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Although no spies feature in this film, it can still be classed as part of
the invasion scare stories so popular at the time. However, The Airship
Destroyer has the added futuristic menace of aerial warfare. The airships here
are a mixture of cut-out animation and models made by the great early special
effects director W.R. Booth. In many ways, this can be described as a
science-fiction film, using as it does futuristic inventions such as guided
missiles.
The film was re-released in January 1915, reflecting the then very real fear
of aerial attacks from Zeppelins. Indeed, Yarmouth and King's Lynn were bombed
in the same month, and London was to experience raids in May 1915. However, more
effective anti-aircraft fire and the newly-formed Royal Flying Corps put a stop
to any further raids by 1917. Nevertheless, by the end of the war, over 1500
British citizens had been killed in air raids.
Simon Baker
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Complete film (9:33)
