Birt Acres

The Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race

The short film is just a shot of the Oxford versus Cambridge University Boat Race. However, it is extremely important because, filmed on March 30 1895, it is the earlies film from Great Britain.

Rough Sea at Dover

The surf pounds against a breakwater on which are visible several people standing. The wall looks to be about 20 feet above sea level and extend at least 100 feet into the water. A large wave rolls picturesquely along the wall toward the shore. Smaller waves follow. Then the scene changes to river water flowing. We see both shores: in the foreground a log and tree branch are visible; on the far shore, there appears to be a low wall with trees beyond it. The camera is stationary in both shots.

Opening of the Kiel Canal

The opening of the Kiel Canal in Germany by Kaiser Wilhelm II on 20 June 1895.

Performing Animals; or, Skipping Dogs

A short black-and-white silent documentary film featuring one dog jumping through hoops and another dancing in a costume, which was considered lost until footage from an 1896 Fairground Programme was identified as being from this film.

Incident at Clovelly Cottage

Incident at Clovelly Cottage, also known as Incident Outside Clovelly Cottage, Barnet, shot by Birt Acres and produced by Acres and his collaborator Robert W. Paul in March 1895, was the "first successful motion picture film made in Britain" Considered lost since only a few frames have survived.