Related to Reports on cinematography in the Liverpool Mercury (c. 1895-1902)
Description:

'During a representation of the passion play of "Ober Ammergau" on the West End Pier, Morecambe, on Sunday afternoon, which was illustrated with lantern and cinematograph views, a stampede took place amongst the audience on account of the film of the cinematograph igniting. The area of the hall was packed, and besides there were a large number of people in the balcony. Everything went well for the first hour, but when the cinematograph was about to produce the first series of views (the hall, of course, being in entire darkness) the film took fire and blazed up like an electric light. There was at once a wild rush of men and women for the doors in the darkness, and although a few kept their heads, and shouted "Keep your seats; there is no danger," the panic was on, and confusion reigned until the greater poart of the audience managed to make their exit. The orchestra, with great presence of mind, struck up a tune, but order was not restored until every door in the place had been thrown open and the electric light turned on. The programme was proceeded with before a greatly diminished audience, but everytime the cinematograph fizzed there was a distinct feeling of nervousness. Fortunately, everyone escaped with nothing more than a severe crushing and a fright. Some zealous person broke the glass of a case outside the hall, whre hosepipes are kept for emergencies, but the pipes were not needed.'