WILLIAMSON'S KINEMATOGRAPH FILMS

Historique

williamson studios
Studios de la Williamson's Kinematograph Films
The Music Hall and Theatre Review, Londres, 4 octobre 1907, p. 229.

The Williamson Enterprise.
ONE of the latest arrivals in Cecil Court, Charing Cross Road, W.C., a thoroughfare, by the way, which is rapidly justifying its nickname of " Animated Alley," is the firm of Messrs. Williamson and Company, whose films bear the familiar trade mark of a W enclosed in a circle. The works and studios of the company are situated at Hove, Brighton, a district admirably suited to the class of work they specialize. The growth of the business there now necessitates a London office. Of this Mr. Alan J. Williamson, the son of Mr. J. Williamson, the founder of the firm, is manager. His amiable manner and friendly advice appertaining to every detail of cinematography should greatly enhance the popularity of this enterprising firm.
Some twenty years ago Mr. J. Williamson practised as a chemist in Brighton, and, as is now the habit with professors of pharmacy, shortly commenced to sell photographic materials, which he continued to do until about ten years ago, when he became engrossed in the possibilities of the moving picture. His first effort as a cinematographer was entitled " Winning the Gloves," which was followed by " An Attack on the China Mission Station," a film of 250 feet. Both sold largely, and encouraged him to proceed to a comic item called " Our New Errand Boy," " An Interesting Story," another humorous film ; and a couple of dramatic subjects, " The Miner's Daughter" and " Two Little Waifs."
Mr. Williamson estimates that America buys twice the quantity of films as compared with England and France. He has just arranged an agency in Australia, from which point he hopes to reach the Far East. Messrs. Williamson claim to have invented what is known as the curtain title effect. This they have developed in such a way that the picture instantly ensues to the introduction without darkening the screen. In the ten years during which the firm has been in existence, the weekly output of films has leapt from two thousand to thirty thousand.
As will be seen from the accompanying picture, the works at Brighton are of an extensive character. The visitor cannot fail to be interested in the up-to-date fashion in which the establishment is controlled. In the spacious studio carpenters and " property " men are continually busy preparing the paraphernalia indispensable to the production of films destined to interest and amuse the patrons of the music hall and the travelling cinematograph theatre. In another part of the building may be seen several self-contained printing machines, each perfectly equipped with motor and electric light. The developing rooms are in the basement, while the first floor is devoted to drying and printing.
In conclusion we cannot do better than indicate a few of the films especially popular just "Moving Day" shows the father of a large family who despises the assistance of the contractors, and decides to do the job himself. As a result,'after many funny adventures, he is removed on a barrow attached to the van which his wife has eventually been compelled to employ. " just in Time" tells the story of a beautiful young girl with two lovers, the period being the days of Cromwell. The cavalier, who has won her heart, is threatened with death at every turn by his rival, who succeeds in trumping up a charge against the successful suitor, who is court marshalled and sentenced to be shot. The girl secures a pardon from Cromwell, and arrives just as the soldiers have levelled their muskets on the unhappy hero. However, all ends happily. Others worthy of mention are " The Village Fire Brigade," " The Brigand's Daughter," " Bobbie's Birthday," and " Why the Wedding was put off."


The Music Hall and Theatre Review, Londres, 4 octobre 1907, p. 229.

 

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