The Derby 1913
Captured in stark black-and-white footage, *The Derby* (1913) documents a pivotal moment in British history when suffragette Emily Davison stepped onto the Epsom Downs racetrack, altering the course of women's rights forever.
Director: Gaumont Graphic
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Derby (1913) about?
*The Derby* (1913) documents the tragic events of the 1913 Epsom Derby, where suffragette Emily Davison stepped onto the racetrack in a bold act of protest. Her collision with the King's horse became a defining moment in the women's suffrage movement, captured on silent film for posterity.
Who directed The Derby?
The film was directed by Gaumont Graphic, a pioneering production company known for early documentary and newsreel work during the silent era.
Who stars in The Derby?
The documentary centers on Emily Davison, the suffragette whose actions at the 1913 Derby became legendary.
Is The Derby (1913) worth watching?
As a historical artifact, *The Derby* (1913) is invaluable for its raw documentation of a pivotal social movement. While short and silent, its emotional weight and political significance make it a must-see for film and history enthusiasts.
How long is The Derby?
The Derby runs for approximately 5 minutes.
About The Derby (1913) — Emily Davison's Sacrifice Captured in Early Cinema
Captured in stark black-and-white footage, *The Derby* (1913) documents a pivotal moment in British history when suffragette Emily Davison stepped onto the Epsom Downs racetrack, altering the course of women's rights forever. Directed by Gaumont Graphic, this five-minute documentary doesn't just show a race—it freezes a tragic act of defiance in time, where one woman's sacrifice at the King's horse's hooves becomes a visceral symbol of the fight for equality. The grainy, flickering images carry an eerie stillness, echoing themes of courage and consequence against the backdrop of Edwardian society. Though brief, the footage resonates with raw emotion, embedding itself in the memory of early 20th-century activism.
As one of cinema's earliest political documentaries, *The Derby* (1913) offers a chilling glimpse into a bygone era, where silent celluloid becomes a witness to history. Davison's story, framed by the thunderous gallop of thoroughbreds and hushed spectators, transcends its 1913 context, challenging viewers to reflect on how far social movements have come—or how much further they still must go.