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Around New York in 15 Minutes
(1905) United States of America
B&W : Short film
Directed by (unknown)
Cast: (unknown)
Paley & Steiner production; distributed by [?] S. Lubin and/or Kleine Optical Company? / Produced by William C. Paley. Cinematography by [?] William C. Paley? / © 31 January 1905 by Paley & Steiner [H56326]. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Documentary.
Synopsis: [From a Lubin Company catalog] SCENE 1 Arriving and landing in New York from ferry boat. SCENE 2 Showing the ocean liner Zeeland leaving for Europe crowded with passengers; also the throng bidding them “bon voyage.” The river in this scene is noticeably full of ice, which makes a very pretty effect. SCENE 3 – SHOPPING DISTRICT AS SEEN FROM SIXTH AVENUE This scene then changes to a closer view. We find an urchin strolling along peeling a banana and throwing the skin upon the sidewalk. Directly in the rear is seen a couple hurrying along, loaded down with packages. The man is a regular Mr. Peewee, while the woman is just the opposite, being very stout. The little fellow steps on the peel, and, in his effort to save himself, he drags her down, she falling directly upon him, the bundles flying in every direction. The woman calls wildly for help, not being able to raise herself from the unfortunate Mr. Peewee, who has ceased his struggles. In answer to her cries for assistance a policeman responds and helps her to arise from the prostrate man, who has evidently suffered a severe shock. The officer telephones for an ambulance, which is seen approaching at a furious rate of speed. He is examined by the surgeon and hustled into the ambulance, while his companion, who has caused all the trouble, is led away in tears by the officers. SCENE 4 – BROOKLYN BRIDGE Panoramic view taken from the front end of a car, showing both Brooklyn and New York ends. The scene then changes to a panorama taken from the dome of the World Building, and presents a magnificent and clear view of the skyscrapers and both the Williamsburg and Brooklyn Bridges, also the East and North Rivers. This panorama is considered the finest ever taken of New York City. SCENE 5 – “O!” THE BOWERY This scene was taken looking north from Grand Street and gives one a perfect idea of this famous thoroughfare, ending with a little comedy, entitled “The Rubes’ Visit to the Bowery.” Two tough-looking characters are seen loitering in a doorway, near a cigar store. Upon spying the Rubes one of them removes the wooden Indian from in front of the store, while the other, who has changed his costume to that of an Indian, proceeds to take the place of the wooden figure. The other accosts them further down the street, engages them in conversation until directly in front of his accomplice — the Indian. While standing there the Indian succeeds in relieving them of their valuables. Upon one of the Rubes discovering his watch gone he raises an outcry, just as the Indian strikes him over the head with his tomahawk, felling him to the ground. After rising the hayseed looks around for his assailant, and, seeing nobody but a wooden figure near him, he becomes frightened and runs away, while the two roughs divide the property and walk off, arm in arm, laughing. SCENE 6 – TYPICAL WINTER SCENE IN CENTRAL PARK This shows — a small panorama of the crowd skating and a large party of boys playing snapping the whip, which ends by all of them falling and being piled up in a heap. Following this we show a young couple proceeding cautiously on the slippery ice to a bench, where the young man adjusts the girl’s skates, also his own, at the same time both indulging in laughter and merriment. The young man is unable to skate, but is fortunately helped out of his predicament by an acquaintance who meets them accidentally and volunteers to teach them both. Their efforts are very amusing, and the climax is reached when our inexperienced friend falls, pulling the girl down with him. Upon arising she declines his proffered help and skates off with the new acquaintance, while her former companion hobbles off, crestfallen and dejected. SCENE 7 Showing a snow plow cleaning the tracks on Broadway. SCENE 8 – THE FLATIRON BUILDING ON A WINDY DAY This side-splitting scene was taken on January 25, 1905, when the wind was blowing a gale, and gives one a general idea of what women experience on a windy day around this noted corner. The great velocity of the wind can be plainly seen by the manner in which the pedestrians are clutching their hats and skirts and grasping at anything for support. It is at this corner where one can get a good idea of the prevailing styles in hosiery and lingerie. This is the finest picture that has ever been taken at this corner, and we can safely recommend it as something exceptionally fine.
Survival status: Print exists in the Library of Congress film archive (paper print collection) [35mm paper positive].
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Keywords: Ships - Street scenes - USA: New York: New York
Listing updated: 31 August 2009.
References: Musser-Emerge pp. 402, 597; Niver-Early p. 12 : Website-AFI.
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