This film is part of Free
Scenes at Chester on the River Dee (1901)
Messing about in boats on the River Dee - fine frocks and frolics at Chester Regatta.
Overview
1901's Chester regatta (established 1733) was reported in the local press as "a brilliant success indeed", although there was also an odd, apparently disapproving reference to the "decadence of first-class oarsmanship." Regardless, on this evidence, most of the onlookers had a grand day out, and there was also the opportunity for some romantic boat trips to secluded spots away from the bustle.
The filmmakers made some confusing editing and camera positioning decisions by today's standards, with the direction of travel along the river apparently changing between different shots. There is some uncertainty over which order each of the four short rolls were intended to be seen - they may even have been intended to be screened as four separate films.
Related
Tram Ride through Sunderland (1904) Tram Ride through Sunderland (1904)
Non-Fiction 1904 3 mins Silent Location: Sunderland
The thrill of a ride through central Sunderland to the sea at Roker.
Burnley v Manchester United (1902) Burnley v Manchester United (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 2 mins Silent Location: Burnley
First-ever footage of Manchester United in a tense Edwardian football fixture.
Bootle May Day Demonstration and Crowning of the May Queen (1903) Bootle May Day Demonstration and Crowning of the May Queen (1903)
Non-Fiction 1903 18 mins Silent Location: Bootle
May Day revellers brave a wet and windy day in Edwardian Merseyside.
Street Scenes in Halifax (1902) Street Scenes in Halifax (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 10 mins Silent Location: Halifax
Many views of busy, bustling Halifax, including a handsome, horse-drawn steam fire engine.
Road to Restoration Road to Restoration
Documentary 2005 21 mins
How the magnificent Mitchell & Kenyon collection was resurrected, thanks to the dedication and skill of the BFI National Archive.
Chester Chester
1933 10 mins Location: Chester
From the Roman ruins to the Rows, two thousand years of history in Cheshire are introduced to a wider British public
Chester Zoo, Ceredigion Church and Chapel, and Carno Chester Zoo, Ceredigion Church and Chapel, and Carno
Home movie 1965 7 mins Silent Location: Chester
Chester Zoo β built for the conservation of animals - and churches and chapels in Ceredigion and Powys that are preserved for posterity.
North Wales, England: The Land of Castles and Waterfalls North Wales, England: The Land of Castles and Waterfalls
Travelogue 1907 15 mins Silent Location: Chester
An Edwardian excursion along the crenelated coast of North Wales from the walls of Chester to the wilds of Snowdonia.
Historic Chester Historic Chester
Travelogue 1921 14 mins Silent Location: Chester
Step inside the great city walls of Chester and embark on a tour of olde-worlde charm.
Vale of Llangollen Vale of Llangollen
Amateur film 1946 4 mins Silent Location: Chester
It's market day in Llangollen: sheep, pigs and calves are brought to the town on foot or by lorry and unloaded and re-loaded. It's all go but there is still time for tea and a smoke.
Llangollen Agricultural Shows Llangollen Agricultural Shows
Home movie 1946 17 mins Silent Location: Llangollen
Caesar Hughes, a clock-maker with shops in Chirk and Llangollen, keeps track of post-war times, recording local events on film e.g. agricultural shows, the River Dee in spate.
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 Archiveβs 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.