This film is part of Free
The Vicar of Wakefield
Leads and locations shine in this feature adaptation of Oliver Goldsmith's popular novel, a tale to soften hard hearts
Overview
George Primrose, the titular vicar played by veteran stage actor John Hare, has always put others' needs first and trusted in his God. However, his family are left destitute when he is cheated out of his money by a rogue banker, and soon enough they are surrounded by swindlers and cads. Is his faith naïve or will the Good Lord provide? The theft of Primrose's cash and the abduction of his daughter add drama to this otherwise slyly comic adaptation of Oliver Goldsmith's sentimental classic.
The 18th century novel The Vicar of Wakefield was widely read in the Victorian age, and would have been familiar to the 1916 audience, although it's less well known now. This very successful feature-length adaptation was directed by Swiss-born British filmmaker Fred Paul. The scenes in the debtors' jail are especially effective, and Hare's lead performance is very strong, supported notably by two other experienced actors, AE George as the venal Jenkinson, and Ben Webster as his benefactor Thornhill.
Related
High Treason (sound version) High Treason (sound version)
Science Fiction 1929 68 mins
Extravagantly-mounted futuristic sci-fi, now with added sound, although still with the world's two power blocs at loggerheads.
High Treason (silent version) High Treason (silent version)
Science Fiction 1929 75 mins Silent
A terrorist plot plays out on a backdrop of towering skyscrapers, bullet-railways and silver lamé in this vintage vision of London's future.
The Tunnel The Tunnel
Science Fiction 1936 93 mins
The construction of a transatlantic tunnel linking Britain and America hits trouble in an entertaining slice of speculative fiction.
The Private Life of Don Juan The Private Life of Don Juan
Comedy 1934 87 mins
Husbands lock up their wives when the renowned Romeo returns to Seville; but the man wooing the city’s ladies is not what he seems.
A Message from Mars A Message from Mars
Science Fiction 1913 60 mins Location: London
Britain's first full-length science fiction feature has been restored by the BFI National Archive and given a new score by composer Matthew Herbert, commissioned by the BFI and the BBC.
Hedd Wyn Hedd Wyn
War 1992 115 mins Location: Trawsfynydd
The stirring story of poet Ellis Evans-Hedd Wyn, the Welsh poet posthumously awarded the Eisteddfod chair at Birkenhead in 1917 after failing to return from 1st World War trenches.
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.