Fights of Nations
Fights of Nations
Filmed Jan. 17, 19, and 23-24, 1906, in the Biograph New York City studio. Scene 4 of 6 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. 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. 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.