Alice of the Silent Age

I think of silent movies as the motion picture industry's embarrassing baby photo's. We all have to start somewhere and so did movies.

I love silent movies. Warts and all. I think it's their raw quality. Knowing filmmakers were really learning the trade as they go along and finding new tricks to use in their movies. For those of you not familiar with old films, there are two rules of thumb. Just because it's old doesn't necessarily mean it's bad. However, just because it's old doesn't necessarily mean it's a classic.

I found two gems of the silent era. The first photo is from what I have been lead to believe is the very first film adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, created nearly 100 years ago in 1903. The second is from a later silent film created in 1915.

I actually find the first version far more interesting in it's attempts at effects whereas although the later film is more streamlined than it's predecessor, the later film does not make many attempts at visual effects. True the effects are choppy and imperfect. But that's why I love silent films.

Since both films are very short and available to watch on Youtube, I've posted them below so you can make your judgement which is the better film.
Well, without further ado, here are both films:

Alice in Wonderland (1903)


Alice in Wonderland (1915)

Up next in our theatrical adventures through Wonderland: The Jim Henson Creature Shop gets into the act with a unique look at both the creator of Alice as well as the girl who inspired the tales.