Edison's FANTASMA (1914)

Darren Nemeth · Post by **Darren Nemeth** » Mon Jan 04, 2010 4:27 am

FANTASMA. 1914. 5 reels. Based on the Hanlon Brothers' theatrical production. Credits: Director, Charles M. Seay.
Thomas A. Edison, Inc.; 5Decl4; LP3902.

Anyone ever seen it? LoC has preserved it.

A faerie tale film.

Jay Salsberg · Post by **Jay Salsberg** » Mon Jan 04, 2010 7:53 am

One reel of 35mm nitrate turned up on eBay about 2 years ago. IIRC, it sold for over $500.

Darren Nemeth · Post by **Darren Nemeth** » Mon Jan 04, 2010 8:43 am

Jay Salsberg wrote:One reel of 35mm nitrate turned up on eBay about 2 years ago. IIRC, it sold for over $500.

I remember that one. It came from NJ and had some decomp in the middle.

Boy, times sure have changed. I doubt the same reel would get $80 in this economy. Decomp or none.

I understand the feature is preserved, however. Edison didn't release too many fantasy faerie story films. Would like to see it one day.

Henry Nicolella · Post by **Henry Nicolella** » Mon Jan 04, 2010 10:04 am

LoC has the first reel of FANTASMA. It's based on a stage show done by the Hanlon Brothers who worked all kinds of stunts, acrobatics and special effects into their productions. I've seen the LoC footage and it's not too impressive;kind of primitive and rather silly.
Henry Nicolella