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Lt Pimple and the Stolen Submarine (1914) | BFI National Archive

1,138 views · Published 12 December 2017 · 14:35 · Indexed 24 October 2026

Channel: BFI · 2017 · Film & Animation

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The dastardly plans of three bearded spies are foiled by the ingenuity of Lt Pimple in this action-packed spy spoof. The hugely popular Pimple starred in some 200 film comedies, which typically parodied popular genres and topical events. With its sub-aquatic plot, the Stolen Submarine reflects mounting naval rivalries between Britain and Germany, just as it slyly sends-up the spy serial.

This was one of several Pimple parodies of popular adventure series heroes such as Lieutenant Rose and Lieutenant Daring. Highlights of the Stolen Submarine include an undersea fist-fight, a wooden battleship, and a novel alternative to sending a message in a bottle... Pimple was the creation of music hall duo Fred and Joe Evans, who filmed largely from their Thames-side premises on Eel Pie Island (the naval chase scene at the climax of this film was recognisably shot at Twickenham's Embankment). The Pimple films were known for their endearingly low production values - cardboard sets and props worthy of Blue Peter - which were all part of the gag.

This video is part of the Orphan Works collection. When the rights-holder for a film cannot be found, that film is classified as an Orphan Work. Find out more about Orphan Works: http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/c.... This is in line with the EU Orphan Works Directive of 2012. The results of our search for the rights holder of this film can be found in the EU Orphan Works Database: https://euipo.europa.eu/ohimportal/en... 

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