Ten Ladies in an Umbrella

Plot

In this early Georges Méliès short film, a magician presents an umbrella which, when opened, reveals ten ladies who emerge and perform a synchronized dance routine. The women, dressed in identical costumes, move in formation before magically disappearing back into the umbrella one by one. The film concludes with the magician closing the umbrella and taking a bow, showcasing Méliès' signature blend of stage magic and cinematic trickery. The entire performance takes place on a theatrical set with painted backdrops, typical of Méliès' studio productions.

Historical Background

This film was created during the early days of cinema when filmmakers were still discovering the medium's possibilities. 1903 was a pivotal year for film, with the Edison Manufacturing Company and Biograph Company dominating the American market while European filmmakers like Méliès were pushing artistic boundaries. The film reflects the fascination with magic and illusion that characterized early cinema, as audiences were still amazed by moving images themselves. The reference to Coney Island in the plot description connects to the rise of amusement parks and variety entertainment that was popularizing new forms of spectacle at the turn of the century.

Making Of

Georges Méliès created this film during his most productive period (1902-1904) when he was producing dozens of short films annually. The production would have taken only a day or two of filming, but required extensive preparation of costumes, props, and choreography. The women appearing from the umbrella effect was achieved through careful editing and multiple exposures, a technique Méliès pioneered. The performers were likely actresses from the Théâtre Robert-Houdin, which Méliès owned before dedicating himself to cinema. The film was shot outdoors in Méliès's custom-built glass studio, which allowed him to control lighting while still having space for elaborate productions.

Visual Style

The film was shot using a single camera positioned to capture the full stage, typical of Méliès's theatrical style. The cinematography emphasized clarity and visibility of the magical effects rather than artistic camera movement. The lighting was natural, coming through the glass walls of Méliès's studio, creating the bright, flat look characteristic of his work.

Innovations

The film showcases Méliès's mastery of multiple exposure techniques to create the illusion of multiple people appearing from a single object. The careful synchronization of the disappearing effect required precise timing and editing skills that were advanced for 1903. The film also demonstrates early use of choreography in cinema, coordinating multiple performers for visual effect.

Music

As a silent film, it would have been accompanied by live music during exhibition, typically piano or small orchestra playing popular tunes of the era. No original score was composed specifically for this film.

Memorable Scenes

• The magical moment when the umbrella opens and ten ladies emerge in perfect formation
• The synchronized dance routine with all ten women moving in unison
• The final sequence where each woman disappears back into the umbrella

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews from 1903 are scarce, but Méliès's films were generally well-received by audiences and critics who appreciated their magical qualities. The film was described in trade publications as 'amusing' and 'cleverly executed.' Modern film historians consider this a typical but well-crafted example of Méliès's trick film genre, though not among his most innovative works.

What Audiences Thought

The film was popular with early cinema audiences who were fascinated by Méliès's magical effects. Like many of his short films, it was often shown as part of variety programs alongside other short subjects. Audiences particularly enjoyed the surprise element of the transformation and the synchronized choreography, which reminded them of popular music hall acts of the period.

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