This film is part of Free
Nurse and Martyr
The moving true story of wartime heroine Nurse Edith Cavell, recreated in the aftermath of her execution.
Overview
This intriguing dramatised account of WWI nurse Edith Cavell's imprisonment and execution at the hands of the Germans was produced shortly after her death. Cavell had been arrested for sheltering Allied soldiers and aiding their escape. Directed by and starring former circus performer Percy Moran, with Cora Lee in the title role, what this film lacks in completeness it makes up for in sheer drama.
The failure of diplomatic efforts by neutral countries to obtain a reprieve meant that on 12 October 1915, wearing her nursing uniform, Cavell was executed by firing squad in Brussels. An instant martyr, her fate provoked worldwide protest. Recruitment doubled in the weeks following her death, strengthening Allied morale.
Related
Poppies of Flanders Poppies of Flanders
Non-Fiction 1928 1 mins Silent Location: Richmond
A one-armed soldier is among those shown diligently manufacturing poppies on the 10th anniversary of Armistice Day at a factory in Richmond.
Remembrance Day in Dunham Massey Remembrance Day in Dunham Massey
Amateur film 1979 3 mins Silent Location: Dunham Massey Hall
Remembrance Sunday commemorations in Cheshire.
Armistice Day - Llandrindod Wells Armistice Day - Llandrindod Wells
News 1939 3 mins Silent Location: Llandrindod Wells/Llandrindod
This is thought to be footage of an Armistice Day parade in Llandrindod which includes armed forces veterans, police, Girl Guides, nurses and Air Raid Patrol [ARP] wardens.
Preston and District Roll of Honour, 6th, 7th, 5th Series Preston and District Roll of Honour, 6th, 7th, 5th Series
Non-Fiction 1915 14 mins Silent
A rare surviving WWI memorial film, featuring poignant images of men killed or injured serving in the armed forces.
Funeral at the Front Funeral at the Front
Non-Fiction 1915 1 mins Silent
Sombre and moving World War I newsreel story.
Peace Celebrations at Haslingden July 19th 1919 Peace Celebrations at Haslingden July 19th 1919
Non-Fiction 1919 13 mins Silent Location: Haslingden
Charming, fun and heartwarming portrait of a Lancashire town coming together to celebrate Peace Day.
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.
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 Archive’s 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.