Screen Archive South East is a public sector moving image archive serving the South East of England. The archive's collections of magic lantern slides, films, videos and associated materials capture the many varied aspects of life, work and creativity from the early days of screen history to the present day and serve as a rich and invaluable historical resource.
This film is part of Free
Wise Cottage at Dymchurch
Eric Norman's wartime film shows his family and friends enjoying seaside fun despite the coastal defences - followed by a garden picnic
From the collection of:
Overview
This delightful film made during WW2 starts with the Norman family and their friends walking along the sea wall at Dymchurch, dressed in swimwear and bath robes. After some comedy antics they make their way into the sea, stepping over anti-invasion barriers. Back at home, in Wise Cottage, members of the family are seen relaxing and smooching - with a man tickling a woman. Later, we see the family, now joined by friends, enjoying a picnic in the garden of their 'Moderne' home.
Eric Norman was the managing director of Norcon Ltd, which was based in Challock, Kent. He filmed a variety of subjects including family scenes either at home or on holiday, scenes showing the Norcon Works in Chichester and football scenes featuring Wolverhampton Wanderers playing at their Molineaux Stadium.
Related
Watch for free
New Perspectives: La Haine New Perspectives: La Haine
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Charlie Hammersley, a student from Northumbria University, explains how Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film holds up a mirror to society.
Watch for free
Dreamers Q&A Dreamers Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
The film-makers behind a haunting tale of love and community within a UK immigration detention centre visited the BFI Southbank to discuss their film.
Watch for free
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 50 mins
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation at BFI Southbank, discussing the making of One Battle After Another.
Watch for free
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.