Fatal Shot

From the collection of

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton
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


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.


Tags