Pinewood Stock Cans material -

Early silent feature film by American Mutoscope & Biograph - the Summer Boarders - about unwanted guests arriving to stay at a guest house for the summer.

V10272 - Paper records state that this is an early comedy film called "Summer Boarders".

Countryside exterior. Upper class family in their "Sunday Best" walk along a country track following a lower class man who pushes a wheelbarrow. The barrow is full of the family's luggage. The father wipes his hot face with a handkerchief and berates his family. The working man tips over the barrow and the luggage falls out.

The family climb the stairs of a house bearing the sign "Boarders Wanted." Suddenly a man is chased down the steps by an irate woman bearing a broom - the maid presumably. Everyone runs around a bit. The family sit on the steps then get covered in dust when the maid comes outside again and shakes a dusty rug over them. The family look cross. The maid sweeps the steps with her broom - more dust. She then throws water on the steps. Then a group of children suddenly swarm out of the house, chased down the steps by the landlady.

The family stand outside in the garden (lots of children). Father attempts to sit in a hammock. He swings backwards and forwards then falls out onto his bottom. He writhes around in agony and has to be carried off. The family follow.

M/S of a cow in a field. The family approach as the farmer gesticulates. The farmer grabs the cow who tries to get away and looks very unhappy about attempts to milk it. Father has a go and has to chase the cow around with a bucket.

Stage set representing a dining room. The family sit around the table. The maid comes in with a tray of food. She trips and the food goes everywhere. The maid attempts to chop some food up with an axe. Soup is spilled over granddad's bald head then father is scalded with coffee. One of the boys has food thrown in his face. The boarding house landlady rushes around looking flustered. The landlord (?) has a plate broken over his head by the maid. General mayhem ensues. The maid rushes around waving her broom.

Exterior shot. Maid stands on steps of boarding house ringing a hand bell. The family walks towards the house. The maid stands with her arms crossed looking formidable. She orders everyone inside. Suddenly the family emerges and the maid throws their suitcases out after them. The maid threatens the landlord with the axe.

Note: paper records state that the original print of this film was owned by Mrs P.M. Johnson "Greensleeves", Long Lane, West Butterwick, Lincolnshire.