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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 1415

The Acrobatic Fly

19103 minUnited Kingdom

Synopsis

Close-up photography shows a housefly balancing and moving small objects with its feet. The insect has been secured to a match head, turning the apparent performance into a carefully arranged demonstration.

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Video edition: Wikimedia Commons
Original language: No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified.
This copy runs: 2:54
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 · Frank Percy Smith · Public domain

DirectorsF. Percy Smith

Historical context

F. Percy Smith made several films exploring the movements of insects. This short belongs to an early period when scientific observation and novelty entertainment frequently shared the 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 16, 2026.

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