We have found that, for us, the subject of each episode is dictated by the research. For Episode 3, the research led us to a completely different place than we expected!
In our third episode, we explore some aspects of Victorian culture, specifically mysticism, mesmerism, spiritualism and their relation to scientific thinking of the time. We offer a brief and interesting history of Franz Mesmer, a fascinating character who laid the groundwork for much of the spiritualism movement that was so popular in the Victorian era. We also wander right into the middle of a murder mystery plot regarding the Society for Psychical Research.
How does this relate to film history, you may ask? This is the world inhabited by the focus of our next two episodes, director George Albert Smith (1864-1959) . He is a fascinating character! In this episode, we will talk briefly about his 1898 short, Photographing a Ghost. Unfortunately, this film is considered lost. However, in Episode 04 we give an in-depth rundown of Smith's filmography and his many contributions to early film history. Many would say he rivals Melies in importance to the early development of the film industry. He deserves two episodes!
Since there is no film to show you for this episode, and since we will be talking about the phenomenon of Victorian ghost photography, I will happily share some examples with you here:
In our original iteration of this episode, we intended to look at a few examples of the character of the witch in early film, and mentioned The Witch (1906) by Melies and The Village Witch (1906) released by the Pathe company as a few examples. We will save these for later, as witches will get their own episode later in the season. Additionally, we couldn't resist the oddity The Doll's Revenge (1907) by director Lewin Fitzhamon as the first killer doll movie! Savor that little morsel for a bit - we will be returning to that film later as well.
Listen to Episode 03 here:
Don't forget to check back to read the full transcript of episode 3, chock full of supplemental pictures, videos, and other material. If you haven't yet, please subscribe so you receive notifications when there is a new post. Also, please subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. And, make sure you rate us and comment, as that is how more people can learn about us.
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Music Sources
"And Away We Go" Jackie Gleason Show Program Promo - 1955 CBS - Library of Congress - Public Domain.
"Aquarium" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Funeral March of a Marionette by Charles Gounad, Victor Symphony Orchestra (1922) - Library of Congress, National Jukebox - Public Domain.
"Ghost Story" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
"Heavy Heart" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
"Long Note Four" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
"Marty Gots a Plan" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
"Myst on the Moor" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Ragtime Winter Day Logo Loop by logobest - Music Standard License from AudioJungle
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"The Snow Queen" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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