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
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
Watch for free
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Watch for free
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Watch for free
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.
Watch for free
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
Watch for free
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.