A Trap for Santa Claus

Plot

In this heartwarming Christmas tale from early cinema, two young children, eager to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, devise an elaborate trap using a rope and a basket to capture him when he comes down the chimney. As they wait patiently through the night, their anticipation builds until they finally hear footsteps approaching. However, instead of capturing the jolly old elf, they ensnare their own father who has returned home unexpectedly after being away working in another city. The film concludes with a touching family reunion as the children realize their Christmas wish has come true in an unexpected way, with their father's return being the true Christmas miracle.

Historical Background

1909 was a pivotal year in American cinema, transitioning from simple novelty films to more sophisticated narrative storytelling. The film industry was still centered in New York rather than Hollywood, and the Biograph Company was one of the leading studios. Christmas was becoming increasingly commercialized in America, and films like this helped cement modern Christmas traditions. The era saw the rise of the 'feature film' concept, though most productions were still shorts like this one. The film was made during the Progressive Era, when social reforms were changing American family life, making the theme of a returning father particularly resonant for audiences dealing with industrialization and urban migration.

Making Of

D.W. Griffith was in his first year as a director at Biograph when he made this film, working with a stock company of actors he would use repeatedly. The child actors, particularly Gladys Egan, were becoming favorites of Griffith for their natural performances. The production was rushed, as most Biograph films were, but Griffith already showed his attention to emotional detail. The film was shot using natural light coming through the studio windows, a technique Griffith preferred before the advent of sophisticated lighting equipment. The set design was minimal but effective, with the Christmas tree and fireplace creating the necessary holiday atmosphere. The film was shot in a single take for most scenes, a necessity given the technical limitations of early cameras.

Visual Style

The cinematography by G.W. Bitzer, Griffith's regular cameraman, uses static camera positions typical of the era but with careful composition to maximize emotional impact. The lighting relies heavily on natural sources, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere particularly in the indoor scenes. Bitzer uses medium shots to capture the children's actions and expressions, a technique that helps establish their characters. The film demonstrates the emerging visual language of cinema, with shots composed to guide the viewer's attention to important story elements.

Innovations

While not technically innovative, the film demonstrates Griffith's growing mastery of film grammar. The use of cross-cutting between the children waiting and the father's journey home, though simple, shows the narrative techniques Griffith was developing. The film's clear storytelling through visual means, without the need for intertitles to explain the plot, represents an advancement in cinematic communication. The effective use of props and set design to create emotional impact shows the technical sophistication emerging in American cinema.

Music

As a silent film, it had no synchronized soundtrack. In theaters, it would have been accompanied by live music, typically a pianist or small orchestra. The musical accompaniment would have included popular Christmas carols of the era, such as 'Jingle Bells' and 'Silent Night,' along with dramatic underscore for emotional moments. The score would have been improvised by the house musician or selected from the theater's collection of appropriate musical pieces.

Memorable Scenes

• The children carefully setting their trap with rope and basket by the fireplace, showing their innocent determination to catch Santa
• The moment the trap springs and the children rush to see what they've caught, their faces filled with anticipation
• The emotional reveal when the children discover they've caught their father instead of Santa, leading to a joyful family embrace

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews from trade publications like The Moving Picture World praised the film's heartwarming story and effective use of child actors. Critics noted the film's emotional appeal and its appropriateness for family audiences. Modern film historians view the film as an important example of early narrative cinema and Griffith's developing talent. The film is often cited in studies of Christmas cinema and early American film history as a representative example of Biograph's output during this period.

What Audiences Thought

The film was popular with audiences of its time, particularly families seeking appropriate holiday entertainment. Its Christmas theme made it a seasonal favorite, and Biograph often re-released it during subsequent holiday seasons. Contemporary audience reactions, as reported in trade papers, were overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers noting the emotional impact of the father's return scene. The film's simple but effective storytelling made it accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

You Might Also Like