Film & TV Database

ACTUALITY. The Epsom Derby, 1895. A view from a raised position close to the finishing line, with the main stand in the distance. The pre-race canter, the finish of the race [some frames missing cause a jolt in the action] and crowds pouring onto the course afterwards, all seen from the same static camera position (44ft). Note: This is believed to be the Derby of 1895 filmed by Birt Acres for Robert Paul on 29 May 1895. The original film copy suggests a very early production; it is not the 1896 or 1897 Derby; and there is a close finish between three horses as was the case in 1895 (1. Sir Visto, 2. Curzon, 3. Kirconnel). The position and angle of the camera is in accordance with a photograph of Acres filming at Epsom on 29 May 1895 (see Barnes p 26). The jockeys' colours are indistinct, but one appears to bear the light hoops of Lord Rosebery (the winning owner). A contemporary description of the film (given in Barnes) states: 'Clearing the course; preliminary canter; race and crowd surging over the course'. The original print has Paul-type perforations, but is a reprint, possibly from 1896 when both Acres and Paul (working separately) were exhibiting the film. However, this copy was shot at a far slower speed than the 40fps one might expect for an 1895 Kinetoscope film, which casts some doubt on the identity of the NFTVA print. Reference: John Barnes, The Beginnings of the Cinema in England, p 202 etc [illustration on p 203 incorrect]