Ascent of the Jungfrau
The ascent of the Jungfrau by the Urban Alpine Expedition, headed by Frank Ormiston-Smith, the pioneer mountaineering photograher and filmmaker, on september 24th, 1903. The film consists of 15 scenes and illustrates the whole ascent from Grindelwald through the Fieschier Glacier and the Rothal Sattel and culminates with a panorama from the summit. It was produced by the Charles Urban Trading Co., one year after the huge success of 'The ascent of Mont Blanc'. Charles Urban left the Warwick Trading Company in 1903 to form his own film business, and took with him many of the film-makers who had worked for Warwick, including Ormiston-Smith, who went on to make many more mountaineering films.
The Wintry Alps
Scenes from a series filmed for Charles Urban by mountain expert Frank Ormiston-Smith, including The Battle of the Snow, Ski Jumping in the Alps, and Outing of the Ski Club.
Human Wheelbarrow, Shovel and Bottle Races
1903, cinematography by Frank Ormiston-Smith
Bobsleighing in the Alps
The first section shows the "crew" bestriding the bob-sledge and starting same down bill. The second section includes pictures of many sledge parties, singly and in groups, sliding past the camera.
Herd of Goat at Grimsel
The goats of the Grimsel are almost as famous as the Hospice itself, and form a most attractive picture among the bleak and desolate surroundings.
Free and Easy Skating on Bear Rink
1903, cinematography by Frank Ormiston-Smith
Arrival of the Steamer, Interlaken
Interlaken, as its name implies, is dependent to a large extent on the two beautiful lakes for much of its popularity. An interesting short panorama from steamer arriving at this noted resort.
Arrival of Stage Coach at Handeck
This includes the arrival of the old stage, the mail coach and diligence, and a motor car.
Circular Panorama of Bear Rink
1903, cinematography by Frank Ormiston-Smith
Fun on the Skating Rink
1903, cinematography by Frank Ormiston-Smith
Fun on a Grimmi Alp Goat Farm
"This shows the flock of goats being brought home -or rather following the shepherds home from the hillside Then the milking of the goats In the young men attendants and the churning of the milk by the milkmaids. One of the latter, either accidentally or designedly, takes, with a deft touch of her foot, the stool from underneath a milker, who thus ignominiously tumbles, milk pail and all. and also involves a tilled churn standing near by, in the disaster."
Departure of the Diligence
The chief event of the day at Grimsel Hospice.
Cattle Crossing Grindelwald Eismeer
A curious incident which happens in early summer when the cattle are taken to the high pastures for three months.
Lace Making in Alpine Village Street
The stalls with their keepers and stores of laces are being inspected by English and American tourists, who no doubt takeaway with them a goodly stock of the fragile fabrics to decorate Mayfair and Long Island.
Lake Brienze and Geissbach Falls
This gives a panorama of the Village of Isebwald and entrance to Interlaken from the deck of a steamer on Lake Brienz. The famous Geissbach falls form a charming back ground, while as the steamer passes by close to the falls a superb picture of these has been obtained by the use of the Rotary-Maxim Bioscope. Although Brienz is one of the smallest of Swiss lakes, it can well claim to be one of the most beautiful. One of its chief beauties is the Geissbach fall, which from a height of thousands of feet leaps in seven falls into the lake at its feet.
Harvesting Hay on Bear Ice Rink
A scene of harvesting hay on the great winter playground. The group of busy reapers, with hand scythes, in the foreground, the Swiss maids who accompany them and help load the hay on the two-horsed wagons awaiting.
Gemmi Pass and Oeschinen Lake
Tourists leaving the Bear Hotel, Kandersteg, to cross the Gemmi. Many ladies of the party are seen mounting the hardy ponies at the hotel front, and, as some of the ponies are frisky, this portion of the picture is a brisk one. Then we have a line portrayal of a crowd of lady climbers leaving on foot with alpenstocks, and oxen with luncheon baskets make up the rear portion of this interesting cavalcade. The party, crossing a rustic bridge that spans a mountain torrent, ate next seen negotiating the pass - ladies, men, and ponies all clambering over and amongst the huge boulders- on the journey to Oeschinen lake, and their arrival there is excellently rendered. Dismounting and entering boats and rowing in successive boat loads out on the azure waters of the Oeschinen, the picture here secured is as charming as anything that has ever been secured by the cinematographer. The return of the party and the landing brings to an appropriate conclusion...
The Battle of the Snow
A crowd of a hundred boys rushing the position of another crowd, storming their adversaries with volleys of snowballs, finally driving the enemy from the crest of the hill, a position of vantage they held in the beginning of the fray.
Jungfrau Electric Railway
The train leaving the Schiedegg station and entering the Eiger tunnel en route for the station Eigerwand.
Feeding the Handeck Rabbits
A pretty feature of life at the Handeck Inn on the renowned Grimsel route.