Interesting Story, An

Date: 1904
Director: James Williamson
Production Company: Williamson Kinematography Company

Stars: Unknown
Location(s): Sussex

Storyline:

A man is so engrossed with the story he is reading that he fails to notice the obstacles and dangers that he encounters on his journey.

Additional Information:

Screen captures and now shots uploaded by Stephen Dean.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Can you help:

If you have any information regarding this production, the locations or, even better, some comparison shots please contact us. Images submitted must be in Landscape orientation, as would be seen on the cinema screen, not Portrait.

We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.

Capture 1
16 Nov 2022

Leaving his house, completely engrossed in his book, the man trips over a servant cleaning the front path. 11 Wilbury Villas, Hove, Sussex, with houses on Lorna Road in the background.

At the time of filming this was the last house built on the east side of Wilbury Villas. Further houses were built a year later blocking the view of Lorna Road. The wall beside the house is the original but due to the hedge around the gate I had to stand too close to achieve the correct perspective.

Capture 2
16 Nov 2022

Next he is walking through a garden and is knocked over by a skipping rope. Rose Cottage, Cambridge Grove, Hove, with Cambridge Stables on the left. This was the home of James Williamson where he also had his glasshouse studio and photographic atelier which was used for printing and developing the films. The atelier building still exists.

The house and studio have been demolished and replaced by garages. This is now Unit D, Cambridge Works. Cambridge Stables has been renamed Cambridge Grove.

Capture 3
16 Nov 2022

Then the man bumps into a donkey pulling a cart. He is actually heading back in the direction of Rose Cottage. This is the entrance to Cambridge Grove from Wilbury Road. In the background is Oxford House which was a blind and shutter factory. Cambridge Grove was also seen in 'Our New Errand Boy' but facing in the opposite direction.

Cambridge Grove on the left, formerly Cambridge Stables, is now mainly used as garages. Oxford House was demolished in the 1970s and replaced with a block of flats called Paris House.

Capture 4
16 Nov 2022

With plenty of space to pass, he collides with a man who is walking in the opposite direction. Wilbury Villas, facing north on Wilbury Villas Railway Bridge, with Old Shoreham Road in the background. The railway bridge was also seen in 'Our New Errand Boy'.

The trees on left in the foreground have been removed and the road has been widened.

Capture 5
16 Nov 2022

He is so engrossed in the book he fails to see an on coming steam roller. He walks straight into its path and is flattened. Old Shoreham Road, Hove, facing east. At the time of filming this section of the road was not much more than a country lane.

All this modern day interpretation needs is an inattentive person gazing at the screen of their mobile phone. A conveniently placed cycle lane allows me to stand safely in the road.

Capture 6
16 Nov 2022

Two passing cyclists reinflate the flattened man using their pumps. The men laugh as he hastily finds his place in the book and continues on his way. Old Shoreham Road. I haven't yet been able to identify the buildings in the background.

I have placed this near to the corner of The Drive.