National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
Video Player is loading.
We Regret
Jack takes unemployment on the chin and, using his feet, ensures that it does not prevent him from joining his comrades on vacation in Wales.
From the collection of:
Overview
Jack is found surplus to requirements during a trade depression of 1932. He gets a “We regret” letter from his (actual) employers, Thompson Brothers at Bradley Engineering Works, Bilston, Staffordshire. He takes it on the chin, downs a pint, and determines that he will use his feet to ensure that he can still enjoy “happy-go-lucky days” with his friends on their annual camp at Llanymawddwy. And so he sets off, evoking a hunger marcher, enjoying many an adventure on the way.
This is the 4th in a series of dramas made when Meredith (with camera) and his colleagues from TB enjoyed an annual camp at Richard Ellis Jones’ farm, Penygeulan, at Llanymawddwy. First was ‘Early film-making at Welsh Camp’ (1929), then came ‘Farmer John’ (1930), ‘Jack Reforms’ (1931) and then this film, ‘We Regret’ (1932). Each features Jack Whale (which may or may not be his real name) as the bumbling, lead character and here he wears a distinct Charlie Chaplinish air, with some beautiful scenes shot on his journey by foot from Staffordshire to Llanymawddwy.
Related
Watch for free
Caravan Holiday 1937 - and how we made the film 'The Bandits of Mawddwy' Caravan Holiday 1937 - and how we made the film 'The Bandits of Mawddwy'
Amateur film 1937 7 mins Silent Location: Llanymawddwy
Engineer John W Meredith works in Bilston, near Wolverhampton, but when he has a chance he exchanges the grime for the green of Llanymawddwy.
Watch for free
Jack Reforms Jack Reforms
Amateur film 1931 15 mins Silent Location: Llanymawddwy
Jack likes the ladies, the beer and the odd flutter but steadfast Ted, who acts as his guardian angel, helps him reach salvation.
Watch for free
Farmer John Farmer John
Amateur film 1930 13 mins Silent Location: Llanymawddwy
O, sighs the office-bound man, how wonderful to be a farmer! And, with breeches and boots, he tries the good life as ‘Farmer John’.
Watch for free
Gwylliaid Cochion Mawddwy / Bandits of Mawddwy Gwylliaid Cochion Mawddwy / Bandits of Mawddwy
Amateur film 1936 22 mins Silent Location: Llanymawddwy
In the old days it was all murder and mayhem around Llanymawddwy as this renactment of an old legend shows but, never fear, peace now reigns.
Watch for free
Early film making at Welsh camp Early film making at Welsh camp
Amateur film 1929 7 mins Silent Location: Llanymawddwy
Men on holiday from work at a Staffordshire firm - and on leave from home – enjoy themselves camping at Penygeulan farm, Llanymawddwy.
Watch for free
Wrong Bathroom Wrong Bathroom
Drama 2024 9 mins
A trans high-schooler is tempted by toxic masculinity in the boys’ bathroom.
Watch for free
We’ll Go Down in History We’ll Go Down in History
Documentary 2025 25 mins
Two years in the life of TRUK United FC, a beacon for positive change and trans inclusivity in football.
Watch for free
If I Make It To The Morning If I Make It To The Morning
Drama 2024 9 mins
A Chinese teenager dreams of living with her cool aunt in New York, until tensions boil over during a crab dinner.
Watch for free
Dragfox Dragfox
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2024 8 mins
A child struggling with their identity and a charismatic fox (voiced by Sir Ian McKellen) learn to embrace their differences in this heart warming stop-motion animation.
Watch for free
Wait, Wait, Now! Wait, Wait, Now!
Drama 2024 13 mins
A Maori and a Kiwi teen buddy up to raid their mum’s wardrobe and pucker their lips with red.
Watch for free
NGGAK!!! NGGAK!!!
Drama 2024 8 mins
‘I pronounce you wife and wife.’ A young couple design their perfect wedding online, but then mum dials in.