Cinema Rediscovered | The Magic Box (1951)

The life story of Bristol-born inventor and early pioneer in cinema William Friese-Greene is told in The Magic Box, which was made for the Festival of Britain 70 years ago to celebrate British ingenuity. Based on Ray Allister’s book, Friese-Greene, Close-Up of an Inventor, the film offers fascinating insights into the pursuit of a dream, whose achievement opened up a new world. Starring Robert Donat, with cameo appearances by the great Laurence Olivier.