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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We Regret
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.
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Overview
Jack is found surplus to requirements during a trade depression of 1932. He gets a “We regret” letter from his (actual) employers, Thompson Brothers at Bradley Engineering Works, Bilston, Staffordshire. He takes it on the chin, downs a pint, and determines that he will use his feet to ensure that he can still enjoy “happy-go-lucky days” with his friends on their annual camp at Llanymawddwy. And so he sets off, evoking a hunger marcher, enjoying many an adventure on the way.
This is the 4th in a series of dramas made when Meredith (with camera) and his colleagues from TB enjoyed an annual camp at Richard Ellis Jones’ farm, Penygeulan, at Llanymawddwy. First was ‘Early film-making at Welsh Camp’ (1929), then came ‘Farmer John’ (1930), ‘Jack Reforms’ (1931) and then this film, ‘We Regret’ (1932). Each features Jack Whale (which may or may not be his real name) as the bumbling, lead character and here he wears a distinct Charlie Chaplinish air, with some beautiful scenes shot on his journey by foot from Staffordshire to Llanymawddwy.
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