie-making. He combines both here (after shots of a girl band wearing striking, matching outfits) with footage of himself and a friend, Ernest Williams, enacting the learning and performance of several tricks. They would do regular magic shows for the elderly and the pair are also seen preparing to show a film to Dennis’ wife Ann and son Gwyn (daughter Linda having said her prayers and gone to bed).
The girl band was probably filmed in the ‘Caban’ (a small meeting room/hall) situated behind the Manod Hotel in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Dennis acted as the Caban’s unofficial caretaker. He worked as a quarryman until an accident ended such employment and he moved with his family to Llandudno. He made no more films.
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