Race Memories

Race Memories 1913

1

Denton, an anthropologist of note, meets by accident a new neighbor, an attractive girl, whose father insists upon her marriage to a man whom he favors because of his wealth. Denton and the girl are mutually attracted and to Denton comes a vague but haunting belief that they have met before. Worn out by overstudy, he becomes seriously ill with rain fever and the mind pictures he has of his fair neighbor fade into a vision of a prehistoric existence, where he wanders as a stone age savage, meets and loves the girl of his heart, who also lives in that strange world. There also is the conflict between wealth and poverty, the father's choice opposed to the daughter's. The prehistoric Denton finally wins out after struggling with a savage rival and wild beasts as well. Just so the modern Denton finally conquers over his modem rival.

1913

Battle of London

Battle of London 1911

1

Coverage of the Siege of Sidney Street, 3 January 1911, including film of Winston Churchill witnessing the events.

1911

Across the Deadline

Across the Deadline 1925

1

There is a feud of 30 years' standing between the Revelle and Wainwright families, dwelling in the Apache country, despite which Shirley, daughter of Martin Revelle, and Clem Wainwright fall in love. The lovers are discovered meeting by Clem's rival, Ben Larrago, who informs on them (Exhibitors Trade Review, 23rd May 1925).

1925

Life and Passion of Christ

Life and Passion of Christ 1907

6.30

The story of the life and passion of Jesus Christ, from the proclamation of his birth to his ascension into heaven.

1907

The Fairy of Spring

The Fairy of Spring 1902

6.00

It is winter and a couple invites an old woman to eat. The old woman then becomes a fairy and makes the spring appears.

1902

Wolf Hunting in Russia

Wolf Hunting in Russia 1910

1

Russian hunters on horse and a pack of borzois hunt down and kill a wolf.

1910

Métempsycose

Métempsycose 1907

4.80

Stencil-coloured version of Segundo de Chomón's Les roses magiques (1906).

1907

Madame's Cravings

Madame's Cravings 1906

5.86

A pregnant woman steals things from others on account of her cravings.

1906

The Faithful Furniture

The Faithful Furniture 1910

6.10

A man who no longer can afford his rent is forced to sell his beloved furniture. The furniture can not bear to be parted from their owner and decides to return home. Often confused with Bosetti's film Le Garde meuble automatique (1912).

1910

The Missing Bride

The Missing Bride 1910

1

During a wedding party, according to tradition, hide-and-seek is played in a local abandoned castle. The bride falls into a hidden corridor. As she enters a room, the door falls shut behind her. Inside, she finds a dead woman and a book that says she cannot get out of here. However, a cat taking her scarf outside is her salvation. The cat puts the searchers on the right track, and the groom finds his bride.

1910

Sport and Entertainment in Batavia

Sport and Entertainment in Batavia 1909

1

Duck archery is not the same as duck hunting. This is a Pordenone moment I will never forget – in actuality short Distraction et Sport à Batavia (1909), the residents of what is now call Jakarta make the most of their leisure time by pursuing a variety of mostly healthy exploits. But really, I can see no justification, nor explanation for why a round of archery needs to be enlivened by affixing live poultry to the target. As my good man Peter tweeted at the time: “One right in the neck, yeesh.” Sensitive viewers should be aware that animal cruelty abounds in silent cinema – the most notable, and egregious, example is Edison’s notorious Electrocuting an Elephant. The most poignant fictional example is perhaps the poor horse in Eisenstein’s October. (from http://silentlondon.co.uk/2015/01/23/10-disgusting-moments-in-silent-cinema/)

1909

Ruins of Delhi

Ruins of Delhi 1910

1

Attractive travelogue filmed in and around Delhi's Qutb complex.

1910

Brains Repaired

Brains Repaired 1911

5.30

Depicts a doctor looking into his patient's brain and seeing a collection of hideous and grotesque figures.

1911

History of a Crime

History of a Crime 1901

5.83

A convicted criminal dreams about his past the night before his execution.

1901

Moscow Clad in Snow

Moscow Clad in Snow 1909

6.43

The film is in four parts. First, the camera pans the Kremlin and Marshal's Bridge. Sleds are parked in rows. Horse-drawn sleighs run up and down a busy street. Next, we visit the mushroom and fish market where common people work and shop. In Petrovsky Park are the well-to-do. Men are in great coats. A file of six or seven women ski past on a narrow lane. Last, there's a general view of Moscow. A slow pan takes us to a view above the riverfront where the film began.

1909

A Heavy Sea

A Heavy Sea 1896

2.00

The rough sea crashing upon rocks.

1896