This film is part of Free
The Economist
Silent comedian Walter Forde takes an illuminating trip around the Osram light bulb factory in this bizarre advertising film.
Overview
British silent clown Walter Forde tries to strengthen his resolve after his feisty ‘modern’ girlfriend makes demands that he should economise. Staring into a lightbulb as he attempts to instil himself with renewed backbone, he accidentally hypnotises himself – becoming a strange, invisible, spectral visitor on the production line at the Osram light bulb factory. Despite Forde’s invasive mingling with the employees on the factory floor, all remain resolutely stony-faced throughout the comedian’s voyeuristic visit. Not once does anybody accidentally crack a smile.
Related
Guinness - Plinths Guinness - Plinths
Advert 1976 1 mins
Pete and Dud prove to be stout football fans in this Guinness commercial recalling a great sporting moment - however fleeting.
Target - Geoff Hurst Target - Geoff Hurst
Advert 1968 1 mins
England's 1966 hat-trick hero doesn't sweat the small stuff - or at all, according to this deodorant commercial.
Sam Goes Shopping Sam Goes Shopping
Advert 1939 6 mins
Stanley Holloway recounts the exploits of Sam Small, whose wife sends him shopping for... what was it again?
Close-ups of the Stars Close-ups of the Stars
Advert 1946 6 mins
A triple bill of glamour courtesy of Lux toilet soap.
Sam's Birthday Sam's Birthday
Advert 1934 6 mins Silent
Master of the monologue Stanley Holloway salutes his wondrous and capacious new suitcase in this magical advertising film.
Sheila Sim Sheila Sim
Advert 1945 1 mins Silent
Star of stage and screen Sheila Sim explains why she uses Lux toilet soap.
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.