The First Auto

Plot

Set at the dawn of the automotive age, 'The First Auto' tells the story of Amos Hogg, a proud horse breeder and staunch traditionalist who vehemently opposes the newfangled automobile. His son, however, becomes fascinated with motor vehicles and secretly works with legendary race car driver Barney Oldfield to build his own car. The generational conflict intensifies as the son's passion for automobiles clashes with his father's dedication to horse-drawn transportation, culminating in a dramatic race that will determine the future of their relationship and transportation in their small town. The film captures the pivotal moment in American history when the automobile began to replace the horse, forever changing society.

Historical Background

Released in 1927, 'The First Auto' captured a moment of profound technological and social transformation in American history. The 1920s saw the automobile revolutionize American society, changing everything from urban planning to courtship rituals. The film was produced during Hollywood's own technological revolution, as the industry was transitioning from silent films to sound. Warner Bros., in particular, was betting heavily on their Vitaphone system, which would prove prescient with the success of 'The Jazz Singer' later that same year. The film reflected the real generational conflicts occurring across America as younger generations embraced modern technology while older generations clung to traditional ways of life.

Making Of

The production of 'The First Auto' was a significant undertaking for Warner Bros. as they were investing heavily in their Vitaphone sound-on-disc technology. The studio brought in actual vintage automobiles and consulted with automotive historians to ensure historical accuracy. Barney Oldfield's involvement was crucial not just for his star power but for his technical knowledge of early automobiles. The racing sequences required careful choreography and safety measures, as the vintage cars were both valuable and potentially dangerous to operate. The film was shot during a transitional period in Hollywood, with many crew members still learning to work with sound equipment while maintaining the visual storytelling techniques of the silent era.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Devereaux Jennings captured the contrast between the old and new eras, using traditional framing for the horse-drawn carriage scenes and more dynamic camera movement for the automobile sequences. The racing scenes employed innovative tracking shots and multiple camera angles to convey the speed and excitement of early automobile racing. Jennings made effective use of natural light in outdoor scenes and created a warm, nostalgic visual style that suited the film's historical setting.

Innovations

As an early Vitaphone production, 'The First Auto' represented a significant technical achievement in synchronized sound. The film successfully coordinated a full musical score and sound effects with the visual action, requiring precise timing during both filming and projection. The production team solved the challenge of recording authentic early automobile sounds, which were difficult to reproduce in the studio. The racing sequences demonstrated advanced techniques for capturing high-speed action on film, using multiple cameras and careful planning to ensure both safety and visual excitement.

Music

The film featured a synchronized musical score and sound effects using Warner Bros.' Vitaphone system. The score was composed by Louis Silvers, who created music that reflected the transition from the 19th to the 20th century, incorporating both traditional melodies and more modern, rhythmic pieces for the automobile sequences. Sound effects included horse hooves, carriage wheels, engine noises, and the distinctive sounds of early automobiles starting and running, all synchronized to the on-screen action.

Memorable Scenes

• The climactic race between the horse-drawn carriage and the newly built automobile, representing the symbolic transition between eras; The tender father-son moment where they reconcile their differences; The sequence showing the step-by-step construction of the first automobile, with Barney Oldfield providing technical guidance; The chaotic town square scene where automobiles first arrive, causing confusion and excitement among the townspeople.

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews were generally positive, with critics praising the film's nostalgic look at the dawn of the automobile age and the authentic racing sequences. The New York Times noted the film's 'charming simplicity' and praised Barney Oldfield's natural performance. Modern critics view the film as a competent but minor work of the late silent era, valuable primarily for its historical documentation of early automobiles and its place in Warner Bros.' early sound experiments. The film is often cited in discussions about Hollywood's portrayal of technological progress and generational conflict.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1927 responded positively to the film's nostalgic appeal and exciting racing sequences. The timing was perfect as many viewers had personal memories of or family stories about the transition from horses to automobiles. Barney Oldfield's presence as himself added to the film's appeal for audiences familiar with his racing fame. The film performed modestly at the box office, benefiting from the public's fascination with both automobiles and the new sound technology being introduced in theaters.

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