The Blue Bird
"The Most Wonderful Picture Ever Produced"
Plot
In this enchanting silent fantasy, peasant children Mytyl and Tyltyl are visited by the fairy Berylune on Christmas Eve, who sends them on a magical quest to find the Blue Bird of Happiness. The children are given a magical diamond that allows them to see the souls of inanimate objects, bringing to life their loyal Dog, cunning Cat, gentle Light, and other companions who join their journey. Their quest takes them through mystical realms including the Land of Memory, the Palace of Night, and the Kingdom of the Future, where they encounter various spirits and learn profound lessons about happiness and human nature. After numerous adventures and revelations, the children return home only to discover that the Blue Bird of Happiness was not in some distant land but had been living in their own home all along. The film concludes with the realization that true happiness is found in appreciating the simple joys of everyday life and the love of family.
About the Production
The film featured elaborate fantasy sets designed by Ben Carré, including the Palace of Night and the Kingdom of the Future. The production used innovative special effects techniques for the era, including double exposure and matte paintings to create the magical realms. The transformation scenes where inanimate objects come to life were particularly challenging to film and required careful choreography and timing.
Historical Background
Produced during the final months of World War I, 'The Blue Bird' emerged as a cinematic response to the global trauma and uncertainty of the period. The film's themes of searching for happiness and finding peace in simple pleasures resonated deeply with audiences weary from years of conflict. 1918 was also a pivotal year in cinema history, as the industry transitioned from short films to feature-length productions and studios began establishing more sophisticated production methods. The film's release coincided with the Spanish Flu pandemic, making its message of finding happiness at home particularly poignant. This period saw the rise of American cinema's dominance in the global market, with productions like 'The Blue Bird' showcasing the technical and artistic capabilities of Hollywood studios.
Why This Film Matters
'The Blue Bird' represents a landmark achievement in early fantasy cinema, demonstrating that the medium could effectively convey magical and imaginative stories without dialogue. The film influenced the development of the fantasy genre in cinema, paving the way for later works like 'The Wizard of Oz' and Disney's animated features. Its sophisticated visual storytelling and emotional depth challenged the perception that silent films were primitive or simplistic. The adaptation of a respected literary work also helped establish cinema as a legitimate art form capable of interpreting serious literature. The film's enduring message about the nature of happiness has kept it relevant across generations, and it remains an important example of early American artistic cinema.
Making Of
The production of 'The Blue Bird' was an ambitious undertaking for 1918, requiring months of preparation for the elaborate fantasy sequences. Director Maurice Tourneur worked closely with art director Ben Carré to create the magical realms, constructing massive sets that filled entire soundstages. The child actors, Tula Belle and Robin Macdougall, underwent extensive training for their roles and were carefully managed throughout the difficult shoot. The transformation scenes, where inanimate objects come to life, required multiple exposures and careful timing, making them technically challenging for the era. Tourneur insisted on naturalistic performances despite the fantastical elements, working closely with his actors to maintain emotional authenticity. The production faced delays due to the complexity of the special effects and the need to perfect the color tinting process for the fantasy sequences.
Visual Style
The cinematography by John van den Broek and Lucien Andriot was revolutionary for its time, employing innovative techniques to create the film's magical atmosphere. The extensive use of color tinting - blue for night scenes, amber for daylight, and various hues for the different fantasy realms - created emotional depth and visual variety. The camera work featured elaborate tracking shots and dynamic angles unusual for the period. The transformation sequences used multiple exposures and careful matte work to create the illusion of inanimate objects coming to life. The lighting design was particularly sophisticated, using contrast and shadow to enhance the fairy tale atmosphere while maintaining visibility in the complex fantasy sets.
Innovations
The film pioneered several technical innovations in special effects and production design. The transformation sequences used sophisticated multiple exposure techniques that were groundbreaking for 1918. The elaborate fantasy sets incorporated moving parts and trap doors to create magical appearances and disappearances. The film's use of color tinting was particularly advanced, with different colors carefully matched to emotional tones and narrative elements. The costume designs for the anthropomorphized characters featured innovative construction techniques to allow for movement while maintaining the illusion of inanimate objects come to life. The production also developed new techniques for creating the illusion of flight and magical transportation.
Music
As a silent film, 'The Blue Bird' was originally accompanied by live musical performances in theaters. The score was composed by Victor Schertzinger and included original themes for the different characters and realms. The music featured leitmotifs for the Blue Bird, the children, and various magical elements. Orchestral arrangements varied by theater size, from small ensembles to full orchestras in larger venues. The score emphasized the emotional journey of the children and enhanced the magical atmosphere of the fantasy sequences. Modern restorations have been accompanied by newly composed scores that attempt to recreate the spirit of the original music while utilizing contemporary orchestral resources.
Famous Quotes
We have been looking for happiness everywhere, when it was here all the time.
The Blue Bird is not in some far-off land, but in the love that surrounds us every day.
Sometimes the greatest magic is seeing what has been right in front of us all along.
Happiness is not a destination, but a way of seeing the world.
Memorable Scenes
- The transformation scene where the children's diamond brings their dog, cat, and other household objects to life, with each character emerging in elaborate costume and makeup.
- The journey through the Palace of Night, with its haunting blue-tinted visuals and mysterious spirits representing fears and secrets.
- The emotional return home when the children realize their pet dove is the Blue Bird they've been seeking all along.
- The sequence in the Kingdom of the Future, where unborn children await their turn to be born, featuring ethereal special effects and moving performances.
Did You Know?
- This was the first film adaptation of Maurice Maeterlinck's 1908 play 'The Blue Bird'
- Director Maurice Tourneur considered this his personal favorite of all his films
- The film was shot entirely on the East Coast, unusual for major productions of this era
- Tula Belle, who played Mytyl, was a child actress who retired from films after this production
- The elaborate fantasy sets were so impressive that they were preserved and used in other productions
- The film's special effects were considered groundbreaking for 1918, particularly the transformation sequences
- Maurice Maeterlinck, the original playwright, initially opposed film adaptations but praised this version
- The film's budget was unusually high for a silent film due to its elaborate production design
- It was one of the first fantasy films to use extensive color tinting to enhance the magical atmosphere
- The Dog character was played by a trained performer in a detailed costume, creating one of the earliest examples of a creature suit in cinema
What Critics Said
Contemporary critics hailed 'The Blue Bird' as a masterpiece of silent cinema, with particular praise for its visual artistry and emotional depth. The New York Times called it 'a triumph of cinematic art' and praised Maurice Tourneur's direction as 'nothing short of genius'. Variety noted the film's 'extraordinary beauty and imagination' while Motion Picture Magazine described it as 'the most enchanting picture ever produced'. Modern critics have reevaluated the film as a significant achievement in early fantasy cinema, with the American Film Institute including it in their list of important silent films. The film is now recognized for its innovative special effects, sophisticated visual storytelling, and its role in establishing fantasy as a viable genre in American cinema.
What Audiences Thought
Audiences in 1918 were captivated by the film's magical elements and emotional story, with many reporting being moved to tears by the conclusion. The film performed well at the box office, particularly in urban areas where fantasy films were gaining popularity. Children and adults alike were enchanted by the transformation scenes and the elaborate fantasy worlds depicted. The film's message resonated with post-war audiences seeking hope and comfort. Over time, the film developed a cult following among silent film enthusiasts and has been featured in numerous film festivals celebrating early cinema. Modern audiences who have seen restored versions often express surprise at the sophistication of the storytelling and visual effects for the era.
Awards & Recognition
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences - Named one of the best films of 1918-1919
- Photoplay Magazine - Gold Medal of Honor (1919)
Film Connections
Influenced By
- Maurice Maeterlinck's 1908 play 'The Blue Bird'
- European fairy tale traditions
- Symbolist literature
- Victorian children's literature
- Theatrical fantasy productions
This Film Influenced
- The Wizard of Oz (1939)
- Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
- The Red Shoes (1948)
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
- The Shape of Water (2017)
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Film Restoration
The film has been preserved by the Museum of Modern Art and the Library of Congress. A restored version was released in 2004 with newly commissioned musical score. While some deterioration is visible in existing prints, the film is considered to be in good condition for a silent film of its age. Several versions exist, including the original American release and a European cut with slight variations. The George Eastman Museum holds original nitrate elements that have been used for preservation efforts.