Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Film Archive is a free public access resource for teachers, students, historians and anyone who has an interest in moving images. Spanning from 1897 to the present day, the films in the Digital Film Archive cover all aspects of life in Northern Ireland and includes everything from dramas to documentaries, newsreels and features, animation to amateur footage.
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The Coming of the Black Dawn
Something sinister this way comes in one of The Spence Brothers earliest films.
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Overview
One of only a handful of Spence Brothers' films shot in black and white, The Coming of The Black Dawn combines stark, but atmospheric visuals with a nerve-shredding soundtrack. Their debt to H.P. Lovecraft is made clear in the naming of the demon, Cthula. Landmarks such as Helen's Tower and Tulynakill graveyard lend a touch of menace to proceedings.
Twin brothers Roy and Noel Spence have been making films like this for over fifty years; with subjects including crafty leprechauns, creatures from outer space, fifties rock 'n' rollers and the undead. You can enjoy many of these fantastical creations on BFI player. This film is courtesy of Roy Spence and is held in the Irish Film Archive.
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