Sunday, January 8, 2012

Chapeaux à transformations - 1895


Country: France
Director: Louis Lumière
Also known as: Hats with Transformations (USA - informal literal English title);  Kalap transzformációk (Hungary); Transformation by Hats (USA); Transformation by Hats, Comic View (USA)
Production Co: Lumière
Genres: Short
In commedia dell'arte style, an actor on a stool presents six distinct characters through speedy application of whiskers and a hat or, in one case, a wig followed by a few gestures. First he becomes the large-nosed squire whipping his horse as he rides in his surrey, then he's a kindly mustachioed ticket taker, next an imperious sea captain with the bearded look of Czar Nicholas. Out comes a light-colored top hat, big nose and handkerchief for the brief appearance of a lugubrious character, followed by a capitalist making a deal in black silk top hat and mustache. Last, white hair, pork-chop sideburns and large mustache capture a retired raconteur.

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