This film is part of Free
Dancer's Dream
A ballerina enjoys a fantastical dance
Overview
'Trick' films were often structured around a dream, in imitation of scenes from pantomimes. Characters were transformed - in this case by falling asleep in a cosy armchair in front of the fire - and transported through a series of elaborate and sometimes fantastical settings, before returning to the 'real' world. Our young heroine finds herself beneath the sea, in the frozen Arctic and a fiery inferno, before waking to find her shoe on fire from a falling piece of coal.
The original film was tinted appropriately: green for the sea, red for Hell.
Related
The West London Film The West London Film
Industry sponsored film 1985 31 mins Location: Westminster
Presenting the area's unusual history and how the GLC are addressing its mid-80s decline.
Ballet Black Ballet Black
Documentary 1986 85 mins
Stephen Dwoskin brings together members of the Ballet Negres dance company, founded in London in 1946.
If You Can't Beat 'em If You Can't Beat 'em
Amateur film 1980 9 mins Location: Leeds
Burning bras, liberated wives and domesticated men β gender roles are reversed in this female directed, movie club comedy.
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archiveβs role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.