We need your help! Donate and #SAVESIDE

The Bamboozler (2007)

Amber Films

The Bamboozler (2007) image
Still from The Bamboozler, 2007 ©Amber Films

The Bamboozler (2007)

A film about Tyneside percussionist Bruce Arthur, the vast collection of instruments he left behind, and the friends who preserve his legacy through music, creativity, and the joy of percussion.
  • Film and Video
  • Popular Cultures
  • Portraits
  • UK Documentary
  • 2000 – 2010
  • UK
  • Newcastle upon Tyne

Amber Films, 47 mins, 2007

The Bamboozler (2007) is a documentary by Amber Films that delves into the life and legacy of Tyneside percussionist Bruce Arthur, who passed away in 2002. Arthur amassed an extensive collection of percussion instruments, including drums, gongs, wood blocks, marimbas, squeaky hammers, and sound sculptures, which occupied the entire ground floor of his home. Upon his death, he bequeathed this eclectic assortment to his friend and former pupil, Brendan Murphy. ​

The film follows Murphy's efforts to honour Arthur's memory by establishing The Rumba Palace, a space dedicated to celebrating the joy of percussion and the art of "hitting things well." This initiative reflects the deep bond between mentor and student and underscores the significance of preserving artistic legacies within the community. ​

Interwoven into the narrative is the work of sound sculptor Adrian Sander, who embarks on creating Bruce's final commissioned piece, a brass and bamboo instrument aptly named The Bamboozler. This endeavour symbolises the continuation of Arthur's creative spirit and the enduring impact of his contributions to the world of percussion.

View license details
© Amber Films

Watch the film

Related Works

Mai (1973)

Mai (1973)

Amber Films

Film and Video

A film portrait of the eccentric and obsessive collector Mai Finglass - landlady to founder Amber members Murray Martin and Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen, when students in London.
Laurie (1978)

Laurie (1978)

Amber Films

Film and Video

A documentary film about South Shields born, self-taught sculptor Laurie Wheatley producing a sculpture of a welder.
Today I'm With You (2010)

Film and Video

A documentary film arising out of Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen's Byker Revisited portraits, exploring the new and changing communities in Newcastle's Byker Wall Estate.