Comedy, Crime and the Documentary: British Cinema in the 1930s
Explore British cinema of the 1930s, a decade that reflects the first instance of an industry in which film production of all kinds was able to flourish. From cheap 'quota quickies' to lavish prestige productions and genres including comedy and crime, a British national cinema began to emerge, its critical reputation bolstered by a series of striking documentaries and the Hitchcock thriller.
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This online film studies course looks at developments in the British film industry during the 1930s, including strategies to improve and organise the industry after the difficulties of the 1920s. In this respect, it will note the impact of the Cinematograph Films Act (the 'Quota Act') which was intended to protect the interests of the industry - though it also resulted in the emergence of the so called 'quota quickie', very cheaply made films, often of variable quality, though some are of significant interest. We will also note attempts to establish a national cinema that could compete, both domestically and internationally, with Hollywood, e.g., Alexander Korda's London Films, and producer Michael Balcon at Gaumont. We will also consider key genres and modes of production during the period, including those of comedy and crime, and Hitchcock's series of 'chase thrillers' that combine these genres. The much celebrated documentary movement will be considered and as an area of production that established British cinema's relationship with realism and which subsequently came to form a major strand of British cinema.
Films featured on the course may include the following: The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933), The Ghost Camera (1933), Evergreen (1934), Man of Aran (1934), The Clairvoyant (1935), Coal Face (1935), A Colour Box (1935), The Ghost Goes West (1935), Housing Problems (1935), The Last Journey (1935), The 39 Steps (1935), Night Mail (1936), The Man Who Changed His Mind (1936), Things to Come (1936), The Edge of the World (1937), Oh, Mr Porter! (1937), The Face at the Window (1939), The Four Feathers (1939), Spare Time (1939), The Spy in Black (1939), Cheer Boys Cheer (1939).
What will we cover?
• British studios, producers and directors • The Cinematograph Films Act (the 'Quota Act') • Popular genres • The documentary movement • National cinema • Critical accounts of British cinema in the 1930s
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Identify and assess key British studios, producers and directors • Assess the impact of the Cinematograph Films Act (the 'Quota Act') • Identify and assess a range of popular genres • Describe and assess the documentary movement • Assess the concept of national cinema • Assess a range of critical accounts of British cinema in the 1930s
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for all levels and you do not require any particular skills - just an enthusiasm for film and discussing film. The course will provide an introduction to the subject but will also be useful for those wishing to build on existing knowledge in the subject area.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Screenings of extracts from films, talks by the tutor, reading materials, small and large group discussions. It might also be a good idea to see what you can find out about the subject in advance of the class (see the films mentioned above) but this is not essential.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will require a pen and paper (or laptop/device) but the tutor will provide all other materials such as handouts. The tutor will show extracts from films and you do not have to obtain them.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Look for other Film Studies courses under History, Culture and Writing/film studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.
Jon Wisbey teaches film at City Lit and Morley College. He was for many years a committee member and vice-chair of Chelmsford Film Club, screening contemporary and classic world cinema releases. He has an MA in Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. His teaching focuses on classical and post-classical Hollywood, European cinema, British cinema, film noir and horror cinema.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/comedy-crime-and-the-documentary-british-cinema-in-the-1930s3060163Comedy, Crime and the Documentary: British Cinema in the 1930shttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/50-films-HF004-1024.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Film studies/Introductory & general/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Film studies/Courses/Online courses228511771548158017311228511771580<p>Explore British cinema of the 1930s, a decade that reflects the first instance of an industry in which film production of all kinds was able to flourish. From cheap 'quota quickies' to lavish prestige productions and genres including comedy and crime, a British national cinema began to emerge, its critical reputation bolstered by a series of striking documentaries and the Hitchcock thriller.</p>003060130Comedy, Crime and the Documentary: British Cinema in the 1930s7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/50-films-HF004-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeSatOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2026-09-19T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceSep 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHF1827979Comedy, Crime and the Documentary: British Cinema in the 1930s635179Jon Wisbeycomedy-crime-and-the-documentary-british-cinema-in-the-1930s/hf182-2627<p>Explore British cinema of the 1930s, a decade that reflects the first instance of an industry in which film production of all kinds was able to flourish. From cheap 'quota quickies' to lavish prestige productions and genres including comedy and crime, a British national cinema began to emerge, its critical reputation bolstered by a series of striking documentaries and the Hitchcock thriller.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-19 00:00:00<p>This online film studies course looks at developments in the British film industry during the 1930s, including strategies to improve and organise the industry after the difficulties of the 1920s. In this respect, it will note the impact of the Cinematograph Films Act (the 'Quota Act') which was intended to protect the interests of the industry - though it also resulted in the emergence of the so called 'quota quickie', very cheaply made films, often of variable quality, though some are of significant interest. We will also note attempts to establish a national cinema that could compete, both domestically and internationally, with Hollywood, e.g., Alexander Korda's London Films, and producer Michael Balcon at Gaumont. We will also consider key genres and modes of production during the period, including those of comedy and crime, and Hitchcock's series of 'chase thrillers' that combine these genres. The much celebrated documentary movement will be considered and as an area of production that established British cinema's relationship with realism and which subsequently came to form a major strand of British cinema.</p><p>Films featured on the course may include the following:<br>The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933), The Ghost Camera (1933), Evergreen (1934), Man of Aran (1934), The Clairvoyant (1935), Coal Face (1935), A Colour Box (1935), The Ghost Goes West (1935), Housing Problems (1935), The Last Journey (1935), The 39 Steps (1935), Night Mail (1936), The Man Who Changed His Mind (1936), Things to Come (1936), The Edge of the World (1937), Oh, Mr Porter! (1937), The Face at the Window (1939), The Four Feathers (1939), Spare Time (1939), The Spy in Black (1939), Cheer Boys Cheer (1939).</p><p>Explore British cinema of the 1930s, a decade that reflects the first instance of an industry in which film production of all kinds was able to flourish. From cheap 'quota quickies' to lavish prestige productions and genres including comedy and crime, a British national cinema began to emerge, its critical reputation bolstered by a series of striking documentaries and the Hitchcock thriller.</p><p>• British studios, producers and directors<br>• The Cinematograph Films Act (the 'Quota Act')<br>• Popular genres<br>• The documentary movement<br>• National cinema<br>• Critical accounts of British cinema in the 1930s</p><p>• Identify and assess key British studios, producers and directors<br>• Assess the impact of the Cinematograph Films Act (the 'Quota Act')<br>• Identify and assess a range of popular genres<br>• Describe and assess the documentary movement<br>• Assess the concept of national cinema<br>• Assess a range of critical accounts of British cinema in the 1930s </p><p>The course is suitable for all levels and you do not require any particular skills - just an enthusiasm for film and discussing film. The course will provide an introduction to the subject but will also be useful for those wishing to build on existing knowledge in the subject area.</p><p>Screenings of extracts from films, talks by the tutor, reading materials, small and large group discussions. It might also be a good idea to see what you can find out about the subject in advance of the class (see the films mentioned above) but this is not essential.</p>You will require a pen and paper (or laptop/device) but the tutor will provide all other materials such as handouts. The tutor will show extracts from films and you do not have to obtain them.Look for other Film Studies courses under History, Culture and Writing/film studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.Film studiesIntroductory & generalvirtual637951HF182NONESat19/09/26 - 26/09/2610:30 - 13:0010:3013:002 sessions (over 2 weeks)21 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekendOnlineOnlineJon WisbeySome experienceAvailable courses2026-09-19T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Culture, history & humanities7979Comedy, Crime and the Documentary: British Cinema in the 1930scomedy-crime-and-the-documentary-british-cinema-in-the-1930s/hf182-2627<p>Explore British cinema of the 1930s, a decade that reflects the first instance of an industry in which film production of all kinds was able to flourish. From cheap 'quota quickies' to lavish prestige productions and genres including comedy and crime, a British national cinema began to emerge, its critical reputation bolstered by a series of striking documentaries and the Hitchcock thriller.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-19 00:00:00<p>This online film studies course looks at developments in the British film industry during the 1930s, including strategies to improve and organise the industry after the difficulties of the 1920s. In this respect, it will note the impact of the Cinematograph Films Act (the 'Quota Act') which was intended to protect the interests of the industry - though it also resulted in the emergence of the so called 'quota quickie', very cheaply made films, often of variable quality, though some are of significant interest. We will also note attempts to establish a national cinema that could compete, both domestically and internationally, with Hollywood, e.g., Alexander Korda's London Films, and producer Michael Balcon at Gaumont. We will also consider key genres and modes of production during the period, including those of comedy and crime, and Hitchcock's series of 'chase thrillers' that combine these genres. The much celebrated documentary movement will be considered and as an area of production that established British cinema's relationship with realism and which subsequently came to form a major strand of British cinema.</p><p>Films featured on the course may include the following:<br>The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933), The Ghost Camera (1933), Evergreen (1934), Man of Aran (1934), The Clairvoyant (1935), Coal Face (1935), A Colour Box (1935), The Ghost Goes West (1935), Housing Problems (1935), The Last Journey (1935), The 39 Steps (1935), Night Mail (1936), The Man Who Changed His Mind (1936), Things to Come (1936), The Edge of the World (1937), Oh, Mr Porter! (1937), The Face at the Window (1939), The Four Feathers (1939), Spare Time (1939), The Spy in Black (1939), Cheer Boys Cheer (1939).</p><p>Explore British cinema of the 1930s, a decade that reflects the first instance of an industry in which film production of all kinds was able to flourish. From cheap 'quota quickies' to lavish prestige productions and genres including comedy and crime, a British national cinema began to emerge, its critical reputation bolstered by a series of striking documentaries and the Hitchcock thriller.</p><p>• British studios, producers and directors<br>• The Cinematograph Films Act (the 'Quota Act')<br>• Popular genres<br>• The documentary movement<br>• National cinema<br>• Critical accounts of British cinema in the 1930s</p><p>• Identify and assess key British studios, producers and directors<br>• Assess the impact of the Cinematograph Films Act (the 'Quota Act')<br>• Identify and assess a range of popular genres<br>• Describe and assess the documentary movement<br>• Assess the concept of national cinema<br>• Assess a range of critical accounts of British cinema in the 1930s </p><p>The course is suitable for all levels and you do not require any particular skills - just an enthusiasm for film and discussing film. The course will provide an introduction to the subject but will also be useful for those wishing to build on existing knowledge in the subject area.</p><p>Screenings of extracts from films, talks by the tutor, reading materials, small and large group discussions. It might also be a good idea to see what you can find out about the subject in advance of the class (see the films mentioned above) but this is not essential.</p>You will require a pen and paper (or laptop/device) but the tutor will provide all other materials such as handouts. The tutor will show extracts from films and you do not have to obtain them.Look for other Film Studies courses under History, Culture and Writing/film studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.Film studiesIntroductory & generalconfigurable
15481580Introductory & generalhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/film-studies/introductory-general1/2/285/1177/1580/15481/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Film studies/Introductory & general
