The Dangers of the Alps
The ascent of the Wetterhorn by Frank Ormiston-Smith accompanied by the guide Christian Bergener, Rev. H. J. Heard, Mr. E Burchell-Rodway from the Alpine Club, and the hotelier Herr Fritz Boss from Grindelwald. The film consists of 24 scenes including a final scene of the team on the summit. The film starts with the climbers and the guide leaving the Bear Hotel, at Grindelwald. Later the party arrives at the Wetterhorn Hotel, at the mountain base. They climb the Milchbach Ladders to gain the top of the glacier, cross the Seebach Platte and the upper glacier, and pass the night at the Mountain Inn. Next morning they overcome the Great Coulvu and gain the arete to finally reach the summit. Sections of the film are tinted to give the effects of dawn, sunset and rose-glow actually experienced during the climb.
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.
Trip Around Lake of the Four Cantons
1. Lake steamer leaving Lucerne. 2. Panorama of Lucerne Lake front. 3. The picturesque Village Weggis. 4. The oldest Chalet at Trieb. 5. Brunnen - Steamer leaving. 6. The Shillerstein. 7 William Tell Chapel. 8. Rutli and Surroundings. 9. Vitznau - Rigibahn. 10. Gersau, an ideal Spot. 11. Fluellen- End of Trip.
Tourists Leaving the Hotel
1903, cinematography by Frank Ormiston-Smith
Tobogganing on the Cresta
Much nerve is required by those who participate in this sport as some of the curves of the course are most acute and dangerous, especially at the speed which is indulged in. Several accidents are recorded. The last portion shows another dangerous pastime, viz., Jumping into space from a raised platform, with the American Toboggan.
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.
Swiss Wrestling at Interlaken
Several bouts are shown in this picture, and as the contestants frequently lift each other into mid air, and then throw, the effect is exciting and realistic. A splendid film, particularly for an audience of sporting proclivities. Wrestling is quite a national sport in Switzerland, and Interlaken possesses a wrestling club whose members are among the most expert.
Street Scene in Berne
The capital of Switzerland is an interesting town, and the national life is perhaps best seen in its streets.
Steamer Leaving Interlaken
Departure of the steamer from Interlaken, and giving throughout its entire length, a film picture of exceptional beauty. The stereoscopic effect is secured in the passing panorama of the Village of Iseltwald.
Stage Coach v. Motor
1903, cinematography by Frank Ormiston-Smith.
Snow Breaking on the Wengeralp Railway
This film gives a fine panoramic view of this wonderful railway track through immense gorges and cuttings and snow baulks of from 15 to 20 feet high on either hand. Large squads of men are met at short intervals on this trip, busily and deftly clearing away the huge snow accumulations - in fact cutting the railway path through solid snow-wreaths. Then we see the Railway Hotel on the summit of the Wenger Alp and other group of snow diggers displaying great activity, and filling car load after car load with the frozen snow until at the signal for stopping time, they rush wildly and gladly away, waving their shovels aloft in triumph at the day's work accomplished.
Ski Racing Up and Down Hill
1903, cinematography by Frank Ormiston-Smith.
Ski Jumping Competition
1903, cinematography by Frank Ormiston-Smith.
Schwyz Castle
1903, cinematography by Frank Ormiston-Smith.
Reichenbach Railway and Falls
This opens with a view of the upper falls and great viaduct of the mountain railway, showing ascending and descending cars, and then a close view of the magnificent upper Reichenbach Falls, which by our operator having secured the picture with our new Rotary-Maxim Bioscope, gives a picture, which, for excellence, range, and completeness, could not be secured by any of the less up-to-date methods. The concluding full view of the grand cascade is truly magnificent and awe inspiring.
Reichenbach Falls
The peculiarity of this waterfall, with its narrow funnel-shaped opening, from which, on to the jagged rocks the torrent dashes, is here portrayed in all its pristine grandeur and beauty.
Panoramic View of the Eiger
1903, cinematography by Frank Ormiston-Smith
Battle of Snow on Rigi Summit
A party of tourists ascending to the peak of the Rigi find a fresh fall of snow covering the summit. They soon divided into battalions, and bombard each other with snowballs.
Northern Ice Sports
1905, cinematography by Frank Ormiston-Smith.
The Swiss Carnival Procession at Zurich
1905, cinematography by Frank Ormiston-Smith.