An Interesting Story

An Interesting Story 1904

5.90

The adventures of an inattentive man who can't look away from his book.

1904

The Big Swallow

The Big Swallow 1901

6.49

A man, objecting to being filmed, comes closer and closer to the camera lens until his mouth is all we see. Then he opens wide and swallows camera and cinematographer. He steps back, chews, and grins.

1901

Fire!

Fire! 1901

5.90

Firefighters ring for help, and here comes the ladder cart; they hitch a horse to it. A second horse-drawn truck joins the first, and they head down the street to a house fire. Inside a man sleeps, he awakes amidst flames and throws himself back on the bed. In comes a firefighter, hosing down the blaze. He carries out the victim, down a ladder to safety. Other firefighters enter the house to save belongings, and out comes one with a baby. The saved man rejoices, but it's not over yet.

1901

Attack on a China Mission

Attack on a China Mission 1900

5.10

The titles tell us this film is based on an incident in the Boxer Rebellion. A man tries to defend a woman and a large house against Chinese attackers. They attack with swords, guns, and paddles. He's over-matched. What will become of the mission, its defenders, and its occupants?

1900

The Boy and the Convict

The Boy and the Convict 1909

5.00

A boy helps a convict to escape after meeting him at his mother's graveyard. The convict gets rich in Australia and when he returns is arrested again but released in the last moment after a dying convict confesses.

1909

The Little Match Seller

The Little Match Seller 1902

6.20

A short melodrama based on Hans Christian Andersen's harrowing tale. A poor little girl tries to sell matchsticks in the freezing December cold. She lights matches for some light and warmth. There are visions: a fireplace, dinner, a Christmas tree. She sees her dead mother, welcoming her.

1902

The History of a Butterfly: A Romance of Insect Life

The History of a Butterfly: A Romance of Insect Life 1910

5.00

Directed by one of the pioneers of the cinematic industry, James Williamson, The History of a Butterfly - A Romance of Insect Life is an intriguing look at the life cycles of butterflies and moths. Caterpillars are seen hatching, feeding and ready for pupation and with three caterpillars changing into chrysalis and the birth of a peacock butterfly, this black and white silent film is an early example of British natural history filmmaking.

1910

Stop Thief!

Stop Thief! 1901

5.20

A lad from a butcher shop is carrying a tray laden with a roast or a leg of lamb. A hobo grabs it and runs. The boy gives chase, joined by dogs, as neighbors watch the spectacle. The hobo jumps into a large rain barrel, followed by the dogs.

1901

The Derby

The Derby 1913

6.00

A momentous act of self sacrifice is caught on camera - Emily Davison is trampled by the King's horse at the 1913 Epsom Derby.

1913

The Polite Lunatic

The Polite Lunatic 1905

5.50

A workman flees from a lunatic who wishes to return a putty knife.

1905

An Affair of Honour

An Affair of Honour 1904

1

A comedy of faux Frenchmen who engage in a duel over some slight disagreement and who manage to shoot everyone but each other. Filmed by James Williamson on the South Downs, near England’s famous white cliffs.

1904

Lady Cyclists

Lady Cyclists 1899

4.38

A two-wheeled convoy of Victorian gentlewomen in a charming early film enigma.

1899

The Clown Barber

The Clown Barber 1898

1.00

A clown cuts off a customer's head and replaces it.

1898

Are You There?

Are You There? 1901

5.30

A young man's telephone call to his sweetheart is intercepted by her father, who beats him with his umbrella.

1901

Launch of the Filey Lifeboat

Launch of the Filey Lifeboat 1970

1

On the Yorkshire coast, a Victorian crew launch their lifeboat the old-fashioned way, with a horse-drawn slipway

1970