
A Glimpse of the San Diego Exposition 1915
Step back to 1915 with Mack Sennett's lighthearted silent short, A Glimpse of the San Diego Exposition (1915), a playful 7-minute travelogue that blends gentle comedy with early documentary charm.
Director: Mack Sennett
Cast

Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Glimpse of the San Diego Exposition (1915) about?
Mack Sennett's silent short offers a breezy tour of San Diego's 1915–16 world's fair, showcasing landmark buildings, canal exhibits, and the playful curiosity of early cinema crowds. The film captures the fair's optimism through lighthearted moments and Roscoe Arbuckle's comedic presence.
Who directed A Glimpse of the San Diego Exposition?
A Glimpse of the San Diego Exposition was directed by Mack Sennett, the pioneer behind slapstick comedy and founder of Keystone Studios.
Who stars in A Glimpse of the San Diego Exposition?
The short features silent-era legend Roscoe Arbuckle at the center of its comedic charm.
Is A Glimpse of the San Diego Exposition (1915) worth watching?
At just 7 minutes, this early documentary-comedy is a charming time capsule for silent-film enthusiasts and history lovers. Its blend of gentle humor and historic footage makes it a fun watch if you enjoy light, nostalgic cinema.
How long is A Glimpse of the San Diego Exposition?
A Glimpse of the San Diego Exposition runs for 7 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About A Glimpse of the San Diego Exposition (1915) — Silent-era travelogue meets slapstick comedy
Step back to 1915 with Mack Sennett's lighthearted silent short, A Glimpse of the San Diego Exposition (1915), a playful 7-minute travelogue that blends gentle comedy with early documentary charm. Sennett's lens glides over the gleaming gates of Balboa Park, capturing the buzz of visitors strolling across the Cabrillo Bridge and marveling at the ornate California Building. The film blends whimsy and wonder as it lingers over marigolds swaying in the horticultural halls, the clatter of tourists around the Panama Canal Exhibit, and the curious crowds outside the Panama Film Company's booth where moviemaking first meets movie-goers. Roscoe Arbuckle's comedic presence adds a dash of slapstick levity to the scene, while the film's breezy tone mirrors the optimism of a city on the brink of global recognition.
More than a century later, A Glimpse of the San Diego Exposition offers more than nostalgic postcards; it's a tiny time capsule of early Hollywood's fascination with capturing the world on film. From the shimmering lagoon where fish dart below the surface to the mock locks at Gatun, the footage radiates a sunlit innocence, inviting viewers to wander through an exposition that celebrated human ingenuity and international connection. Light, lively, and steeped in period flair, this short is a delight for history buffs, silent-film fans, and anyone who enjoys a breezy slice of Americana.