This film is part of Free
The Derby 1895
An exciting finish suggests that this is one of the very earliest British films
Overview
This is believed to be the Derby of 1895, filmed by Birt Acres for Robert Paul on 29 May 1895 - and hence one of the very earliest surviving British films. Only one older projected film, Arrest of a Pickpocket (probably shot just weeks earlier), is known to survive, though neither film would actually be screened in public until the following year.
Though we can't be certain about its provenance, the content fits a contemporary description of the film - "Clearing the course; preliminary canter; race and crowd surging over the course" - while the camera position is consistent with a photograph of Acres with his camera at Epsom on that day. Finally, the finish is a close one (as we know it was in 1895), and one of the jockeys seems to be wearing the pale-hooped colours of Lord Rosebery, owner of the winning horse, Sir Visto.
Related
Rough Sea at Dover Rough Sea at Dover
Non-Fiction 1895 0 mins Silent
Waves crash onto a jetty on the Kentish shoreline in one of Britain's earliest surviving films
Comic Costume Race Comic Costume Race
Non-Fiction 1896 1 mins Silent
Plenty of laughs to be had as these Victorian clowns attempt to run a charity race - if they can get their wigs on
Sea Cave near Lisbon Sea Cave near Lisbon
1896 0 mins Silent
Breath-taking view of waves breaking at the mouth of the Boca do Inferno.
Launch of H.M.S. Albion Launch of H.M.S. Albion
Non-Fiction 1898 2 mins Silent Location: Blackwall
The launch of H.M.S Albion, which was marred by the collapse of a gangway which resulted in many spectators drowning.
Two A.M.; Or, The Husband's Return Two A.M.; Or, The Husband's Return
Comedy 1896 1 mins Silent
A drunken spouse gets his just desserts in a timeless scene
Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee - Paul - York Road - Front of Procession Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee - Paul - York Road - Front of Procession
1897 1 mins Silent
Carriages full of well-heeled guests continue in Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee procession, filmed for RW Paul.
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.