The Coronation of Edward VII
About The Coronation of Edward VII
A reconstruction of the coronation of Edward VII and Alexandra: the procession into the abbey, the crowning, and the homage. It was staged and released to play on the day of the real ceremony.
Cast & crew
More about The Coronation of Edward VII
Georges Méliès directed the reconstruction. Charles Urban produced it after he could not get a camera into Westminster Abbey. The ceremony was staged ahead of 9 August 1902 so prints could ship for the coronation day. George Albert Smith is credited with the photography.
Themes
In film history
A news picture of an event that had not yet taken place, staged because the abbey would not allow a camera.
Making
Méliès built the abbey interior at his studio and dressed actors as the king, the queen, and the clergy. The film was sold as a record of the day. It was shot before the day happened.
Preservation
A print survives. Wikimedia Commons holds Le Sacre d'Edouard VII (1902).webm.
Notes
- Also released as Reproduction, Coronation Ceremonies and Coronation of King Edward.
- The real coronation was 9 August 1902. The film was already made.
Also available
- Wikimedia Commons (Le Sacre d'Edouard VII (1902).webm)
