THE CINEMATOGRAPH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8942, 30 May 1907, Page 1

THE CINEMATOGRAPH.

HOW LIVING PICTURES ARE MADE. The desire to get thrilling scenes for cinematograph shows recently led to the narrow escape from death of a man named Zeitz, living at Croydon. Lt occurred to the proprietors of a cinematograph that the < incidents leading up to a train wreck would prove an excellent show", and accordingly a small party journeyed to Pur ley in order to pose for a picture. The performers ware a signalman and his wife, a couple of villains, an caigi'ne-driver, and a dog. It was arrainged that sleepers should be placed on the line in ordeir to wrecK the train, that a signalman should detect the miscreants at work, and rush upon them. In an attempt to foil their Bcheine he was to be bound, placed en the rails, and left to his 1 fate. The distress of his dog, which had been accustomed, to carry the signalman's dinn;.M' to hie box, being observed by the latter's wife, slhe was to proceed to investigate matters, ajnd at tihe pysdholojjrical moment, when the express train daisihes up, she waG to rescue her husband. The assistance of the- driver of a traiii of coutso had been obtained. The plot was carried out, and duly recorded, by ilhe cinematograph up to a point. The train approached., but instead of pulling up at tine prearcra.nged spot it came on, a;nd the " victim. " hind a nax>rw rscap'Ov '• ..It. is, ©a£dv. I t3»asvTfc#v obstacles were caught by t3ie guard iiron of the eoigiine, and thrown aside, otio of the sleepers hitting Zeitz, who played £h& part of the signalman, with treat force, fracturing hie ribs and inictinig & seriouß Wound in his head. He was conveyed to /tihe hospital at Oroydon. It- is reported .^tliat tdie railway authorities did not give thefr permission for this dress rehearsal, and that further developments are expected.