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Brighton Fire, The: Arrival of the Brigade (1899)
 

BFI

Main image of Brighton Fire, The: Arrival of the Brigade (1899)
 
35mm, black and white, silent, 64 feet
 
Production CompanyWarwick Trading Company

The Brighton fire brigade arrives at the scene of a fire.

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This record of the Brighton fire brigade in action, made by the London-based Warwick Trading Company, is somewhat unusual for its time in that it is made up of two shots joined together, though there is no apparent attempt at creating genuine narrative continuity.

In this it is far less sophisticated than James Williamson's five-shot Fire! (1901), shot in neighbouring Hove, but it is nonetheless an intriguing precursor. The first shot in particular is exceptionally well composed, the dynamic framing of fire truck, horses and firemen struggling with the hose is just as effective as a still photograph.

There is some possibly unintentional comedy towards the end as the recently unrolled hose springs a leak and one of the firemen swiftly moves to block it with his foot.

Michael Brooke

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Video Clips
Complete film (0:41)
GALLERY / SCRIPTS / AUDIO
SEE ALSO
Fire! (1901)
Metropolitan Fire Brigade Turn Out (1899)
Topical Budget 856-1: A Monster Fire Fighter (1928)
Topical Budget 929-1: Royal Visit to Brighton (1929)