The Justice Files Episode 1: “Mrs Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co” was created to dramatise the most famous contract law case for national and international use. The film is intended as a pilot for a planned series of dramatisations of famous legal cases that established leading precedents in English law. These cases, which have rich and remarkable background stories, had a huge impact not only in the UK but around the world, as they form a vital part of the law in over 60 countries including the US, Canada, Australia, India and much of Africa.
The Carlill case is fundamental to contract law and is thus studied by hundreds of thousands of law students every year. This, as well as the other films in the series, will provide invaluable visual education resources. In addition, their rich narratives and diverse histories will provide fascinating insights for members of the public and historians, and public engagement opportunities for museums.
In collaboration with the University of Plymouth, Time-Lock Productions have used a mix of professional actors and volunteers to create a dramatisation that is accurate, informative and engaging for viewers. Filmed in historical locations, this production utilised green screen overlays and CGI to help recreate the period, together with period costumes and authentic dialogue. A fictional press reporter has been added to aid the storytelling and enhance the viewer’s understanding of the case.
News release: University launches educational film series based upon landmark legal cases
The 24-minute film originally premiered on 3 November and was introduced by Rob Giles and Hugo de Rijke. A Q&A session followed the filming. The film was also streamed free of charge on 10 and 11 November.
Please contact rob.giles@plymouth.ac.uk for further information.