December 22nd 2024.
Christmas movies have become a beloved tradition during the holiday season, alongside decorating trees, singing carols, and giving gifts. But did you know that the first known Christmas film is actually much older than you might think?
Many people might assume that the earliest Christmas films emerged in the 1940s or 50s, with classics like Meet Me in St Louis, It's A Wonderful Life, and White Christmas. These films are often considered the "golden oldies" among more modern Christmas favorites like Home Alone, The Grinch, and A Christmas Carol. Some might even guess that these films were first created in the late 1920s, when sound was introduced and Hollywood was starting to establish itself as a major player in the film industry.
But the truth is, the first acknowledged Christmas film was made over a century ago, in 1898. That's right, 126 years ago! This groundbreaking film focused on a magical visit from Father Christmas and was created by former magic lanternist and hypnotist George Albert Smith in the UK, while he was corresponding with French pioneer Georges Méliès.
Despite being a British film, it was titled Santa Claus, using the Americanized version of St. Nick's name. This one-minute and 16-second silent film is praised for its technical ambition and accomplishments, especially considering the time period in which it was made. It features pioneering visual effects, such as showing Santa coming down the chimney in the same shot as the sleeping children, and disappearing into thin air at the end of his visit. It also includes cinema's earliest known example of parallel action, according to the British Film Institute (BFI).
The best part? This groundbreaking film is available to watch for free on YouTube, as part of the BFI National Archive. It's amazing to think that this short film was created just a decade after Roundhay Garden Scene, believed to be the oldest surviving film and one of the first motion pictures ever recorded.
So, as you cozy up with your hot cocoa and peruse the latest offerings on Netflix, take a moment to appreciate where it all began. And who knows, maybe Santa Claus from 1898 will become your new favorite Christmas film.
Do you have a favorite Christmas movie? We'd love to hear about it! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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