|  | Let's Wait and See the Pictures gives local film fans a rare chance to catch a fascinating glimpse of the early days of cinema, from the music hall to the coming of sound. The programme replicates the early movie-going experience of our great, great grandparents, and present an authentic night out, as experienced by East of England audiences in the early 1900s, with live piano accompaniment. The programme has been specially compiled by Film Archivist, Phil Butcher, at the East Anglian Film Archives:
"It will include both early films shown in the region, as well as those shot on location here, and is a breathtaking view of history," said Butcher.
Jump, jump! Ladies practising |
The archive films include the wonderful film - Ladies Fire Brigade of Norwich - made in 1915 during the First World War.
It was shot by the female shop assistants of Chamberlains, a big drapers in Guildhall Hill in Norwich.
The manager was so concerned about damage from Zeppelin raids and the lack of men around to help put out any fires, they organised their own fire brigade composed entirely of the female shop assistants! Phil Butcher said it's an amazing example of film making:
"Although just a few simple shots, the film is a visual wonder with ladies dropping from the windows and flying past the screen.
"It would have been quite a startling spectacle in 1915 and even by today's standards is quite amazing!
"It is also surprising to see such a role reversal, and illustrates how extreme times, like the First World War, force social change." Big Boots, Magicians, and the Ladies Fire Brigade
At the foot of the bill are the popular music hall actors of 1890s and 1900s - tumbler Will Evans, magician David Devant and the clown "Little Titch", famous for his big boot routine!
Also showing are the children of Colchester, seen queuing outside the Vaudeville Cinema in 1914.
Lily Morris |
Mr Harry West's film of the Lyceum Film Theatre in Ipswich takes us to the top of the bill, featuring the first days of sound, and the inimitable Lily Morris, dancing and singing 'Why Am I Always The Bridesmaid?'
So go on, take a step back in time and rediscover the origins of today's big blockbusters!
East Anglian Film Archive history
 The East Anglian Film Archive was established in 1976 and was the first regional film archive in the UK.
It collects and preserves moving images relating to Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, ensuring wide access for educational and general audiences.
The future of the films held by the East Anglian Film Archive have recently been further assured by the building of a new Heritage Lottery funded Archive Centre at Martineau Lane in Norwich.
Though still a part of the University of East Anglia, the film archive is moving its collections to brand new purpose built vaults at the Centre in Norwich.
The Archive Centre - which is shared by both the East Anglian Film Archive and the Norfolk Record Office - is due to open to the public later this year.
For more information you can e-mail Philip Butcher or call him on 01603 592156. |
Although just a few simple shots, the film is a visual wonder with ladies dropping from the windows and flying past the screen. It would have been quite a startling spectacle in 1915 and even by today's standards, is quite amazing!
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