Fatal Shot

From the collection of

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton collects, preserves, catalogues and provides public access to its collection of films and magic lantern slides. The collection charts the rise of screen culture in the region and the nation and captures many aspects of life, work and creativity in the South East from the late 19th century to the present day. It is available for research, screenings, creative re-use and commercial access.

Fatal Shot

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton
Kingsgate Bay
1931-01-01
Silent
6m

This gruesome tale from the Barnes Brothers is a warning to parents as a young child falls prey to a band of cliff dwelling murderous outlaws

This Barnes Brothers film starts with a trio of young bandits, with false beards, boozing in a chalk cliff cave and sharpening knives. One of them emerges from the lair onto the beach where he sees a lone child whose mother has gone to fetch a book. After knocking the child out, he carries her back to the cave. On waking the child escapes but the gang chase after her firing their guns. The girl is shot and her body is put into a sack. The bandits dig a hole in the sand and bury their victim.

Filmed among the chalk cliffs and caves of Kingsgate Bay, Kent, twin brothers John and William Barnes' youthful and gruesome production was made when the boys were in their very early teens. Their sister, Garlick, played the unfortunate victim while friends of the twins played the murderous bandits.

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.