Back to the collection

OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 1616

A Switchback Railway

18981 minUnited Kingdom

Synopsis

Passengers ride the rises and dips of a fairground railway at Alexandra Palace. Robert W. Paul's camera follows the movement within a fixed composition, preserving the attraction as an early travel-and-leisure scene.

Watch the film ↓

Video edition: Wikimedia Commons
Original language: No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified.
This copy runs: 0:38
Subtitles: No subtitle track in this language

No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified. No subtitle track in this language.

Languages and subtitles

No subtitle track in this language

Wikimedia Commons · Robert W. Paul · Public domain

This copy runs shorter than the reference runtime. Editing and playback speed can differ between editions.

DirectorsRobert W. Paul

Reception and legacy

Other British filmmakers soon made their own switchback-railway views. The subject combined a familiar amusement with the novelty of seeing it in motion on screen.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film reference Wikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 22, 2026.

Audience rating

Loading ratings…