The meeting between two aviation pioneers was documented and registered in this practically unknown surviving piece of historical memory directed by
William K.L. Dickson.
Father of aviation Santos Dumont presents his projects for a new balloon to Charles Stewart Rolls, who is impressed by the details Dumont presents to him either by using props or using of more detailed blue prints - of which isn't shown to audiences.
The balloon isn't in the film and - possibly either the #5 or #6, both launched in 1901 - maybe it appears on some others but along with Dumont's flight with his heavier-than-air plane 14-Bis in Paris, this is one of the few films still available to the public about the genius inventor. That's why Wright brothers can't claim as being the real men behind airplanes, it's because of 14-Bis and Dumont.
More than 100 years-old and it's here and with a great image quality. What intrigued me the most was the way the images moved, from frame to frame. It doesn't look at all filmed in the early 1900's, when usually there was bits of fast jumpy moments, almost if the people were filmed in a ridiculously hurried manner. The early seconds are a preview from all the moments presented between Rolls and Dumont, then it's presented with natural movements. More experienced viewers who knows about film restauration process or the camera used by Dickson here will understand why this film looks different than similar projections from the period. As for content, there isn't much to say yet it's all valid and interesting to see a part of aviation history unfolds. 8/10
Father of aviation Santos Dumont presents his projects for a new balloon to Charles Stewart Rolls, who is impressed by the details Dumont presents to him either by using props or using of more detailed blue prints - of which isn't shown to audiences.
The balloon isn't in the film and - possibly either the #5 or #6, both launched in 1901 - maybe it appears on some others but along with Dumont's flight with his heavier-than-air plane 14-Bis in Paris, this is one of the few films still available to the public about the genius inventor. That's why Wright brothers can't claim as being the real men behind airplanes, it's because of 14-Bis and Dumont.
More than 100 years-old and it's here and with a great image quality. What intrigued me the most was the way the images moved, from frame to frame. It doesn't look at all filmed in the early 1900's, when usually there was bits of fast jumpy moments, almost if the people were filmed in a ridiculously hurried manner. The early seconds are a preview from all the moments presented between Rolls and Dumont, then it's presented with natural movements. More experienced viewers who knows about film restauration process or the camera used by Dickson here will understand why this film looks different than similar projections from the period. As for content, there isn't much to say yet it's all valid and interesting to see a part of aviation history unfolds. 8/10
