James Williamson

The Big Swallow

James Williamson

Sam Dalton

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.

The Little Match Seller

James Williamson

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.

An Interesting Story

James Williamson

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

Fire!

James Williamson

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.

Stop Thief!

James Williamson

Sam Dalton

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.

Attack on a China Mission

James Williamson

Mr. James, Mr. Lepard

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?

Our New Errand Boy

James Williamson

Tom Williamson, James Williamson

A mischievous errand boy, sent out on a delivery, causes havoc in the streets of Hove. When he arrives back at the shop, he finds all his furious victims are already there complaining to the grocer -- and the chase is on!

Gabriel Grub the Surly Sexton

James Williamson

A sexton reforms after dreaming of abduction by goblins.

£100 Reward

James Williamson

A poor family, suffering from a lack of food, plan to sell their dog to gain some extra income. Before they act on their plan, the dog discovers some buried jewels. These turn out to be stolen, and the family are given a £100 reward.

Flying the Foam and Some Fancy Diving

James Williamson

'Professor' Reddish

Self-styled pier entertainer 'Professor' Reddish was a specialist in the "flying the foam" stunt, which involved mounting a bicycle and riding it down a steep ramp and then off the end of Brighton's West Pier into the sea. (BFI)

The Polite Lunatic

James Williamson

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

Magic Extinguisher

James Williamson

Sam Dalton

A conjurer vanishes animals then vanishes himself.

The Clown Barber

James Williamson

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

The Village Fire Brigade

James Williamson

A village fire brigade puts out a fire.

Lady Cyclists

James Williamson

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

Two Naughty Boys Teasing the Cobbler

James Williamson

Tom Williamson

Boys blow peas at the cobbler, who throws a boot and hits a woman.