The Evidence of the Termites
What is the middle class? Is it a set of encyclopedias, the tupper ware in the freezer, tha family vacation, working as a babysittter? Is it something that is no longer here? Is it the bus, the park near my childhood house, the evidence of the termites?
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.
1926: A couplet and a flash flood
It commemorates the centenary of the tragic flash flood of August 30, 1926, in the municipality of Polán (Toledo), caused by the overflowing of the Conde Stream. The overflowing left five people dead, including three minors. The narrative centers on a traditional *copla* composed in 1926 by a local resident as both a lament and a source of solace in the wake of the tragedy.
Climbing the Final Arete
1902, cinematography by Frank Ormiston-Smith
Free and Easy Skating on Bear Rink
1903, cinematography by Frank Ormiston-Smith
Ascending a Rock Chimney
A thrilling incident showing a climber ascending a cleft or chimney by hanging on with his finger tips and pushing his back and knees into opposite walls of rock.
Circular Panorama of Bear Rink
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.
Human Wheelbarrow, Shovel and Bottle Races
1903, cinematography by Frank Ormiston-Smith
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.
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.
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.
Ascent and Descent of the Aiguilles
1902, cinematography by Frank Ormiston-Smith
Climber and Guides Camping Out
1902, cinematography by Frank Ormiston-Smith
Crossing a Snow Bridge
1902, cinematography by Frank Ormiston-Smith
Cattle Crossing Grindelwald Eismeer
A curious incident which happens in early summer when the cattle are taken to the high pastures for three months.
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.