Whilst several elements of this film are rather fanciful, it does have an altogether brooding and even prophetic feel to it. It depicts an interesting pre-conception of how aerial combat would take place, and the burning buildings are eerily reminiscent of what was to come with strategic bombing campaigns against cities.

Indeed, although this was made in 1909, it was re-released in Britain in 1915 when the prospect of attack from the skies had evolved from a quasi-science fiction nightmare to a real threat. 

To watch the film, please follow this link to the fabulous BFI website.

If you want to know more about real life Zeppelins and their attacks on London, try either of the following:

Zeppelins: German Airships 1900-40


 

9781841766928

 

London 1914-17: The Zeppelin Menace

 

9781846032455