Aasta 1908 - 13

"Lejonjakten" is one of five films (three of which are now lost) that were made by students at the University of Lund, Sweden, as a part of their 1908 carnival. The film is a cruel parody on Danish producer Ole Olsen's "Løvejagten" (1907) which was at the time banned in Denmark (due to the fact that a lion and other animals were actually killed in the film) but shown in Sweden. In the student version two actors dressed up as a lion and a kangaroo get shot by hunters, but the hunters themselves soon get arrested by the police, an allusion to a recent conflict between the students and the local police.

Two students at college were friends until a girl appeared and by the workings of fate was beloved by both. The girl has given her heart to one of the classmates, unknown to the other. The youth confesses his love, and is plunged into despair when told that her heart is another's. Coldly the classmates part, when the next day they start on their divergent paths of life. Years later, they meet again and while the trio enjoy a pleasant chat, a message calls the husband away, leaving his wife to entertain. The chum takes advantage of his absence to renew his protestations of love, which are spurned by the wife, who attempts to avoid him. He follows, whereupon the wife sends him reeling down the stairs, just as the husband reenters. The woman's denunciation of the friend brings about a terrific combat.

Leah, a Jewish woman fleeing persecution in Hungary, arrives in the town and captures the heart of Rudolf, the local magistrate's son. They plan to marry and escape to America for a better life, agreeing to meet at a cross in the forest. However, the schoolmaster, Nathan, an apostate Jew who harbors his own secrets, overhears their plan. He inflames the villagers' fears and tricks Rudolf into believing Leah will betray him for gold, leading Rudolf to renounce her. A heartbroken Leah, now forsaken, bestows a curse upon Rudolf and his future children before retreating into exile.

Mack Sennett appears as a policeman in this film produced by the Biograph Company.

This is an incomplete fragment of a longer film, so doesn’t make much sense, but it’s very beautiful and colourful with plenty of fireworks, flames and fountains as well as the customary fairies, magic and dancing.

Early Balkan footage.

Two feuding houses are united with the marriage and eventual death of their children.

After an altercation two men exchange cards, an invitation to adjudicate their differences on the field of honor. The seconds make all arrangements and at the appointed hour, the combatants appear. Both, however, are possessed of mortal fear and their aim is so uncertain that after numerous attempts and trials of various forms of weapons the seconds cheerfully call the match a draw.

This early silent era film was released in France circa 1908 by Segundo de Chomón. It is partially hand coloured and shows several Japanese characters and eventually a worm change into a butterfly which while flapping it's wings changes colours as it flies.

Images of Gotland

When the entire kitchen staff falls asleep from exhaustion, a dwarf appears and animates various objects via stop motion -- including their hands, which he cuts off while they snooze -- to do their work.

It is often said there is honor among thieves, but not so, as we shall see in this story. Two denizens of the underworld are seen in their squalid furnished room planning a robbery. Their intended victim is known to hold at all times in his safe at home a large sum of money and a wealth of jewels. Gathering together the tools of their nefarious calling, they start off, arriving at the house shortly after the master had retired for the night.

A Boer woman and her daughter are captured by Zulu warriors.

In the 1849 American West, seductive outlaw Jack Morgan falls in love with Mollie, an innkeeper's daughter, already coveted by stagecoach driver Dick. After robbing Dick's stagecoach, Jack is chased by a posse of horsemen. Wounded, he finds refuge with Mollie, who hides and nurses him back to health. Hunted to a burning barn, Jack attempts to escape but is shot dead by Dick. Mollie finds him dying in her arms. Between romance, betrayal, and pursuit, the film intensely blends drama and adventure.

Yannic, the farmer, falls asleep at the foot of the enchanted Dolmen despite his friends' recommendations, and is soon prey to the most fantastic nightmare.

Mack Sennett appears as a dinner guest and a policeman in this film produced by the Biograph Company.

Arrival of the Christian Slaves: The captives are brought before Nero. He chooses one fair maiden to serve in his palace. The others are condemned to death for a Roman holiday.

Silent film from Georges Méliés. It is presumed to be lost.

A dancer enchants a leacherous king but rebuffs his advances, resulting in his vengeful anger.

"The Scarlet Letter" is a story of early Puritan days in New England. Hester, a beautiful young Englishwoman, is sent to America by her husband, with a promise that he will follow on the next ship. But he falls to keep his promise and Hester does not hear from him in years. In the meantime she is befriended by a young Puritan minister. Friendship ripens into love and Hester, thinking her husband dead, loves the handsome young clergyman with her whole heart. But when the baby is born the minister, fearing the wrath of the Pilgrim Fathers, denies it and Hester is condemned to wear the Scarlet Letter and to stand in the pillory. And it is only after several years of Hester's shame and ignominy that the little child finally reaches the father's heart. Then comes the great scene. The minister, on a fête day, ascends the pillory, places himself where Hester had been placed, and publicly proclaims his sin.