Open ClassicCINEMA
Back to the collection

OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 1170

The Big Swallow

19011 minUnited Kingdom
Comedy

Synopsis

An irritated man objects to being photographed and advances toward the camera. His expanding mouth appears to swallow both the apparatus and its operator. The objection to being filmed becomes the film's impossible visual solution.

Watch the film ↓
Video edition
Wikimedia Commons
Original language
No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified.
This copy runs
1:07
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 · James Williamson · Public domain

Cast

DirectorsJames Williamson

Behind the scenes

James Williamson builds the joke from three shots and a changing relationship between camera, performer and audience. The enormous close-up turns the act of looking into the subject of the comedy.

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.

Audience rating

Loading ratings…

Keep exploring

Collection