Marguerite Lumière

A collection of short films made by the Lumiere brothers, a team of pioneering filmmakers in turn-of-the-century France, narrated by Bertrand Tavernier.

A group of people are standing along the platform of a railway station in La Ciotat, waiting for a train. One is seen coming, at some distance, and eventually stops at the platform. Doors of the railway-cars open and attendants help passengers off and on. Popular legend has it that, when this film was shown, the first-night audience fled the café in terror, fearing being run over by the "approaching" train. This legend has since been identified as promotional embellishment, though there is evidence to suggest that people were astounded at the capabilities of the Lumières' cinématographe.

On the terrace of a villa, a violinist, two pianists and a singer are playing, until they are interrupted by a false note.

A dad feeds his lunch to a baby.

In very bad weather and a stormy sea, a small boat manned by two men is trying to leave the harbor of La Ciotat, while several people are watching them from the nearby pier.

A horse-drawn carriage stops in front of a villa. The residents greet the newcomers, as the coach driver unloads baggages.

A boat returns to port, where passengers are helped ashore.

Three women get in a horse-drawn carriage, as servants load luggage on the roof, before it pulls away.

Two people are playing backgammon while others watch. The player cheats, his partner protests: the man closes the game box.

Swimmers jump into the water from the docks, as a small boat passes by.

Friends and relatives playing a game of boules, arguing about who's team is winning.