CASTLES AND FISHER FOLK

This film is held by the BFI (ID: 21685).

Synopsis

Against the backdrop of the castles of the Gold Coast, the film shows the life of the local inhabitants.

The commentator outlines a brief history of the 'gleaming castles along the coast of Western Africa', explaining how the Union Jack now 'floats peacefully' over these former fortresses. First, it shows the castle at Cape Coast, and then a succession of other castles, including Dixcove - where local African children play and learn 'English grammar' - and Elmina, 'the most beautiful castle…

 

Context

In 1934, Sight and Sound published a review for three films – Message of the Drum, Me Proper Black Man and Castles and Fisher Folk – all of which were produced by Publicity Films for Cadbury’s, under the direction of Walter Creighton. The review claimed that ‘these films are the work of a film unit which visited the West Coast of Africa last year to bring back material from which to make various advertising pictures…

 

Analysis

Although Castles and Fisher Folk was, as the final title notes, prepared for Cadbury’s, it makes no other mention of either the company or the cocoa industry and elides Cadbury’s economic interest within the area. However, the film does promote an idealised image of the Gold Coast, of contented locals and, in particular, of the positive role of the British within the area, in bringing peace and change to the Gold Coast.

The commentary presents a history…

 

Works Cited

‘The Film Society Programmes, 1925-1939’ (Arno Press, 1972), 273.

Low, Rachael, The History of British Film, 1929 - 1939: Films of Comment and Persuasion of the 1930's (London: Allen and Unwin, 1979).

Roberts, Andrew D., ‘Africa on Film to 1940’, History in Africa, Vol. 14, 1987, 189-227.

‘The Non-Fiction Film’, Sight and Sound, Autumn 1933, 104.

‘Non-Fiction Films’,…

 
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Titles

  • CASTLES AND FISHER FOLK
 

Technical Data

Year:
1933
Running Time:
11 minutes
Film Gauge (Format):
35mm Film
Colour:
Black/White
Sound:
Sound
Footage:
1006 ft
 

Production Credits

Production Countries:
Great Britain
Director
CREIGHTON, Walter
Sponsor
Cadbury
 

Countries

 

Themes

 

Genres