The Bedfords on Film

The Empire Cinema [Z1306/10/41/27]

Sunday 30th May 1915: In these days of the popular cinema, an explanation of the headline is unnecessary. The film itself, however, is worth a good deal of explanation, although when seen it explains itself(1).

The Bedfordshires have been filmed in order to illustrate the life in a service battalion. Pictures were taken at the Barracks, at the Ampthill Camp and in the grounds of Hinghingbrooke Castle in Huntingdon, and the three thousand feet of film exposed depict scenes of interest with a degree of success that reflects credit on that skilled operator, Mr. W. N. Blake. Although episodes such as boot inspection, drilling in Ampthill Park, serving out dinners etc. were taken on the 12th of this month, the complete film was shown privately at the end of the last week. It will be exhibited at the Empire at 3, 7 and 9(2) accompanied by rousing music and the appropriate applause of full houses.

Officers and men from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Huntingdonshire figure in the production and spectators are able to see their relatives and friends at work without having to make a more or less long journey for that purpose. The film in in narrative form, if one may be allowed to use the expression, and shows the man enlisting, taking the oath of allegiance, drawing clothing and necessaries and being fitted for uniform until one day he emerges from the chrysalis into the glorious imago of the King’s uniform. Thereafter he is shown at work and play. On the Barracks Square he is drilled, and a day comes when he is one of the draft who answer to their names, receive their rations, a few words of cheer from the chaplain, and march off along the Kempston-road to the station, ready to go wherever duty to King and Country calls.

Excellent views of the training camp at Ampthill are shown. There are bayonet fighting, drawing dinners, boot inspecting, the Battalion forming and marching in mass headed by the Commanding Officer, the Duke of Bedford, Major F. A. Stevens (Second-in-Command) and Major Nelson (Adjutant) – all clearly and picturesquely recorded. Space does not permit of a detailed description, but all who feel a pride in our gallant men, and would see them at work in their interesting surroundings, should not miss this opportunity. Special matinée performances are arranged for the two days mentioned. We understand that Private Bentley, of the Bedfordshire Regiment, who has recently been awarded the DCM, will address a few words from the Empire stage each evening and at the Saturday matinée.

Source: Bedfordshire Times 21st May 1915

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(1) Sadly the film does not seem to have survived

(2) The showings were on 21st and 22nd May. The Empire was at 27 Midland Road and was owned by Blake Brothers, it survived at least into the 1970s though by then its sole staple seems to have been X-rated adult films.