A Photographic Contortion Poster
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A Photographic Contortion (1901)
The Big Swallow (original title)

1 min  -  Comedy | Short  -   September 1902 (USA)
6.8
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Ratings: 6.8/10 from 343 users  
Reviews: 6 user | 1 critic

A man, objecting to being filmed, comes closer and closer to the camera lens until his mouth is all we see. Then he opens wide and swallows camera and cinematographer. He steps back, chews, and grins.

Director:

James Williamson

Stars:

Sam Dalton
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Cast

Credited cast:
Sam Dalton Sam Dalton
Full cast and crew »
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Storyline

Here is a most novel picture. A prominent actor with wonderful talent for facial contortion is standing some distance from the camera. As the film is set in motion, he walks toward the lens until his head grows into enormous proportions. He then stands so close to the camera that every wrinkle in his face, and in fact, the pores of his skin are plainly shown and greatly magnified. As he comes closer to the lens he opens his mouth wide, and is biting at the instrument all the while. He is then seen to swallow the camera, operator and all. He is next seen backing away from the instrument, smacking lips and rubbing his stomach in great glee. Very funny and a great hit. Written by Edison Catalog  

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Mouth | Character's Mouth Fills The Screen | Cameraman | Breaking The Fourth Wall | Film Camera  | See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Short

Parents Guide:

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Details

Country:

UK

Release Date:

(USA) See more »

Also Known As:

A nagy nyelés See more »

Filming Locations:

Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Williamson Kinematograph Company See more »
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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Director James Williamson's 1901 catalog describes the film thusly: "I won't! I won't! I'll eat the camera first." See more »

Connections

Featured in "Cinema Europe: The Other Hollywood: Where It All Began (#1.1)" (1995) See more »