Fights of Nations
Fights of Nations
Filmed Jan. 17, 19, and 23-24, 1906, in the Biograph New York City studio. 6 different scenes 00.20.17 In "Mexico and Spain," a man dressed as a Mexican peasant spies on a happy young woman and her suitor, who wears a fancy Spanish, matador-style outfit. The woman dances for her companion, then the couple embrace and sit on a stone bench, holding hands. The jealous peasant rises from his hiding place to stab his rival, but the woman grabs his arm and stops him. The two men engage in a fierce knife fight, with the woman at one point helping her suitor regain his lost weapon. The Spaniard finally disarms his opponent, but consents to the woman's begging and spares the peasant's life. 00.22.35 "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. 00.23.49 "'Hoot mon!' A Scottish Combat" opens with the end of a duel between two uniformed men in kilts as one falls to the ground wounded. A third kilted man enters and sees the fallen man, and in turn fights with the victor with swords and shields. The third man ultimately disarms his opponent and stands victorious with his foot upon the man's chest. 00.24.40 "Sunny Africa, Eighth Avenue, New York" takes place in an African-American dance hall. After a dance number, a young man in a cap and striped shirt sits for a drink with his female companion. He is soon induced, however, to perform an energetic tap dance as the other patrons watch and clap. When he is motioned outside after the dance, an older suited gentleman notices his absence and introduces himself to the young woman, who invites him to sit down. They have a drink and are dancing a lively cakewalk when the young man returns and angrily breaks them apart. The two men draw large knives and fight, until the woman and a waiter finally separate them. Smiling, the young man and his lady cakewalk out the door. 00.27.17 "Sons of the Ould Sod" opens on a set of a two-story tenement. A woman hangs clothes on a line from an upper window as her husband returns home with a pail of beer. The man next door--who, like the husband, is balding with full sideburns and a beard--sits on a bench in front of the building and reads a newspaper. The woman accidentally drops a wet sheet on the neighbor's head, prompting a battle of words and shaken fists between the angry man on the street and her husband in the window above. When the husband dumps what appears to be sawdust, the neighbor retaliates by drenching him with a hose until the woman breaks a barrel over his head. The husband comes downstairs and the fight becomes a brawl between the two men. The woman finally ends the battle by bringing out a bucket of beer and pouring drinks for the weary men, who laugh and toast each other. 00.29.28 Closes with "America, The Land of the Free," on a set of a grand staircase decorated with various flags and the American eagle, and two large U.S. flags draped on either side. In pairs, different characters descend the staircase and happily introduce themselves: a dark-haired man in uniform and a woman in black lace (perhaps representing the French), a bearded man in a different uniform and a woman in a white gown (perhaps representing Russia), a very stout older gentleman bearing the British flag on his shirt, and the Spaniard and Mexican from the earlier scene. A young Native American woman hurries down the stairs and kneels center stage with her head bowed. Closes with two young U.S. soldiers flanking the entrance of Uncle Sam, who is cheered by all. 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. "Mexico vs. Spain," the first scene, shows the rejected Mexican suitor, in a jealous rage, watching the love-making between Carlos, the Spaniard, his hated rival, and the beautiful senorita. With drawn stiletto, he pounces upon the Don, but the senorita seizes his arm, thus saving her lover from a horrible death. After a terrific hand-to-hand encounter, the Don has the point of vantage over the Mexican, but through the pleadings of the girl releases him and bids him go. Next is shown two of "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. Then follows "A Scottish Combat." A broadsword engagement between two of America's leading actors in Scotch costumes showing how quick and accurate these deadly weapons can be handled. A comedy scene "Sunny Africa" takes place in a concert hall on Eighth Avenue, New York, frequented by the colored element. Buck dancing, cake walking, etc., are indulged in. The Bully resents the attentions paid to his sweetheart by a dusky gentleman. Immediately razors are drawn and the affair winds up in a rough-house. In "Sons of the Ould Sod" we show a laughable scrap between Haggerty and Fogarty caused by the accidental dropping of a wet sheet by Mrs. Haggerty from her window upon the head of Fogarty. The men battle furiously until that soothing balm to hurt feelings, Beer, is proferred by the everthoughtful Mrs. Haggerty. "America" then serves as an appropriate finale. The scene is magnificently decorated with emblems of all nations, the American Eagle surmounting them. In harmony, peace and goodwill the characters of the different nations appear, making it an allegorical representation of "Peace," with Uncle Sam presiding at a Congress of the Powers. i +