header-logo header-logo

Shocks on screen: the case of Five Nights

28 October 2022 / David Hewitt
Issue: 8000 / Categories: Features , Defamation , Privilege , Media
printer mail-detail
98859
David Hewitt takes a trip back in time to a cinematic outing so outrageous, it ended up in court

In the middle of WWI, a film called Five Nights caused quite a kerfuffle—in picture houses, but also, briefly, in at least one splendid courtroom as well.

Objectionable features?

Made in West London, in the very studios from which the Ealing comedies would later emerge, the film tells the story of a dissolute young artist. He is shown wooing a Chinese woman in Alaska, falling for his own cousin and having her disrobe in front of him, and shooting a Chinese man dead. He is also shown as the father of an illegitimate child.

No one saw all this before the people of Preston did. Five Nights was shown in the town at the end of August 1915, in the old King’s Palace Theatre. But it was shown there only once.

James Watson was part of the audience that stiflingly hot Monday afternoon. It was a huge audience, and he was the new chief constable

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ career profile: Liz McGrath KC

NLJ career profile: Liz McGrath KC

A good book, a glass of chilled Albarino, and being creative for pleasure help Liz McGrath balance the rigours of complex bundles and being Head of Chambers

Burges Salmon—Matthew Hancock-Jones

Burges Salmon—Matthew Hancock-Jones

Firm welcomes director in its financial services financial regulatory team

New Square Chambers—Alexander Farara

New Square Chambers—Alexander Farara

Chambers welcomes new member

NEWS

Law school partners with charity to give free assistance to litigants in need

Magic circle firms, in-house legal departments and litigation firms alike are embracing more flexible ways to manage surges of workloads, the success of Flex Legal has shown

Magic circle firms, in-house legal departments and litigation firms alike are embracing more flexible ways to manage surges of workloads, the success of Flex Legal has shown

Walkers and runners will take in some of London’s finest views at the 16th annual charity event

Law school partners with charity to give free assistance to litigants in need

back-to-top-scroll