'Cinderella' (1899) - A film by George Méliès

This 1899 'Cinderella' is a technically and narratively innovative early silent film by Frenchman George Méliès (1861-1938).

The music I've added is from Sergei Prokofiev's score for the ballet of the same name.

As you probably know, much of Méliès creativity was put to the service of science fiction and fantasy, such as his 1902 film of Jules Verne's 'Le voyage dans la Lune'. But his invention is also evident here, in the (partially) hand-painted footage, the dissolves, and the stop tricks or substitutions, where, for example, the illusion can be given of mice becoming footmen, and pumpkins coaches.

What I particularly like about 'Cinderella' is that the narrative is so economically and clearly laid out. Good story-boarding.

A little five minute master piece. Which moves at just the right pace. And in which the technical innovations are not forced but seem natural and necessary.

A delight - hope you enjoy it!

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• 'Cinderella' (1899)
• George Méliès
• silent film

[leeshajoi]

Is the actress playing the fairy godmother pregnant, or is that just a really unflattering dress?

[nickwallacesmith]

hi leeshajoi - your guess is as good as mine, cheers

[ShaunxxD]

imagine showing them one of our movies now xD

[nickwallacesmith]

hi ShaunxxD - yes, and imagine their reaction to 3D!

[27132lower]

wow, colored people in it

[nickwallacesmith]

hi 27132lower - colourised people at least. cheers

[SugarBudgie]

Wow I never thought I'd be able to see a film from the Victorian era! Thank you! So cool being able to look into the past.

[kitiamuriel]

Thank you for this jewel! A video of yours every day instead of tv news... Kitia

[pewsterbaby]

@nickwallacesmith It'd be like everyone else's in 2011. Disinterested after the gimmick wears off after 15 minutes.

[nickwallacesmith]

a PS jamielynnfox - do you like the Prokofiev 'Cinderella' ballet music i've added as the audio - i like watching it with no sound as well, but am particularly fond of this music and could resist adding it - it seems to fit much of the movement of the drama, fortuitously

[nickwallacesmith]

hi jamielynnfox - yes happily YT is reasonably unregulated at the moment - as far as being able to upload things here, the main issue for me seems to be copyright. i have a lawyer friend who specialises in intellectual property and he tells me that it runs out fifty years after the death of the main participants - copyright can be sold or given to someone other than the main participants during this 50 year period but it can't be extended beyond the fifty years. be in touch, cheers!

[jamielynnfox]

@nickwallacesmith I love all of the films of George Méliès and being able to see this is real treat! And yes, the film is still quite appealing, even in the 21st century. Thank goodness for people like you who upload films like this one. I hope that the government doesn't try to interfere with what we can view on YouTube, etc., as that would make the Internet much less interesting. Cheers from Los Angeles.