Independent Films, Film Profiles

The Derby (1895 film)

The Derby is an 1895 British short black-and-white silent documentary film directed and produced by Birt Acres. It was filmed on May 29 1895. Unlike many of the films from this period, a photograph of Acres filming the movie has survived. This photograph shows that the camera used in the production was relatively portable despite what might have been expected from the equipment of the time. A stationary camera looks diagonally across a racetrack toward the infield showing the horses as they pass. Once the horses have passed the camera it is clear that the race has come to an end and there is a close finish between three horses. Once the race is over police officers run onto the field. The camera also displays various members of the audience moving around.