British Mutoscope and Biograph Company

Based on Shakespeare's play, Act V, Scene vii: King John is in torment, and his supporters fear that his end is near. As he writhes in agony, he is attended by Prince Henry, the Earl of Pembroke, and Robert Bigot. Prince Henry tries repeatedly to comfort his delirious father, but to no avail - John's pain is too great.

Prince Edward of York, executing the manual of arms with the British flag.

A British archaeologist finds an ancient village that opens the door to a story of a Druid Ministre Airell in the time Christ and religious upheaval, revealing the mysteries of Briton, the Druids, the coming of a new world.

Scene from the second act of The Prince of Wales Theatre production.

This Victorian duel between knife-wielding women was taken from an existing stage production, thought to be the Drury Lane theatre melodrama 'Women and Wine'. The actresses are believed to be Edith Blanche and Beatrice Homer.

Recovering from a severe illness (likely typhoid), W.K.L. Dickson received word from London that the audience's enthusiasm for the military was lessening. He sent back this celebration of the expanding empire in response, capturing the annexation ceremony of 28 May 1900. "Thanks to the Biograph, which faithfully recorded this magnificent scene," Dickson later wrote, "the people of the world who were not as fortunate as those present will see what it saw, and doubtless sing 'God Save The Queen'".

"This picture was taken from the front of a rapidly moving launch through one of the most beautiful stretches of the Grand Canal, showing many magnificent historical palaces. The photographic work is unusually fine."

Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.

Match boy saves mother and baby from drunken husband.

"The Worthing Station is some distance from the shore, and whenever there is a wreck the life-boat is dragged to the scene on a huge truck drawn by eight horses. Our picture shows the life-boat responding to an alarm. The horses start out from the station at a gallop, and the members of the crew run beside the boat. This negative is unusually fine photographically."

This Victorian duel between knife-wielding women was taken from an existing stage production, thought to be the Drury Lane theatre melodrama 'Women and Wine'. The actresses are believed to be Edith Blanche and Beatrice Homer.

The pope taking a twilight walk.

Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.

"An interesting picture of the great inter-collegiate eight-oared boat race of 1899. The picture is taken from the judge's boat, and shows the start and first part of the race."

Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.

Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.

Film shot by W.K.L. Dickson at Maidenhead Junction, 1898.

Sailors practice rescuing someone who's fallen overboard.

A group of monks in procession carrying a large crucifix in Vatican City, 1898.