These works were written and directed for an audience of children, within the project of the Children’s Entertainment Films created by Lord J. Arthur Rank and Mary Field, in Great Britain, beginning in 1944.
6:30pm
Magic Myxies directed by Mary Field and Percy Smith, British Instructional Films, Great Britain, 1931, 11’
In this film, which is part of the series Secrets of Nature and is co-directed by Mary Field and Percy Smith, the life cycle of the fungus Myxomycete is described. The film was attacked my critics from the “Monthly Film Bulletin’s Science Committee” which stated that the film was not appropriate for a “serious” theme because it was excessively facetious. In reality, the modernity of this film is exactly in the choice to make the approach to science more current.
Who robbed the Robins? directed by Anson Dyer, Analysis Film Ltd, Great Britain, 1947, 10’ (animated film)
Detective Moley has been called to investigate the eggs stolen from Mrs. Robin. After accurate research, Mr. Jay was brought to justice.
By using the system of subtle coloring, with a much flatter rhythm of editing compared to American animated films, this short film is decidedly different from the examples taken from overseas.
The Dragon of Pendragon Castle
by John Baxter, GB, 1950, 52'
Source: BFI
On the screen, a magnificent manor appears, lived in by a family, as noble as it is penniless, made up of a grandfather, a mother, two children, a butler and his little son Bobby. The castle is visible to tourists and functions as a luxury bed and breakfast, a necessary opportunity to make money for the aristocratic family. It is winter and there is no wood to heat the house. The kids play on the shore: the sea is not far off…All of a sudden they get a glimpse of a strange being: the older children run away scared, the little one dawdles and immediately connects with the unusual animal. It is a small dragon, which follows him everywhere as if it were a dog. From that moment on, life in the castle changes radically. Strangely, on the family crest, there is an effigy of a dragon. (This film won first prize at the Venice Film Festival, in the section for children.)
Short film:
Bee wise! , by Anson Dyer, GB, 1946 , 8'
8:00pm
The secret tunnel
by William C. Hammond, GB, 1947, 50'
An old house in the country rich with antiques. The owner and his son decide to come back after being away for a long time. Upon their arrival, they notice that a precious painting has disappeared. The boy and his peer, a young worker, decide to investigate. The two pay close attention to every detail, to every possible clue. Unaware of the dangers, they are able, after an authentic adventure, to unveil the guilty person.
A film rich in suspense and wit, where it is the children who are able to expose the corrupt adults.
Short film:
Tom's ride, di Darrel Catling ,GB, 1944, 10'
Tom wants a bicycle. One day he finds a small bag full of money on the street. He is with his sister and is tempted to use the money to buy the long sought-after bicycle; instead, after finding out the name of the woman who suffered the loss of her bag, he tries everything to return it to her.
9:15pm
The little ballerina
by Gilbert Lewis, GB, 1947, 60'
Joan, fourteen years old and from London, dreams of becoming a professional ballerina. She attends private school lessons with passion. For her not very rich family, it is a noticeable sacrifice to give her this high-level training. The girl has a dear friend, Sally, who shares this journey with her. But in the group, there is a peer of hers, Lydia, who would like to stand out and is jealous. One day, Margot Fonteyn, the celebrated ballerina of Covent Garden, visits the school, to select dancers good enough to perform in the theater. All the young girls dream of being noticed by her. Before the coveted show, our little ballerina is the victim of a machination…A film that describes the power of passion and exalts the value of friendship.
10:30pm
Bush Christmas
by Ralph Smart, GB, 1947 , 74'
In Australia, a numerous family lives on a ranch: they have a champion horse farm. In the area, there have been animal kidnappings. The siblings, together with their two friends, swindled by some criminals, involuntarily aid in the kidnapping of their horse, Lucie, which had just been bought by their father. Saddened and worried, they decide to set out secretly, unbeknownst to their parents, following the tracks of the criminal. The trip turns into an adventure full of surprises and dramatic turns of events. They go through a landscape which is fascinating, but not immune to dangers and dangerous animals…
