World Record

About This Movie

World Record (1930) presents this intriguing slice of early cinema where young Charles Cimier and his friends dare to chase speed on their bicycles. The tone fluctuates between youthful exuberance and maternal concern, creating an oddly tense atmosphere. The pacing lingers, building up to that moment of recklessness, but not without giving a nod to the anxiety that looms from Charles' mother. While the director remains a mystery, the film’s practical effects of speed behind a motorcycle evoke a rawness that is often lost in today’s polished productions. It's fascinating how a simple premise of breaking a speed record intertwines with themes of rebellion and familial worry, making this short a unique artifact of its time.

World Record is a bit of a rarity in the collector's sphere, as many early shorts often slip through the cracks of mainstream interest. This film, with its quiet tension and practical effects, stands apart from typical cinematic fare of the 1930s. Availability can be spotty, often found in niche collections or specialized screenings, making it a point of interest for those into early cinematic history, especially in the context of sports-themed narratives.