Edwardian Insects on Film (2013)
In 1908, amateur naturalist and pioneering filmmaker Percy Smith stunned early cinema goers with his footage of the juggling fly. Hailed as the father of Natural History film, Smith was a hugely influential visual pioneer, inventing many techniques that are still used today. Being both a genius and an eccentric, we follow his life from his earliest films, to the collapse of his house from his mould experiment to his ultimate suicide. We also meet Natural History icon Sir David Attenborough, who was so amazed by Smith’s films in the 1930s that they inspired him to get into natural history.
Director: John Holdsworth
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 59 min
Release Date: March 19, 2013
Cast
- Charlie Hamilton James - Self - Presenter
- David Attenborough - Self
- Dr Tim Boon - Self - Science Museum, London
- David Cleveland - Self - Film Archivist
- Tim Cockerill - Self - Entomologist
- Bryony Dixon - Self - Curator, Silent Film, BFI
- Jenny Hammerton - Self - Film Archivist
- Michael Harvey - Self - National Media Museum
- Percy Smith - Self - archive footage
- John Winder - Self - Scientist & Collector
Cinematography: John Holdsworth
Editing: Rich Wheat
Production: National Media Museum, BFI National Archive, BBC, Mentorn Media
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Original Language: en
Themes
The Microscopic World of Insects
Keywords
insect, movie business, percy smith
Trailer
Edwardian Insects on Film TrailerMore Films by Director: John Holdsworth
More Films in Genre: Documentary
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Edwardian Insects on Film about?
- In 1908, amateur naturalist and pioneering filmmaker Percy Smith stunned early cinema goers with his footage of the juggling fly. Hailed as the father of Natural History film, Smith was a hugely influential visual pioneer, inventing many techniques that are still used today. Being both a genius and an eccentric, we follow his life from his earliest films, to the collapse of his house from his mould experiment to his ultimate suicide. We also meet Natural History icon Sir David Attenborough, who was so amazed by Smith’s films in the 1930s that they inspired him to get into natural history.
- Who directed Edwardian Insects on Film?
- Edwardian Insects on Film was directed by John Holdsworth.
- Who stars in Edwardian Insects on Film?
- Edwardian Insects on Film stars Charlie Hamilton James, David Attenborough, Dr Tim Boon, David Cleveland, Tim Cockerill, Bryony Dixon.
- How long is Edwardian Insects on Film?
- Edwardian Insects on Film has a runtime of 59m (59 minutes).
- What genre is Edwardian Insects on Film?
- Edwardian Insects on Film is a Documentary film.
- Where was Edwardian Insects on Film produced?
- Edwardian Insects on Film was produced in United Kingdom.
- What are the themes of Edwardian Insects on Film?
- The themes of Edwardian Insects on Film include: The Microscopic World of Insects.