On The Third Bell

A “Blitzkrieg” FILM
WRITTEN BY Kieran Clark

A horrifying event has shaken a close knit rural community to its roots. Whilst playing with his family’s hunting rifle, pretending he is his Father, away fighting the Turks. Twelve year old Simon finds himself in the middle of a hyped up investigation for a crime he never meant to commit and the unfortunate scapegoat for a community stricken with the fear and creeping desperation which looms as the terrifying realities of the First World War sink into its consciousness.

A young and talented Criminal Barrister Allen Baird, is sent in from the city to defend the young boy, At first Baird thinks it will be a walkover case, no-one in their right mind would think about executing a child, but on arrival to the small township Allen realises the horrific reality - this case could very well lead to the death of this innocent boy.

Set in the context of rural New Zealand during the early stages of World War One, “On the Third Bell” is an intelligent film which explores the realities of the human condition where from when we cross the line looking for justice and step into the realms of hunting a witch.