This film is part of Free
Lizars, Edinburgh
Mitchell and Kenyon capture comedian Tom E. Murray at Lizars Theatre in Edinburgh on 12 December 1904.
Overview
Mitchell and Kenyon were commissioned to film the well-known comedian, Tom E. Murray by Lizars' Imperial Bioscope of Edinburgh, presumably to promote the pantomime Forty Thieves that he was appearing in, during the 1904/5 season at The Royal Theatre in Glasgow. His comic act here displays his range of facial expressions as he enacts one half of a lively phone conversation in costume as Ali Baba.
Apparently Mitchell and Kenyon filmed this comic sketch for Lizars Theatre in Edinburgh on 12 December 1904, although the pantomime Forty Thieves in which Tom Murray was starring at The Royal in Glasgow. Here he is performing a comedy sketch involving a misunderstanding on the telephone, a new form of communication at that time, which inspired several early comedies. He is a charismatic comedian. Frankie Howard fans might trace a lineage here. We are grateful to J. F. Derry of Edinburgh who identified Murray and has been kind enough to share his research.
Related
Hints and Hobbies No.11 Hints and Hobbies No.11
Cinemagazine 1926 14 mins Silent
Jiu-jitsu for ladies, how to get ink off a white apron and other life essentials courtesy of the 'Hints and Hobbies' team.
Lobsters Lobsters
Documentary 1936 15 mins
Follow the life cycle of the king of crustaceans in this quirky documentary by Bauhaus artist László Moholy-Nagy.
Audrey Hepburn Test Audrey Hepburn Test
1952 6 mins Silent
The future Holly Golightly exudes a certain grace even for a modest screen test, in the earliest known colour footage of the timeless star.
Facts and Fancies Facts and Fancies
Documentary 1951 24 mins
Joan Collins gets to grips with the by-products of coal in her first screen appearance
Cabtrack The Direct Auto-control Personal Taxi Service Cabtrack The Direct Auto-control Personal Taxi Service
Government sponsored film 1972 16 mins Location: London
Could computer-controlled taxis solve the traffic crisis? Maybe not, but this film's a must for technology buffs (and fans of early electronic music).
Is This Your Life? Is This Your Life?
Amateur film 1957 9 mins Silent
An unusual and visually sophisticated commentary on the routine drabness and drudgery of everyday suburban existence.
Scotland Trip 1939 - Part 2 Scotland Trip 1939 - Part 2
Amateur film 1939 18 mins Silent Location: Edinburgh
This Scottish home movie takes in the delights of Edinburgh Zoo and picturesque Helensburgh on the Firth of Clyde.
County of Northumberland County of Northumberland
Amateur film 1963 19 mins Silent Location: Holy Island
The toe-dipping delights and tranquillity of the Northumbrian Riviera and beyond.
Heart of a People - Scottish Festival Heart of a People - Scottish Festival
Amateur film 1947 17 mins Silent Location: Edinburgh
Take in the length and breadth of majestic Scotland in this vibrant amateur travelogue
Dollarbeg (Part 2) Dollarbeg (Part 2)
Amateur film 1936 13 mins Silent Location: Dollarbeg
Continuation of an amateur film capturing a family holiday in Dollarbeg Castle, including trips to Stirling and Edinburgh.
Night Mail Night Mail
Documentary 1936 24 mins Location: Euston Sta
The flagship of the GPO Film Unit's output and a cornerstone of British documentary, featuring music by Benjamin Britten and the verse of W.H. Auden.
Powderhall Marathon Powderhall Marathon
Non-Fiction 1925 1 mins Silent Location: Edinburgh
A short report on the winners of the marathon and sprint in Edinburgh - now known as the New Year Sprint
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.