The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
This film is part of Free
Teacher's Lesson
A bumbling vicar steals the scene in this short chase film; a silent comedy set in a Norfolk village, featuring many of the villagers.
From the collection of:
Overview
Chase film, a silent comedy, featuring the pupils of Ingoldisthorpe primary school in Norfolk. Filmed in 1937 by preparatory schoolmaster Anthony Wilson. Masquerading as a new school mistress, a thief steals the visiting Lady Melrose’s beautiful pearl necklace. The school children set off in quick pursuit until the village bobby apprehends the pickpocket imposter.
As well as recording local events, Anthony C. Wilson, a preparatory schoolmaster, scripted and produced a number of short films, adventures set in the Norfolk village Ingoldisthorpe, featuring local schoolboys. These thrilling stories would inspire his later work, scripting radio plays for the BBC’s ‘Children’s Hour’, and writing his own books featuring the popular characters, boy detectives Norman and Henry Bones.
Related
Paper Boat Paper Boat
Amateur film 1949 22 mins Silent
Prize-winning amateur film about the fleeting affair between a housewife and a young man on a summer day.
Coming Shortly Coming Shortly
Amateur film 1954 4 mins Silent Location: High Wycombe
Silly silent film fun and thrills abound in this award-winning 1954 amateur short spoofing the world of Hollywood trailers.
Amelia and the Angel Amelia and the Angel
Amateur film 1958 26 mins Location: South Kensington
A young angel scours London for her wings in this tender short by the young Ken Russell.
Ladies Hoo Doo Ladies Hoo Doo
Amateur film 1965 19 mins Location: Harrow
Knitting comes in handy when making a film – a comical take on amateur filmmaking by the ladies of a local Pinner film club
Jocelyn in Wonderland Jocelyn in Wonderland
Amateur film 1961 13 mins Silent
Tired little Jocelyn, in her National Health specs, falls asleep in the garden and wakes up in Wonderland in this amateur re-telling of Lewis Carroll's classic.
Stephen the Magician Stephen the Magician
Home movie 1962 3 mins Silent Location: Castleford
A young magician impresses his sister by making a dog appear from under a bucket, and by demonstrating the magic of film itself.
Smugglers Beware Smugglers Beware
Amateur film 1938 28 mins Silent Location: Ingoldisthorpe
Thrilling pirate adventure made by a preparatory schoolmaster and starring some of his schoolchildren, who apprehend dangerous smugglers.
Ingoldisthorpe Village Fete Ingoldisthorpe Village Fete
Amateur film 1938 4 mins Silent Location: Ingoldisthorpe
At a Norfolk country house Ingoldisthorpe villagers enjoy a fancy dress costumed garden party and tea dance at the annual Summer Fete, in 1938.
They Act Like Magic They Act Like Magic
Amateur film 1938 12 mins Silent Location: Ingoldisthorpe
Charming fantasy adventure filmed by a prep schoolmaster and starring the pupils at the school. Schoolboys search for a fairytale princess.
Nature Parade Nature Parade
Amateur film 1940 13 mins Silent Location: Ingoldisthorpe
Snakes, lizards, squirrels, birds, crabs - schoolchildren go on a nature trail searching village and coast for all kinds of wildlife.
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.
Edgar Wright on The Running Man Edgar Wright on The Running Man
Inside Film 2025 28 mins
The director talks to Mark Kermode about putting Stephen King's dystopian life-or-death gameshow thriller through its paces.
Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 69 mins
Richard Linklater discusses his remarkable and wide-ranging body of work, including Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague.
Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 73 mins
Daniel Day-Lewis, the ultimate actor’s actor discusses his career in conversation with Mark Kermode.