Peter Elfelt

The short clip shows a spiritualist séance featuring a medium and two ‘spirits’, shot in Peter Elfelt’s studio. Dr Faustinus (1868–1946 – real name Faustinus Edelberg Pedersen), after whom the film is named, was an active figure within the field of spiritism and the occult. (Stumfilm.dk)

Fredensborg castle in North Zealand was the base of the so-called 'Fredensborg Days' in the period 1880-1898, where King Christian IX and Queen Louise would gather the family. The tradition petered out after the death of Czar Alexander III in 1894 and Queen Louise in 1898. The images nevertheless give an impression of the relaxed atmosphere at the castle.

Dance from the Opera ‘Il Trovatore’ (1853) by Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901). Choreography by August Bournonville, 1865. Performed by Valborg Borchsenius (née Guldbrandsen). (Stumfilm.DK)

This Danish film shows us a young woman doing a dance, which translates to tarantula. According to the brief bio over at the Europa Film Treasures site, this dance was "influenced" by the delirium caused by the bite of a tarantula.

Bathing Danish beauties.

The Kaiser was an unpopular guest in Denmark. Both for personal and political reasons, the Danish court did not want to have too close ties to the German Kaiser. But the Kaiser had a habit of inviting himself.

Military in action.

Street views from the danish capital. Among the various retailers and businesses seen is Serpent Bicycle Shop, the newly built Hotel Cosmopolite, Hotel d'Angleterre, Bikubens Sparekasse, Østerbros Vinhandel, Hafnia Bicycles, Ferdinand Lørups Isenkram & Udstyr and Jens Karl Jensen's Cravats.

Johan Carl Joensen, a Danish colonial manager in Greenland, drives his dog sled in Copenhagen’s Fælledparken. (stumfilm.dk)

King Frederik VIII of Denmark arrives in Berlin, Germany.

Maria Feodorovna (1847-1928), born Dagmar, daughter of King Christian IX was in 1866 married to Alexander III (1845-1894), Czar of Russia (1881-1894). The couple often visited Denmark, where the czar found a safe harbour away from the unstable Russia.

A group of military men uses explosives to de-root trees.

The proclamation was performed on 30 January 1906 by Prime Minister Jens Christian Christensen (1856-1930). At age 63, Frederik finally became king. He had been standing in the shadow of his father, who did not want any interference by his curious and hard working son. -Det Danske Filminstitut (Danish Film Institute)

The Children's Dance from 'Elverhøj', performed by Gudrun Christensen and Helga Smith. Elverhøj (1828; literal translation, Elves’ Hill) by Johan Ludvig Heiberg, with music by Frederik Kuhlau, is considered the Danish national play. It was commissioned by King Frederik VI for the marriage of his youngest daughter Vilhelmine Marie to Frederik Carl Christian (later King Frederik VII). (Stumfilm.DK)

In September 1903 the ferry line between Gedser in Denmark and Warnemünde in Germany was opened. The images are from the opening of the route which included King Christian IX, Grand Duke Friedrich-Franz IV of Mecklenburg Schwerin (1882-1945), Crown Prince Frederik and members of the Duentzer ministry (1901-1905).

A footage of an orchestra at Frederiksberg Theater.

Nikolai II (1868-1918), the last Russian czar, son of Alexander III and Dagmar. He had been in Denmark on vacation with his parents several times. The royal houses usually met in September to celebrate Queen Louise's birthday. Even after Queen Louise's death, the families still kept the tradition.

Two fine gentlemen battle brutishly for the favour of two fine ladies. However, one of the gentlemen forgets his suitcase at the station, and his competitor spots his chance to gain a huge lead. (Stumfilm.dk)

Danish street scene.

The German Emperor Wilhelm II is a guest minor in Denmark. Both personal and political reasons, the crown does not want to maintain special ties with the Emperor. But the Kaiser has an habit of invited himself ...