Fights of Nations
Fights of Nations
Filmed Jan. 17, 19, and 23-24, 1906, in the Biograph New York City studio. Scene 2 of 6 "Our Hebrew Friends" opens to a street set with a painted backdrop of storefronts. A man apparently identified as Jewish through his dark hair and full beard argues with a Jewish necktie peddler. The argument soon escalates into a shoving match, through which a portly gentleman tries to pass. There is a funny bit as the man tries to pass and the men who are arguing keep moving in front of him to block his path. A third man, also apparently Jewish, happens upon the scene and soon joins the fight. The three men turn in a circle kicking each other ( *** very funny ***) until a policeman arrives and breaks them apart. The third man draws the officer aside with an offer of a bribe, which the policeman happily accepts. The money has a string attached to it and it is taken back secretly as the policeman walks away and the string is pulled. The three men rejoice after the policeman walks off. From Biograph bulletin no. 94: Our latest production, under six titles, represents various types and nationalities, with tragedy and comedy intermingled. Every scene is beautifully staged, and each nationality well represented. "Our Hebrew Friends" in a characteristic battle--all talk, but no blows. A third Hebrew is drawn into the argument, in the heat of which a policeman appears and threatens to arrest them. The third Hebrew is made the innocent victim. He offers the officer a bribe of a roll of a roll of money, which is accepted, but the Jew steals it back.