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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 1409

Upside Down; or, the Human Flies

18991 minUnited Kingdom

Synopsis

A conjurer performs an illusion that sends members of his audience onto the ceiling. The familiar relationship between bodies, gravity and the room is abruptly reversed.

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Video edition: Wikimedia Commons
Original language: No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified.
This copy runs: 1:31
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 · Walter R. Booth · Public domain

DirectorsWalter R. Booth

Behind the scenes

Walter R. Booth's trick depends on inverting the camera. The simple change of orientation transforms an ordinary performance space into an impossible one.

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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