Count Zborowski screening

A public screening of newly discovered amateur film of Count Zborowski to commemorate the 90th anniversary of his death.

Count Zborowski, the multimillionaire playboy who lived at Higham just outside Bridge in the 1920s, is perhaps best known for his exploits as an amateur racing driver. His specially built cars, that incorporated First World War aeroplane engines, were later to be the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. But Count Zborowski is also well-known for his 15” gauge steam railway that he had built around his estate. This mile long track has long fascinated railway enthusiasts because no known photos or film were thought to exist. That was until Tim Jones, a Senior Lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University, recently came across two reels of amateur film labeled ‘Count Drama.’ It soon became apparent that this home-made drama, in the style of silent films, had been shot at the Higham Estate in 1924 and starred Count Zborowski. The film is in remarkably good condition and provides a fascinating glimpse of the rich at play and is a unique example of early amateur filmmaking.

Public Screening at Canterbury Christ Church University on 25 Oct 2014 and 1 Nov 2014.