Introduction

Pioneers of Nudism is an amateur film shot at Spielplatz naturist resort in Hertfordshire England. Spielplatz was founded by Charles and Dorothy Macaskie in 1929. The scenes were filmed in the 1930s.  Spielplatz is the pioneering naturist resort in the U.K.

Synopsis

A narrative film within a film, in which a drunken tramp is ‘converted’ to the cause, is somewhat abandoned (it’s never quite clear if he’s being punished or baptised), but in general the whole affair is very relaxed. The film has a running time of 27:29.

Naturist interest

There is a strong naturist internet to this film short given the idea that it was filed at Spielplatz the oldest naturist resort in the U.K. The film provides a glimpse into the activities of the memebers of the venue. The emphasis on health a physical activities inherent in the naturist way of life in its early days is a consistent theme. From the attempt to engage a drunken man to put down the drink and engage in activities to activities themselves, naturist as healthy comes through.

Production quality

Pioneers of naturism contains no adit, it is a silent film shot on 9.5 mm film. The amateur nature of the film is evident. There are no real scene cuts narration or narrative captions typical of silent film. The viewer gets 27 and a half minutes of black and white footage capturing the shenanigans of the previously mentioned individual depicted as a drunk and group of anywhere from two to six naturist. There is even some amateur special effects involving insects. All in all the stays true to the depicting the film’s naturist intentions.

Acting

The only acting to speak of is that the drunken man who emotes various degrees of resistance, hesitance, reluctance as he is nudged pushed, forced and cajoled into participation in several naturist activities. The other “actors” persist in their attempts to “convert” him. A mix of men and women cavort around, swim feign playing tennis and do all manner of physical and acrobatic activities throughout. Mothers can be seen holding fully clothed children, though all the adults are naked with no attempt to cover or strategically censor the full frontal nudity.

Story

To suggest a story in Pioneers of naturism would ascribe more intention to the film than I believe is warranted. There is no real specific flow to the scenes, just what sometimes feels like random footage of various naturist activities. Dancing, frolicking, swimming, high stepping, badminton, gymnastics, tumbling, running are just a few of the outdoor activities shown. Couples walk together, groups swim and families eat. There is a consistent theme engaging in naturism is healthy and wholesome. The theme is purposefully and effectively proclaimed. The rustic cabins, unsophisticated pool, and rudimentary amenities provide what’s seems to be an accurate view of the early days of naturism in 1930s Britain. Though there is no visible racial or ethnic diversity, as is expected based on the times that the film was made. But there is gender, age and even some body diversity.

Conclusion

This is cinematically interesting short from a naturist perspective. Twenty seven minutes is not a long amount of time to devote to viewing and film. The Pioneers of Naturism is worth the time. The film can be viewed on the British Film Insitute web site. Those outside the U.K. Looking to view the film will need to use a VPN.

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