The Heart of a Fishergirl

In this as in so many early silent films, the gentleman in distress is rescued by a brave damsel. When sweethearts Jack and Nancy are separated by her disapproving father, the young fisherman throws himself into a new affair and a dangerous sea voyage. But Nancy proves herself stout-hearted and brave, venturing out to save her beloved from the waves. This one-reel drama is packed with action and stunning scenes of the Dorset coast near Lulworth Cove, although sadly it is missing some footage.

The Heart of a Fishergirl was made by the Hepwix company, based in Walton-on-Thames and owned by film pioneer Cecil Hepworth and his cousin Monty Wicks. Director Lewis Fitzhamon was a veteran who had directed Hepworth’s smash-hit Rescued by Rover (1905). The lovers are played by Hay Plumb and Claire Pridelle, with one of Hepworth’s best-known actresses, Alma Taylor, as Susan, the ‘other woman’. Hepworth discovered Plumb and Pridelle ‘busking’ at Walton Regatta, and took them to Lulworth Cove to make a batch of films that autumn – a scheme successful enough to be repeated in following years.