Little Boy's Dream

From the collection of

Archif Sgrin a Sain Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive

Established in 2001, the National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive holds an unrivalled collection of films, TV and radio broadcasts, video tapes and sound recordings relating to Wales and the Welsh, from 1898 to the present day. The collection spans multiples formats and genres, both professional and amateur.

Little Boy's Dream

Archif Sgrin a Sain Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive
Plas Newydd
1937-01-01
Silent
6m

What dreams may come when a treasured possession is aggressively broken? Unfinished drama starring Anglesey's Earl of Uxbridge as a poor boy.

An unfinished drama shot by Lady Caroline Paget, eldest daughter of the 6th Marquis of Anglesey, in the grounds of 'Plas Newydd'. Home from school for the holidays, Caroline's brother Henry, Earl of Uxbridge, assumes the role of a ragged poor boy (with good quality pyjamas and sheets on his bed!) whose treasured, possibly only, possession - a model sail boat - is wrecked by a delivery boy from the firm 'Blogs'. What dreams may come after such an upset in a life already troubled?

Lady Caroline and the Marquis filmed a number of dramas and home movies over a period of years, always involving members of the family and friends and, at least in the case of the film ‘Pink Shirts', their staff. This film includes friend Angus Menzies (as the mechanic) and, possibly, Henry's twin, Katherine, and another sister, Mary. It is a pity that the film was never finshed - perhaps Henry had to go back to school before it could be completed.

Amateur Auteurs

Ever dreamed of shooting your own movie? These pre-digital cine-enthusiasts did - with all the passion and devotion of the true auteur.

These low- (or no-) budget creations reach beyond simple point-and-shoot, back-garden efforts towards something more ambitious and skilful, revealing their authors' passion for film and their often astonishing ingenuity with limited resources. No desktop editing software or digital special effects for these amateur auteurs. The films include fiction and documentary, competition prizewinners and private labours of love. They may be the work of cine-clubbers or individual enthusiasts. But they all show a devotion to filmmaking that far transcends hobbyism. So look out for the delightful handmade intertitles, table-top special effects and library soundtracks which decorate many of the quirky stories, ultra-local documentaries and painstakingly composed home movies featured here.