This film is part of Free

Launch of the Worthing Lifeboat Coming Ashore
Stunning footage of a lifesaving demonstration
Overview
This extraordinary film shows the public demonstration of the Worthing lifeboat on 6th April 1898. But it's also an exceptional demonstration of what could be achieved with WKL Dickson's unique 68mm film format - as well as of Dickson's skills as a filmmaker. The composition is equal to the best of Victorian photography, with Dickson's camera maintaining perfect focus despite a rare depth of field.
There is just one flaw, the result of Dickson's decision to place the main action in the bottom left corner of the frame. The enormous Biograph camera was impossible to move, and unfortunately the lifeboat crew carry their 'rescued sailor' a little too far up the beach, meaning this key part of the action falls partly out of shot. If you watch closely, you can see the crew responding to Dickson's shouted request to bring the unfortunate man back into the camera’s line of vision.
Related

Rough Sea at Dover Rough Sea at Dover
Non-Fiction 1895 0 mins Silent
Waves crash onto a jetty on the Kentish shoreline in one of Britain's earliest surviving films

Comic Costume Race Comic Costume Race
Non-Fiction 1896 1 mins Silent
Plenty of laughs to be had as these Victorian clowns attempt to run a charity race - if they can get their wigs on

Sea Cave near Lisbon Sea Cave near Lisbon
1896 0 mins Silent
Breath-taking view of waves breaking at the mouth of the Boca do Inferno.

Launch of H.M.S. Albion Launch of H.M.S. Albion
Non-Fiction 1898 2 mins Silent Location: Blackwall
The launch of H.M.S Albion, which was marred by the collapse of a gangway which resulted in many spectators drowning.

Two A.M.; Or, The Husband's Return Two A.M.; Or, The Husband's Return
Comedy 1896 1 mins Silent
A drunken spouse gets his just desserts in a timeless scene

Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee - Paul - York Road - Front of Procession Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee - Paul - York Road - Front of Procession
1897 1 mins Silent
Carriages full of well-heeled guests continue in Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee procession, filmed for RW Paul.

Launch of the Worthing Lifeboat Emerging from the Boathouse Launch of the Worthing Lifeboat Emerging from the Boathouse
Non-Fiction 1898 1 mins Silent Location: Worthing
Lifeboat paraded through the streets of Worthing on way to demonstrate a launch

Incoming Tide Incoming Tide
Non-Fiction 1898 1 mins Silent Location: Worthing
Worthing waves at us in this mesmerising early film

Me and My Two Friends Me and My Two Friends
1898 0 mins Silent Location: Worthing
A beatific image of Victorian childhood

Water Polo - Worthing Swimming Club Water Polo - Worthing Swimming Club
Non-Fiction 1898 0 mins Silent Location: Worthing
Brief but lively snatch of a game in progress

Journey home to Canterbury Journey home to Canterbury
Amateur film 1930 7 mins Silent Location: Glastonbury
Join the Blighs on their homeward journey through the Southern counties - calling at Glastonbury and various ancient landmarks east

Re-building Worthing Pier, Wrecked by the Gales of Last Year Re-building Worthing Pier, Wrecked by the Gales of Last Year
Non-Fiction 1914 1 mins Silent Location: Worthing
Workmen set to on the reconstruction of Worthing Pier after it was destroyed by the English weather

Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass) Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2011 33 mins
Over 30 years and 150 projects, the composer shares, with humour and passion, the intricacies of making film music.

Ian Neil (Masterclass) Ian Neil (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2012 74 mins
Neil selected soundtracks for 127 Hours, Shame, Kick Ass, Control and many more. He discusses the job and its complexities, referencing his own work.

Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.

Gabriel Yared on composing for film Gabriel Yared on composing for film
Inside Film 2013 11 mins
Composer of The Lives of Others, The English Patient and Betty Blue on intimacy and experimentation.

Lois Burwell on movie makeup Lois Burwell on movie makeup
Inside Film 2013 17 mins
Lincoln, Braveheart and Magnolia make-up artist Lois Burwell explains how she created some of her most iconic looks, as part of a BAFTA Masterclass.

Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass) Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass)
2013 61 mins
British cinematographer of The Hurt Locker, Captain Phillips, Hillsborough and Riff Raff reviews the art of the moving image.