Strange Contraptions

Robot Gardening (1959)

Great garden without sweating - demonstration of devices which make gardening simple.

Emett's Computer (1966)

A mechanical 'computer' is seen in action as inventor Roland Emett adds the finishing touches.

Hover Stretcher (1961)

New device, the Hover Stretcher, is used to carry two 'patients' across a dusty field.

Indoor Flying (1949)

Footage of Mr Reginald Pattinson's indoor flying machine. Leeds, Yorkshire.

It's An Idea! (1946)

A look at boats, buses and a lighthouse, all now serving as homes for people. Also special cars.

It's Safe Alright (1929)

New aircraft is tested but fails to take-off, Chicago, United States of America.

Newest Novelties (1929)

Fabulous cigarette dispenser is demonstrated and some rubber shoe protectors.

Revolving Barber (1954)

Barber Eddie McConville demonstrates a new invention that allows him to sit down on the job.

Home Made Blimp (1927)

Hilarious scenes as an intrepid inventor sees his airship ascend and crash.

Parking Problem Solved (1927)

A demonstration in Paris of a car with wheels that turn 90 degrees and can park anywhere.

Ultra Atom Grille (1952)

Weird German item where an egg hatches a chick and turns into a roast dinner in special oven.

Bowling Machine (1964)

England cricketer Colin Cowdrey practises in his garden with the help of his bowling machine.

Baldness Treatment AKA Curly Boys Club - Cp 030 (1955)

A new cure for baldness is demonstrated - mad suction cup invention!

The Emotion Machine (1938)

A man is wired up to a machine to test his emotional reactions.

Amphibious Water Scooter (1965)

Quirky item showing a man in a bowler hat testing a water scooter on the Thames by Parliament.

Goggle Wipers (1951)

Footage of woman wearing goggles with small wiper blades. London.

Sidecar Boat (1960)

Motorcycle sidecar that converts into a motor boat, Romford, Essex

Caraboat AKA Caravan / Boat (1968)

A caravan that turns into a boat is taken for a spin at Henley-on-Thames.

Amphibious Caravan (1967)

Amphibious caravan on River Thames at Oxfordshire.

Land And Water Car (1920)

Unusual amphibious craft is demonstrated - boat that can be used on land or in water.

Folding Caravan (1959)

Little caravan unfolds to accommodate two adults and a child.

Oxygen Tests (1957)

Crazy scientist demonstrates power of liquid oxygen - the stuff we breathe. Very interesting.

Army Innovations (1965)

Presentation of weird and 'useful' inventions of the British Army.

Chicago Cycles (1939)

Footage of a cycling family riding some very strange invention in Chicago in the United States of America.

Clever Ideas At Inventions Exhibition (1939)

Footage of bizarre inventions at inventions exhibition.