The Acrobatic Fly (1910)

[michaelb3197]

This is wrong like saw this on tv and felt really sad that a fly could be abused like this just because it lacks "inteligence" and is smaller making it unimportant to us very harsh like.

[TheTwillerZone]

Woah ! talented.

[NCMiles89]

So who just heard about this on radio 4? Awesome!

[pictsidhe]

It was tied on with silk and released unharmed afterwards, Percy didn't like harming flies.

[distantlandmusic]

crazy but amazing. lol.

[popitinpete]

I think the important thing to say is as you watch this fascinating film, we should acknowledge that it IS cruel but opinions have changed in 100 years and to reshoot this film would be morally wrong. Let's keep things in perspective, when you next drive to the shops you will kill hundreds of insects - in agony? Who knows?

[SaintLizard]

You people have no pity for a poor fly that was brutally tortured a hundred years ago! :(

[offpatsmile]

stuck with glue to the end of a match, a fly performs some desperate things to try and get unstuck...

[zaixhadouken]

That is the most talented fly I've ever come across. He would make a fortune in Jackson square in New Orleans.

[Ivanatis]

great

I've seen worse shorts 100 years later

[d222173d]

It reminds me of the flea circus

[flyonthewindscreen]

@suzumari:

I have never said this on a forum anywhere, but: What a dumbass.

You probably want to flag historical films of Stalin, Hitler and Pol Pot because they were mass murders. Obscuring history means cleansing the common psyche of knowledge necessary to preventing its repeat. It is thin skinned, narrow minded, self righteous individuals such as yourself that make possible the tyranny of despots.

[msbfd]

tiny little high-pitched voice: "Help me! Help me! I'd rather be eaten by spiders than be a slave in this circus!"

[CRICKET999999999]

even flies were more talented back then. we really lost it

[meanderingfrey]

@CRICKET999999999

hahaha

[clownpants]

Eventually this fly went on to be Minister of Defense during the Thatcher administration.

[MishuTaste]

Flies spread diseases & bite people. I have no sympathy for them.

[lindersi]

your joking right?

[jonstfrancis]

The flies unable to fly away are attempting to crawl out of their predicament. The objects they "juggle" are merely their only chance of escape.

[amonkeytrainer]

Shame on all people who think this is fun. The fly are glued to something and do not die in 1 day. I wish them to die on the same way for all idiot who find this is entertaining.

[benmason1980]

The flies were tied with Nylon. None of them were hurt.

[szuzmari]

Pathetic. This fly is trying to escape, but it couldn't because a psychotic glued it down. :( Flag.

[RebelVoDKa]

You haven't really flagged the British Film Institute for posting a 99 year old cinematic curiosity, have you?

[RebelVoDKa]

What do you hope to achieve by banning this film? Or at least trying to. It hasn't worked by the look of it.

[CRICKET999999999]

@szuzmari people in the 21st century are just as cruel as ever. violence is a big thing these days as back then, maybe more. look at the movies we watch. don't live in a sweet fairy tale land. plus, if i were a flie, i'd rather do this than get swatted, big time

[AAMLfan]

Does anybody really feel sorry for flies? I know I don't.

[dottormorte1901]

per me è modificato il video !!

[tenddyson]

they.........glue it on????

[szuzmari]

Nowaday we would say this is animal abuse. Shame on you, you "fantastic" trainer!!!!

[obis11]

I am vegetarian and feel strongly against animal abuse,.. but I don't believe this consists of animal abuse. I mean, most people (even vegetarians) kill fly's.

but this is a cool video, strange that videos produced this long ago can have any sort of youtube appeal.

[szuzmari]

You are right, however nowaday people may use mosquito-net on their windows & doors. and if a fly misses its way, well, you can head it for to the window and let it go. :D

Anyway, I think those people who before kill ANY animal entertain themselves or others - they are sick in their head.

[Andrewsmate]

Well who'd have thought that houseflies could be so talented and charming?

[jonnsuz]

They glued it down lol !

[loloowns]

dont they die in 1 day

[santasxgirlfriend]

that is wierd! and cool

[minigilani]

AWESOME!!! =D

[zippyandgeorge]

This is fantastic. fascinating to know how they managed to keep the fly lying down on something so small without falling off and it's just captivating to watch. also very hypnotic

[Gannondalf]

they didnt train the fly, it was trying to walk.

[soparamens]

i would love to have such a wonderful fly for self loving!!

[Circoculipardo]

Amazing!!

[gregorkrause]

cute,it would be verrrrry hard to train a fly.