James Williamson (1855-1933) had a pharmaceutical and photographic business in Hove, Sussex, in the 1890s. He had also acquired X-Ray equipment, then in its infancy. Presumably Williamson's x-ray machine was the inspiration for G.A. Smith's early comedy The X-Ray Fiend. From 1897 Williamson was giving cinematograph shows at local functions, and occasionally filming the odd subject, including his own children playing "Ring-a-ring-of roses" and "Fox and Geese", and a naval cutlass drill by the Hove coastguards. He also processed and printed films for other exhibitors. Williamson had made well over 100 one-minute comedies and actualities when he produced the 'fake' newsfilm Attack on a China Mission, which broke new ground in narrative technique. With a cast of over two dozen, the story was staged in four shots and runs for almost four minutes, and premiered at Hove Town Hall, 17 November 1900. Other popular films included The Big Swallow; Stop Thief; and Fire! - all from 1901. Williamson's career as a filmmaker had come to an end by 1910, but he continued business as a manufacturer of cinematographic equipment. Continue your tour with the other
BRITISH PIONEERS |
