






The 1901 blockbuster that invented the action sequence. Yes, really.
Firefighters ring for help, and here comes the ladder cart; they hitch a horse to it. A second horse-drawn truck joins the first, and they head down the street to a house fire. Inside a man sleeps, he awakes amidst flames and throws himself back on the bed. In comes a firefighter, hosing down the blaze. He carries out the victim, down a ladder to safety. Other firefighters enter the house to save belongings, and out comes one with a baby. The saved man rejoices, but it's not over yet.
Editing
Cross-cutting between rescue and sleeping man = cinema born.
Direction
Williamson basically invented the action movie in 5 minutes.
Practical Effects
Real fire, real horses, real danger — no CGI needed in 1901.

Director
James Williamson
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