Damn the War

Damn the War 1914

5.60

An army pilot is visiting the home of another army pilot in a neighboring country, and falling in love with his sister, when war breaks out.

1914

Monsieur Beulemeester, Civic Guard

Monsieur Beulemeester, Civic Guard 1913

6.00

Commissioned by Pathé Frères, Alfred Machin shoots several local stories in Belgium, in a typically Belgian setting. Machin produces not only historical dramas, but also some comedies mainly portraying the Brussels "zwanze", the typical humour of the city's inhabitants, which is characterised by a finely-balanced mix of self-deprecation and exaggeration. In doing so he made his films accessible and recognizable to his audience. Mr Beulemeester, notorious member of the local militia and very possessive when it comes to his daughter, is in this film fooled by charmer and suitor Van Soest.

1913

The Black Diamond

The Black Diamond 1913

5.80

On instructions of the French company Pathé Frères, Alfred Machin develops a film industry in the Netherlands and Belgium from 1912 to the advent of World War One. He directs several quality films including La Fille de Delft, Maudite soit la Guerre and this wonderful gem Le Diamant Noir. A man is accused of theft and decides to quit the country. Machin's favourite pet, the panther Mimir shares the lead roll in this film with a magpie.

1913