Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Film Archive is a free public access resource for teachers, students, historians and anyone who has an interest in moving images. Spanning from 1897 to the present day, the films in the Digital Film Archive cover all aspects of life in Northern Ireland and includes everything from dramas to documentaries, newsreels and features, animation to amateur footage.
This film is part of Free
Brady's Bargain
Brady has spent his days trying to outsmart the leprechauns and learn the secret of their wealth. A pot of comedy-horror gold from The Spence Brothers.
From the collection of:
Overview
Drawing on films such as Darby O'Gill and The Little People and Finian's Rainbow, this short sends up traditional Irish stereotypes, combining the legends of the 'fairy folk' with the trademark , B-movie stylings of The Spence Brothers. The result? A World Amateur Film of The Year. Shot on location in various County Down locations, including Downpatrick and the Mournes.
Twin brothers Roy and Noel Spence have been making films like this for over fifty years; with subjects including crafty leprechauns, creatures from outer space, fifties rock 'n' rollers and the undead. You can enjoy many of these fantastical creations on BFI player. This film is courtesy of Roy Spence and is held in the Irish Film Archive.
Related
Food for Thought Food for Thought
Advert 6 mins Location: Belfast
Hangry animals demand better grub in this bizarre advert by E.T. Green
Along the Brandy Pad Along the Brandy Pad
Amateur film 1964 19 mins Silent Location: Mourne Mountains
A smugglers route becomes a jolly holiday hike in this home movie from the Mourne country.
Wayfaring in Northern Ireland Wayfaring in Northern Ireland
Amateur film 1952 7 mins Silent Location: Ballycastle
Wander through a mythical landscape in contemplative silence with the Countryside Club.
At The Heart of The City At The Heart of The City
Sponsored film 1944 35 mins Silent Location: Belfast
Take shelter from the Belfast rain in the warmth of the YMCA and discover a world of adventure.
Mourne Granite Mourne Granite
Sponsored film 1959 5 mins Silent Location: Mourne Mountains
Man and machine use all their might to carve up the Mourne Mountains.
Ulster (Richer & Rarer) Ulster (Richer & Rarer)
Sponsored film 1960 17 mins Location: Belleek
Take a privileged peek at scarce-seen parts of the province and the dying arts that sustain its people.
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. Contains spoilers!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.