Frank Mottershaw facts for kids
Frank Mottershaw (born 1850, died 1932) was an important early English movie director. He lived and worked in Sheffield, Yorkshire. He is sometimes confused with his son, also named Frank Mottershaw.
Mottershaw made some very influential films in 1903. These include A Daring Daylight Burglary and The Robbery of the Mail Coach. These movies helped shape the "chase film" style, which became popular later. Many people think they were early examples of action films. For example, his film A Daring Daylight Burglary is special because it follows one action through different places. Frank Mottershaw and Henry Jasper Redfern were also the first to film movies outdoors in Sheffield.
Starting a Film Company
In 1900, Frank Mottershaw started a business called the Sheffield Photo Company. By 1905, this company had become one of the top film companies in England. This shows how quickly he became successful in the early days of movies.
Making Different Kinds of Films
Mottershaw didn't just make action films. He also created documentary films, which show real events. One of his early documentaries was The Coronation of King Peter I of Serbia in Belgrade. He made this film in 1904 with Arnold Muir Wilson. This shows he was interested in capturing important historical moments on film.
Key Films by Frank Mottershaw
Frank Mottershaw made many films during his career. Here are some of his most well-known works:
- 1903 A Daring Daylight Burglary
- 1903 Robbery of the Mail Coach
- 1903 The Convict's Escape from Prison
- 1904 The Coronation of King Peter the First
- 1904 A Ride on the Kinver Light Railway
- 1905 The Demon Motorist
- 1905 The Life of Charles Peace
