The Runaway Match, or Marriage by Motor

1903 DramaAction 5 minutes Directed by Alf Collins

About The Runaway Match, or Marriage by Motor

A couple leave a house by car to be married. Her father follows in his own car, cutting through traffic. He reaches the minister after the ring is already on her finger. The insert shows the ring going on. He gives in, and they drive off together in his car.

Cast & crew

More about The Runaway Match, or Marriage by Motor

Alf Collins directed it for the British Gaumont company. The British title was Elopement à la Mode. American Mutoscope and Biograph copyrighted it on December 1, 1903, number H38686, and released it in the United States on December 12. Kleine also handled it. AFI gives 283 feet. The film is nine shots.

Themes

Making

Gaumont's London branch had been set up in 1898 by Alfred C. Bromhead and T. A. Welsch. Collins made the chase films there.

Technique

The chase cuts between the two cars, and the ceremony stops for a close insert of the ring.

Notes

  • The Library of Congress description notes views from each car of the other, then the church.
  • An insert, unusual for 1903, shows the wedding ring placed on the bride's finger.
  • Collins had joined Gaumont in 1902 after working for Robert W. Paul.
  • The U.S. catalogue title is The Runaway Match, or Marriage by Motor. The British title was Elopement à la Mode.

Scenes

  • The father's car is seen from the couple's car, and theirs from his.
  • The ring goes onto her finger before he enters.