The Ostrich and the Lady (1910)

• 82%
• 1910
• Documentary
• Gilbert M. Anderson

The film pictures scenes on a big ostrich farm in Southern California, near Los Angeles. A large flock of several hundred of the big birds are seen feeding. They are coaxed up close to the camera by the keeper and we are offered a close-up view of the long necked fellows. The films show how the birds are caught for preening. A bag, resembling an ordinary stocking, is put over their heads, after which they can be easily managed. Everyone is familiar with that absurd ostrich trait of hiding its head in the sand to elude capture. The bird seems to imagine that if its head is hidden the hunters will be unable to find it. Ostrich hunting, on account of this foolishness, is tame sport. Not altogether tame, however, because the ostrich is as handy with its feet as a mule. Its kick has often dealt death to the hunter. The film also shows the keeper picking the valuable ostrich feathers. The ostrich plume is the most expensive of all bird feathers and there is a great profit in raising ostriches. There are several large ostrich farms in Southern California. The picture closes with a little novelty. First is shown a large hat entirely hidden beneath ostrich plumes. The hat slowly rises, disclosing a pretty face and laughing eyes. "Just send the bill to my husband," she seems to say.