This film is part of Free
The Airship Destroyer
England faces aerial invasion in this entertaining Edwardian science fiction fantasy.
Overview
This dramatic enemy-invasion fantasy bears all the hallmarks of Sci-Fi films to come: crazy contraptions, a fleet of flying objects, a sky battle, crumbling buildings and a city in ruins. Pioneering fantasy and 'trick' films director W.R. Booth used cut-out animation and models to create the airship menace. Can our hero save the day and get the girl with the aid of his airship-destroyer?
The threat of aerial warfare was, in 1909, both futuristic and prophetic. That year saw both the first aeroplane flight over the English Chanel and the establishment of the British Secret Service - reflecting mounting fears of foreign espionage and invasion. The Airship Destroyer was re-released in 1915, by which time the prospect of Zeppelin attack was a very real concern.
Related
Aerial Submarine A Startling Forecast. Piracy in Sea and Air Aerial Submarine A Startling Forecast. Piracy in Sea and Air
Science Fiction 1910 9 mins Silent
Follow two kidnapped children on a surreal pirate adventure in this 'trick' sci-fi fantasy.
Ever Been Had Ever Been Had
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1917 9 mins Silent
Blackly comic cartoon portrait of an apocalyptic England, destroyed 50 years after signing a premature peace in WWI.
Everything but Everything in Bri-nylon Everything but Everything in Bri-nylon
Industry sponsored film 1959 20 mins
50s fashion meets carpet kitsch in a futuristic fantasy of domestic bliss - courtesy of versatile, magical Bri-Nylon.
Fugitive Futurist Fugitive Futurist
Science Fiction 1924 12 mins
An on-the-run inventor claims to have invented a camera which looks into the future, showing a grim destiny for London landmarks like Tower Bridge and Trafalgar Square.
High Treason (sound version) High Treason (sound version)
Science Fiction 1929 68 mins
Extravagantly-mounted futuristic sci-fi, now with added sound, although still with the world's two power blocs at loggerheads.
High Treason (silent version) High Treason (silent version)
Science Fiction 1929 75 mins Silent
A terrorist plot plays out on a backdrop of towering skyscrapers, bullet-railways and silver lamé in this vintage vision of London's future.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Luke Bean of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Samantha Arnold of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.
Horace Ové on Pressure Horace Ové on Pressure
Inside Film 2005 36 mins
The acclaimed director discusses his landmark film in this interview from 2005.