A LOST film telling the everyday story of a country doctor in the Forest of Dean is to have only its second showing ever at Soudley later this month.

The village has been seected because some of the children with parts in the film (pictured above) were, at the time, pupils at Soudley School or attending Blake-ney Hill Primitive Methodist Chapel Sunday School.

The film was launched at a special showing at Littledean House Hotel in 1972.

It was also shown to John Berger, the author of the book on which the film about a Forest doctor was based.

It was never shown on television and had been largely forgotten, mouldering in the vaults of the British Film Institute until being tracked down by Reading the Forest’s Jason Griffiths. The film, produced by Jeff Parks, follows the footsteps of Dr John Eskell.

Though not named, the book is about St Briavels and features some, now famous, photographs taken by Jean Mohr.

Mr Griffiths said: “We are thrilled to be screening it in Soudley where so much of it was filmed. The film includes a free miner and footage of local industries, including the chemical works at Cannop Crossroads.”

The film, which makes up part of the Forest of Dean Local History Society’s summer programme, is to be shown at 7.30pm on Friday June 22, and again at St Briavels on Saturday, June 23. Both events are free.

Anyone who had a part to play in the film is invited to attend the Soudley event to meet the producer Jeff Parks who will be a special guest.