Shot just a few days after the relief of Mafeking, this film captures the progress of British military personnel across the Vaal River in South Africa during the Boer War. Fording the river takes time, with so many ox- and mule-drawn wagons and an unwieldy observation balloon to boot. This footage was shot by London-born Joseph Rosenthal for the Warwick Trading Company - one of many films he made during the conflict.
An actuality film of the 1900 Paris Exhibition, shot from a boat travelling down the Seine.
A film in which limbless Nikolai Kobelkoff demonstrates a series of tasks, from aiming a pistol to performing gymnastics. Kobelkoff was born without arms and legs but persevered, becoming an international star in the early 20th century as a "Human Torso".
A very lifelike picture of the famous New York politician and Tammany Hall boss. This picture was taken on Sunday morning [sic] as he was leaving the 14th Street Wigwam, accompanied by a number of prominent New York politicians.
A man flirts with a milk maid.
“One of the most interesting places in the vicinity of Niagara Falls is the Whirlpool Rapids, where the immense volume of water which passes from the Falls, speeds along through its rocky and tortuous passage towards the ocean. The camera in securing this picture was placed at the front end of a train ascending the grade at a very rapid rate of speed. The combined motion of the train in one direction and the water in the opposite direction, the latter impeded and interrupted in its course by the rocky path through which it flows, sending beautiful masses of spray and foam many feet in the air, makes an impression on the audience long to be remembered.” (Edison film catalog)
Sailors row a whaling boat in a medium-tight shot.
Naval ratings pulling along naval guns during the Boer War.
Although we are led to believe that the ancient alchemists were all powerful, this picture somewhat reverses the order of things...
The scene opens by showing the village girls driving home a herd of cows, and shows the native peasantry of Switzerland returning from their daily occupation watching the herds. After driving the cattle to their shelter, the boys and girls congregate in front of the old barn and go through a native dance, to the amusement of the spectators. These pictures are marvelously clear and distinct, showing every feature of the participants.
It is train time. We look down the long platform, crowded with people, and see the famous N.P. Railway Overland Express approaching rapidly. In a moment the engine passes by, slowing down. Then comes one, two, three, four express cars, and behind them seven coaches and Pullmans. Passengers alight, baggage is unloaded, friends greet each other, station men rush here and there, the whole scene being one of great interest and activity.
Woman sings.
A performance with sound from comedian Jules Moy.
A conversation between two gents perks up when the see a picture in a magazine. A 'facial' comedy by GA Smith.
Spanish lost film about the Valencian carnival directed by Ángel García Cardona.
A group of tambours and dancers in traditional outfits pass the camera.
A short film screened at Il Cinema Ritrovato 2020 and believed to have been directed by Georges Méliès.
