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  • Short Summary

    A new and remarkable - and slightly ridiculous - method of motorised transport is demonstrated.

  • Description

    Full title reads: "Weston-Super-Mare. 'The Dynasphere' ...its other name is 'Jumbo'! Dr J. A. Purves, FRSE demonstrates his remarkable invention in 'spherical locomotion', which it is claimed, will one day revolutionise modern transport."

    Weston-Super-Mare, Avon.

    Group of people gathered on a beach. They are watching Dr Purves driving a vehicle. It is shaped like a large tyre and the driver sits in the middle of it. The vehicle drives towards and then past the camera. There is a driver and a passenger in the experimental vehicle.

    Closer shot of the Dynasphere as it passes a cameraman lying on the sands. Another Dynasphere is seen in the background. The passenger is carrying a small camera. The driver (who I assume is Dr. Purves) is balding and wears glasses - very much the mad inventor in appearance. The vehicle drives away.

    Another shot of the powered wheel driving past the camera. It doesn't look very stable.

    Two Dynaspheres parked together on the beach. The driver of the one (wearing a cap and smoking a pipe) turns a handle to start the vehicle's engine. (Unclear which of the drivers is the Doctor)

    Sound Track Missing. There appears to have been a shorter, silent version of this item in Gazette 1893. This is currently missing.

  • Tags

  • Data

    Film ID:
    663.37
    Media URN:
    4806
    Group:
    Pathe newsreels
    Archive:
    British Pathé
    Issue Date:
    11/02/1932
    Sound:
    Mute
    HD Format:
    Available on request
    Stock:
    Black & White
    Duration:
    00:00:53:00
    Time in/Out:
    01:45:05:00 / 01:45:58:00
    Canister:
    32/12

Comments (2)

  1. jamied says

    "The driver (who I assume is Dr. Purves)" - that is actually Dr Purves's son.

    "The driver of the one (wearing a cap and smoking a pipe) turns a handle to start the vehicle's engine. (Unclear which of the drivers is the Doctor)" - Dr Purves is the man smoking the pipe.

    The location for this demonstration was Brean Sands, near Weston-super-Mare.

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  2. jamied says

    More of the Dynasphere can be seen in clip 661.13.

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