The Lads of the Village

The Lads of the Village


Humour and adventure as the returning heroes of an English village recount their exploits in the Mesopotamian war.

This cheerful mix of wartime spy drama and comedy sees the returning heroes of a small English village recount their exploits in the war in Mesopotamia. German spies have been using a Peace Society as a front for their nefarious activities (the rotters!), but our stout lads are on to them. They finally rout the blackguards while on active service in the Middle East - or at least the English field that stands in for it! The eponymous lads actually include a lass, who joins up as a nurse.

War comedy drama. During the First World War, British soldiers Bert and Erb attempt to thwart an enemy agent on the streets of London, before sailing on a troop ship to Mesopotamia, where they join in the trench warfare against the Turks. Later they dress as harem girls to sneak into the Caliph's palace, where they use a magic show to trick their way to victory. They return to England and marry their beloveds, and Erb wins the Victoria Cross.


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The First World War: Remembrance

These poignant films return us to a time when the war was still fresh.


The First World War came to an end at 11am on 11 November 1918 - the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month - a day that was immediately commemorated as Armistice Day (Remembrance Sunday was an innovation of the Second World War). The annual parades and wreath laying became a staple of the newsreels, and subsequently television. 

But the act of remembrance began long before the guns stopped firing. During the war, cinemas across the country regularly screened 'Roll of Honour' films, paying tribute to members of the local community who had been killed, captured or wounded in the conflict. And of course, while the war itself faded into history, filmmakers would revisit those world-shattering years for generations after.


16 videos in this collection

A rare surviving WWI memorial film, featuring poignant images of men killed or injured serving in the armed forces.
1

Preston and District Roll of Honour, 6th, 7th, 5th Series

2

Armistice

3

Armistice Day Poppies Topical Budget 898-2

Humour and adventure as the returning heroes of an English village recount their exploits in the Mesopotamian war.
4

The Lads of the Village

5

Victory and Peace

Poignant scenes as a public roll of honour for Liverpool and Merseyside's war dead is unveiled.
6

Liverpool Honours Heroes Topical Budget 230-2

In the grounds of Windsor Castle, George V presents new colours to the Eton College Officers' Training Corps.
7

Royal Honour for Famous School

Moving record of relatives waving a fond farewell to departing loved ones during WWI.
8

Preston and District Roll of Honour, 10th Series

Dramatic reconstruction of the Somme
9

The Somme

Newsreel cameras capture the crowds and royalty gathered to mark the seventh "Great Silence" on Remembrance Day 1925.
10

Remembrance Day 1925 Topical Budget 742-1

Charming, fun and heartwarming portrait of a Lancashire town coming together to celebrate Peace Day.
11

Peace Celebrations at Haslingden July 19th 1919

12

Leeds Jewish ex-Servicemen's and Women's Association at Rememberance Service 1948

Chinese junks and British battleships appear together in this film depicting the 1928 Armistice Day in Hong Kong.
13

At Home in Shanghai and a Trip to Hong Kong

A war shrine is unveiled in Hillingdon by one of Britain's leading wartime politicians
14

Fallen Heroes Topical Budget 339-1

Top-hatted dignitaries turn out in force for this service held to honour Wanstead locals serving in the armed forces.
15

Demonstration of the Churches Topical Budget 268-1

A London concert singer attends a military religious service to bless two new ambulance held in a London park.
16

Drumhead Service Topical Budget 298-1

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