Friday, March 1, 2013

Friday Video: Snowball Fight, 1896


Isabella reporting,

With winter finally on the wane in most places, here's one last snowy delight before easing into spring. This very short – under a minute – silent black-and-white film was shot in 1896. Directed and produced by pioneer French filmmaker Louis Lumière, the film is called Bataille de boules de neige, or Snowball Fight. This snowball battle (with an unfortunate cyclist in the middle) was filmed on a street in Lyon, France. I love how the combatants are both men and women, and despite their huge leg-o-mutton sleeves, these ladies can pitch a mean snowball.

7 comments:

  1. It's so rare to see people of that era really let go - a pleasure! Thanks for posting this.

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  2. It is really fascinating to watch this snowballing so long ago.

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  3. This was charming! I agree with Susan, you don't think of adults of that era being so playful.

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  4. Look at those ladies with their big sleeves go! Ah this was delightful.

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  5. I also like how the men (except for the poor guy on the bike) all keep their hats on!

    Although the scene was staged, it's so clear everyone is having a blast, too, with at least one of the men laughing so hard he has to pause. Love it!

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  6. Truthfully, I didn't realize there were films from this long ago. What a great find!

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  7. You said the clip was from 1896 but that it was shown in December 1895. That's even more impressive!

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