Best Documentary Movies of 1896

100 seconds-long six-scene footage consisting of selected coronation ceremonies of the Russian Tsar (Emperor) Nicholas II. Shows distinguished guests entering a carriage, parade of troops and carriages, Nicholas II and his wife empress Alexandra Feodorovna descending the Kremlin Red Staircase, procession of the newly crowned Emperor and his wife under the baldacchino, guests from the Asian parts of the Russian Empire. (IMDb)

Panoramic film from the Lumiere Catalogue.

Strong-man Eugene Sandow flexes his muscles and strikes a few poses in front of a black background. This was a short film shot by William K.L. Dickson and produced in Thomas Edison's Black Maria studio.

This picture was taken at one of the curves on the Lehigh Valley Railroad, along the beautiful Susquehanna River. The train is seen rapidly approaching in the distance, clearly outlined against the grey mountains. Smoke can be seen pouring in volumes from the stack of the locomotive, and as the train approaches closely, she sounds a whistle, warning some section men, who are working on the tracks in the foreground. As she rushes by the camera, the swing motion of the train gives a vivid idea of the lightning speed at which she is traveling. (Edison film catalog)

R.W. Paul's early footage showing the new Blackfriars Bridge. It had been opened by Queen Victoria in 1869 for both road and rail, and showcases the distinctive Venetian Gothic ironwork.

Jumping the Blanket.

A woman and a young girl each carry containers of bird feed, and they toss occasional handfuls to the chickens and doves in the farmyard. Most of the chickens stay nearby, but the doves occasionally fly off and then return to eat more.

Several fire-carriages, presumably heading to a fire.

The camera sails off, giving us a view of the port from the water.

This film documents the 1896 Melbourne Cup horse race including footage of the crowd watching the race.

Two cocks fight whilst being watched by two men.

Porters bring goods into a warehouse.

The water beats relentlessly against the Hell's Mouth (Boca do Inferno), one of the main natural attractions of Lisbon's west coast, filmed from above almost in a vertical plunge onto the deep, rocky ground.

The parade occupies only a small portion of the screen, the crowds are a seething mass that do really move and the Independence Bell is nowhere to be seen.

A male lion, right next to bars that are about 6 or 8 inches apart, keenly watches a uniformed zoo attendant toss small morsels of food into the cage. The lion alternates between finding the food on the cage floor and reaching through the bars to swipe at the man, who stays alarmingly close to the beast. In the background are the large rocks and brick wall at the back of the lion's habitat.

A crowd watches the Newark Fire Department respond to a call.

Members of the New York state militia enjoy some relaxing time during a meal break.

A large wedding procession.

A view of Piccadilly Circus in London.

“This view was taken upon Mr. McKinley's lawn at his home in Canton, Ohio. Mr. McKinley appears walking across the lawn in company with his Secretary, who hands him a telegram, which he reads with apparent satisfaction. The characteristic walk and gestures of Mr. McKinley will be noted with interest by his friends.” (AMB Picture Catalogue)

Lumiere street scene.

Three athletes make their way to wicker baskets that contain a mishmash of wacky costumes. They need to dress up as quickly as they can, and make their way back on the running track.

The camera shows a view of the American Falls and Goat Island.

“This shows the Fire Department leaving headquarters for an early morning fire. The scene is remarkable for its natural effect. The opening of the engine house doors, the prancing of the horses, and even the startled expression upon the faces of the spectators are all clearly depicted.” (Edison Films, 1897)

A burning wagon is dragged from the barn by the firemen, and four horses are rescued from the flames by the stablemen. Thick volumes of smoke pour from the doors and windows. (Edison catalog)

Artist draws Thomas Edison.

A train ride with a view from the back of the train.

"A battalion of New York's famous mounted police at inspection. They approach at break-neck gallop." - from the Edison Catalog

Yarmouth Fishing Boats Leaving Harbour is an 1896 British short black-and-white silent documentary film, directed by Birt Acres, featuring a fleet of fishing smacks leaving the harbour at Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, UK. The "attractive Victorian film," was according to Christian Hayes of BFI Screenonline, "one of the twenty-one subjects presented by Birt Acres to the royal family on 21st July 1896, the day before the marriage of Princess Maud to Prince Charles of Denmark, at one of the very first royal film performances."

Short from (1897)

"A well-known character, in a dance that created considerable excitement when first introduced in America."

Some Mexicans doing a traditional dance.

The royal family of Italy go for a walk in the park.

Arrival of a railway train.

Poor pedestrian, horse drawn carts, wagons and bus travel across bridge at Sunderland, Tyne and Wear.

Shows a merry-go-round and some people sitting in a doorway while street traffic goes by.

The Lumière capturing moving images of the city of Melbourne, Australia in 1896.

Fire brigade turnout in Berlin.

A short look at Surf Ave., Coney Island.

People leaving the factory.

The best-known "name" train of its day behind the most famous of all 4-4-0 locomotives, the 999---synonymous with speed in the early years of the century.

This is just at the title suggests. it's the McKinley and Hobart Parade at Canton

Tsar Nicholas II arrives in Paris.

Some men are playing a game on the beach, while some ladies with their backs to the cameras watch. A donkey cart ambles by.

In a medium long shot, we see a view of the Seine, with some logs floating. Perhaps they are rubbish. Swimmers enter from the right, get as far as the logs and turn back.

street scenes of Vienna available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBCDQVM5t2w