It has been adapted for a BBC Radio 4 series, a stage play titled The Islander and an audiobook, all of which featured Guernsey-born actor Roy Dotrice in the lead role.
The late Rodney Collenette also played the titular hero on many occasions from the mid-90s as well as in Gadoc’s 2009 production.
But The Book Of Ebenezer Le Page has never been made into a film. Until now.
Jules Upson has adapted and produced (and co-directed with Benjamin Lewis) the 17-minute film, The Islander, as the graduation project for his masters of arts in drama, which he took at Guildford.
‘No pressure then?’ said Jules laughing.
Why Ebenezer?
‘It’s my favourite book and it speaks volumes to me, as it does to many people. Still, despite its following, it’s under-appreciated. I wish I’d read it when I was young because it’s a classic of Guernsey literature, along with Denys Corbet and George Metivier.
‘It speaks to us now more than ever. It’s the most truthful account of someone living in Guernsey from the late 19th century to the mid-1960s. There’s sadness, love, truth, friendship, betrayal, random acts of kindness. It speaks to everyone who has read it.’
How does one adapt Ebenezer for the screen?
‘It was a challenge but a great opportunity. I had a really good tutor at Guildford called Dr Darren Tunstall and he told us what filmmaker, writer, director and producer Kevin Campbell said – “How do you adapt a book? You open it at the first page. He says that, she says that. That’s how you start.”’
One of Jules’ good friends is Steve Foote, who set up Blue Ormer Publishing in 2014 and published Genius Friend, Edward Chaney’s biography of GB Edwards. The author bequeathed the rights of the book to Chaney before he died.
‘Steve introduced me to Edward and he gave his blessing to the project,’ said Jules.
Even at 17 minutes, there has been a huge amount of work behind the project.
‘I spoke to Edward two years ago. I wrote the script in 2024-25, we filmed three-and-a-half to four days in August. I edited it into a rough cut at the end of September and then began re-editing.’
Filming took place all around the island.
‘The National Trust of Guernsey was very helpful,’ said Jules. ‘We filmed at Saumarez Park, the Victorian Walled Garden, Les Caches Farm, the Fairy Ring and a cottage as close as we could find to Ebenezer’s cottage at the fictional site of La Petite Greve.’
The part of Ebenezer is played by well-known stalwart of the local acting and music world, Dennis Burns.
‘It’s the first time I’ve played him,’ said Dennis. ‘Jules got in touch because I was a friend of his granddad, Dave Upson, with whom I played in bands in the ‘60s.
‘I met with Jules and his dad, Dave Jnr, for a coffee and he asked me to play the part.
‘Jules’ passion for The Book Of Ebenezer Le Page was so great that I went out and bought the book again. I found myself identifying with the crotchety old bugger. I recommend it more as you get older.’
Dennis enjoyed filming at the different locations, but one of part was his favourite.
‘The part of the book that Jules filmed was set in the early ‘60s and one day we filmed with a beautiful old 1950s car.’
He also found the cast and crew a joy to work with.
‘Jules is such a lovely guy. Chris Denton is a brilliant cinematographer, I’ve worked with him many times before, and also working with Kathryn [Prince] – we had a lovely time.’
Chris Denton was hand-picked to become involved.
‘I’m friends with Jules’ uncle and we went to dinner. He introduced me to Jules, who said he was interested in filmmaking, wanted to do a piece on Ebenezer Le Page, and that he would love me to be director of photography. I said why not? Let’s get the rough done and I’ll take it and polish it up.’
Filming one scene was particularly memorable.
‘It was last year in the middle of another heatwave and we were upstairs at the Folk Museum with Dennis shooting a scene. Dennis was sweating. We were all sweating. It was 45 degrees up there.’
Chris was happy to be a part of the project and was impressed with Jules’ professionalism.
‘I think Jules has done a great version – he’s taken all the main bits and made them into a short film.
‘He is very particular about editing and about what I did. He knew what he wanted and I respected that.’
Kathryn Prince plays Liza.
‘I got involved through Dennis. I’ve done quite a lot of acting with Dennis over the years.
‘There was actually two versions many years ago. The first time was in 1998 as part of the Guernsey Festival. It was only on for two nights that October. This is the production I played Liza. Mick [Kathryn’s late husband] played Paddy the Irish coach driver. Rodney Collenette was Ebenezer in both.
‘We also did a recording for a Canadian who was interested in Ebenezer Le Page. But that was just voice. So I have played Liza, but then it was young Liza.’
Kathryn said filming was a lot different than acting on stage.
‘You don’t give so much when you’re filming. If you give 7% when you’re on the stage, you give 2% or less when you’re filming. Every gesture and expression is magnified when you’re being filmed.’
She has read the book and is a big fan.
‘It’s very well put together. You learn a lot about people. It stands alone and is one of a kind.’
Joe Mansell and Freya Tardif play the younger Ebenezer and Liza in the film.
Music for the soundtrack was provided by local hurdy-gurdy player, Jean Mills, as well as the song Sarnia Cherie written by Jessica Nash and performed by The John Wesley Stone.
Rebecca Booth, head of arts development at Guernsey Arts, is proud to both ‘support and celebrate’ the film.
‘Through exceptional performance and the timeless beauty of Guernsey’s landscapes, this production offers a moving and unforgettable interpretation of one of the island’s most treasured literary works,’ she said.
‘We’re very grateful to Guernsey Arts for their support,’ said Jules. ‘We’re excited to add to the exceptional array of films that are being made locally. It’s an exciting time for Guernsey film.’
Jules’ next acting role will be in a film set in a medieval house, with shooting beginning in November.
The Islander will premiere at the Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts on Thursday 10 September at 6pm. The evening will include a drinks reception, the showing of The Islander, a documentary called The Book Of GB Edwards with Edward Chaney, about his friendship with the author (directed by Benjamin Lewis and assistant-directed by Jules), rounding off with a Q&A with some of the cast and crew. Tickets are £5 and £4 seniors and under-18s and are available at www.prcpa.gg or at the box office on 229999.
