Cinematic Era: 1903 Vintage

Native women washing clothes.

Firefighter exercises.

The film begins across the street from some young boys who are lined up against a curbing eating spaghetti or macaroni. The only other action occurs when a small child runs across the picture and is yanked out of camera sight by someone. Naples, Italy.

Made in 1903, Eccentric Waltz showcases an exhibition by dancers Boldoni and Solinski, residents at the famous Eldorado cabaret in the Boulevard de Strasbourg in Paris. The lavish stencil colouring emphasises the woman's swirling skirt. (BFI)

There must have been millions of subjects for Edison's filmmakers to point there cameras at back in 1903 so why on earth they thought that the collection and disposal of New York City's rubbish would prove a suitable subject to present to their dwindling audiences is a mystery. Add to this the fact that the camera has been positioned about a dozen feet from the men and you're left with a film that's as dull as it is unmemorable.

A fine panoramic view of this busy market on a Friday morning. Immense throngs of people are passing along the stands and making their purchases of fish.