Message from Mars, A
Date: 1913
Director: Wallett Waller
Production Company: United Kingdom Photoplays
Stars: Crissie Bell, Kate Tyndall, E. Holman Clark, Hubert Willis, Charles Hawtrey (not that one!)
Location(s): London
Region(s): London M-N
Storyline:
Having broken a law of the Kingdom, a Martian is sentenced to visit Earth to show a selfish man the error of his ways.
Additional Information:
Screen captures by Phil Wilkinson
This film is viewable on BFI Player for free at Message from Mars
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- Capture 1
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Horace Parker (Charles Hawtrey) brushes aside a Boy selling matches before knocking his wares to the ground. Trafalgar Square in London WC2.
- Capture 2
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The wealthy but selfish man makes his way towards the Audience watching a Punch & Judy show.
- Capture 3
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Positioning himself in the crowd, Horace watches the show but refuses to make a donation when the Bottler passes amongst the Onlookers.
- Capture 4
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Horace makes his way home as Ramiel travels from Mars. Gloucester Gate, London NW1 looking south before he enters No 3. (RL)
- Capture 5
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Minnie Templer (Crissie Bell) arrives to collect Horace to attend Mrs. Clarence’s dance before returning her engagement ring because of his selfish behaviour. Gloucester Gate, London NW1 looking north. (RL)
- Capture 6
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A Footman opens the car doors for the Clarence’s guests.
- Capture 7
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Ramiel (E. Holman Clark) explains that he has come to redeem the self-centred man and tells him to walk to the Clarence’s house. No 3 Gloucester Gate, London NW1 (RL)
- Capture 8
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Horace stands in the cold outside the house where Minnie is dancing inside.
- Capture 9
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Deciding to return home, Horace asks a Constable to hail him a cab before Ramiel arrives and shows him a vision of his fiancée dancing with Arthur Dicey .
- Capture 10
- 'Now' required
With the vision over, Ramiel points to a car being driven recklessly along the road.
- Capture 11
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Walking with his Wife (Tonie Reith), a Man (B. Stanmore) is run down by the speeding car and Horace is ordered to assist.
- Capture 12
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In a display of kindness, Horace helps a Tramp (Hubert Willis) back to the house. Approaching the entrance to No 3 Gloucester Gate, London NW1 (RL)
- Capture 13
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With his mission successful, Ramiel returns home just as the Fire Brigade are alerted to a fire. 116 High Street, Walthamstow, London E17, with thanks to Christopher Matheson for providing the lead clue. (RL)
- Capture 14
- 'Now' required
Driving out onto the road, the appliance and it’s Crew head off to fight the blaze on Smith Street. As night follows day, the fire engine proceeds down Storey Road opposite the fire station. (RL)
- Capture 15
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Standing on the running boards, Firemen hold on to the engine as it rushes through the streets.
- Capture 16
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Watched by Ramiel and his fellow Martians, the fire engine arrives at the burning house where Horace is in the process of saving two children trapped inside.