This film is part of Free
Shipshape
Lifeboats to the rescue at Shoreham, West Sussex.
Overview
Shoreham-by-Sea is the setting for this brisk, engaging Royal National Lifeboat Institution promo. ‘Introduced’ by an RNLI superintendent, the film explains the need for continuous maintenance of lifeboats. It includes dramatically constructed incidents using local people, lifeboat men – and boats – as the ‘actors’. The censor certificate indicates that the film, ending with a fundraising appeal, was intended for cinema distribution.
This modest but effective short was one of the last productions of Films of Fact, renowned documentary maker Paul Rotha’s production company, before going bust. It was clearly made on a low budget, particularly noticeable in the sound dubbing. But look out for some eye-opening tour-de-force camera movements. The film’s other significance is that it allowed its young director Paul Dickson to take a step towards drama-documentary, the form he would master in his outstanding short films The Undefeated (1950) and David (1951, also on BFI Player).
Related
Shoreham Harbour and the opening of George Street, Hove Shoreham Harbour and the opening of George Street, Hove
Amateur film 1962 4 mins Silent Location: Shoreham-By-Sea
Hove's newly renovated George Street is officially opened by the Queen in this short 1962 film from David A Chesterfield
Shoreham Unlocked Shoreham Unlocked
Amateur film 1993 6 mins Location: Shoreham-By-Sea
The relaxed pace of life in Shoreham-by-Sea is captured by the Albany Cine Club in this laid-back look at the Sussex port
Shoreham Peeps 3 Shoreham Peeps 3
Amateur film 1962 37 mins Location: Shoreham-By-Sea
A local epic about Shoreham-by-Sea featuring men of the Rowing Club, a Charles II look-alike, a TV appearance and a glimpse at how a local newspaper was produced.
Shoreham Peeps 1 Shoreham Peeps 1
Amateur film 1962 35 mins Location: Shoreham-By-Sea
A local epic about Shoreham-by-Sea featuring bin-men, carnivals, Morris dancers, a beauty contest and Britain's famous and favourite crooner, Frankie Vaughan.
Shoreham Peeps 2 Shoreham Peeps 2
Amateur film 1962 37 mins Location: Shoreham-By-Sea
A local epic about Shoreham-by-Sea featuring Girl Guides, a District Nurse, a Summer Fair, more Morris dancers, an airshow, a funeral and a long-haired beatnik.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Luke Bean of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Samantha Arnold of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.
Horace Ové on Pressure Horace Ové on Pressure
Inside Film 2005 36 mins
The acclaimed director discusses his landmark film in this interview from 2005.
Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 28 mins
Directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor dig deep into their thrilling biopic Baltimore, in discussion with Nadia M Oliva.
Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film
Inside Film 2023 17 mins
Actor Herbert Norville discusses working with the pioneering filmmaker on his groundbreaking 1975 drama, Pressure.
Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective
Inside Film 2023 77 mins
An impassioned discussion on the life, work and legacy of the eminent filmmaker Horace Ové, chaired by Samira Ahmed.