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
Showgirls is a Western Showgirls is a Western
Short documentary 2025 2 mins
In this mini video essay, BFI contributor Maha Al-Badrawi explains why Paul Verhoeven's Showgirls is a rhinestoned, stilettoed Western.
Watch for free
Frederick Wiseman's High School - a discussion Frederick Wiseman's High School - a discussion
Short documentary 2026 22 mins
Filmmaker Andrea Luka Zimmerman and curator Matthew Barrington discuss Frederick Wiseman’s High School with Sandra Hebron.
Watch for free
Hard, Cracked the Wind Hard, Cracked the Wind
Horror 2019 17 mins
A haunting with words is the lure between life and death for a young Cornish poet.
Watch for free
A Last Resort A Last Resort
Comedy 2022 17 mins
Rose is desperate to celebrate her 60th birthday in style, but her daughter Genevieve is struggling to ignore some recent tragic news about her mum.
Watch for free
Seagull Seagull
Horror 2022 6 mins
Seagull is a recovering drug addict who is about to have a very strange night on The English Riviera.
Watch for free
The Walk The Walk
Drama 2023 12 mins
Adeel Akhtar portrays a man on a weekly trek to his nearest JobCentre, entering a state of purgatory through barriers put in place by the system.