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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 997

Between Calais and Dover

18971 minFrance
Comedy

Synopsis

A crowded steamboat makes an exceptionally rough crossing of the English Channel. Seasick passengers try to keep their balance and their dignity while a clergyman attempts conversation and the captain watches the commotion. The ship's relentless rocking provides the rhythm for Méliès's brief ensemble comedy.

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Video edition
Wikimedia Commons
Original language
No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified.
This copy runs
1:08
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 · Georges Méliès · Public domain

Cast

DirectorsGeorges Méliès

Behind the scenes

The crossing was staged in Méliès's garden using painted scenery and an articulated platform. The vessel's imaginary Robert-Houdin Star Line combines references to his Paris theater and his film company.

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 referenceWikidata — 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 15, 2026.

Photograph credit

Photographs cropped, resized and optimized as WebP, displayed in monochrome.

  • Georges Méliès — Georges Méliès; Publicity materials for an exhibition at La Caixa Foundation: http://press.lacaixa.es/socialprojects/exhibiton-georges-melies-magic-of-cinema-caixaforum-barcelona-eng__816-c-17952__.html · Public domain

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