The Ghost of Slumber Mountain

Plot

The story follows Jack Holmes, a writer and adventurer who entertains his two young nephews with a fantastical tale of his expedition to the mysterious Slumber Mountain. During his journey, Jack discovers the secluded cabin of a deceased hermit known as 'Mad Dick,' whose ghost appears and presents him with a magical telescope that allows the viewer to peer millions of years into the past. Through this mystical lens, Jack witnesses a prehistoric world teeming with life, including a giant bird preying on a snake and a colossal Brontosaurus. The vision culminates in a brutal, life-and-death struggle between a Triceratops and a Tyrannosaurus Rex, which ends with the predator turning its sights on Jack himself. Just as the beast breaks the 'time barrier' to pursue him into the present, Jack awakens to realize the entire harrowing experience was merely a vivid dream.

Historical Background

Released just six days after the Armistice ending World War I, 'The Ghost of Slumber Mountain' arrived at a time when audiences were seeking escapism and were fascinated by the 'Lost World' genre of literature popularized by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Jules Verne. Scientifically, the film reflected the paleontological understanding of the early 20th century, depicting dinosaurs as slow, tail-dragging swamp dwellers. It was produced during the transition of cinema from short 'attractions' to narrative feature films, and its success proved that special effects could be a primary draw for audiences.

Making Of

The production was fraught with tension between Willis O'Brien and Herbert M. Dawley. While O'Brien was the primary creative force behind the animation, Dawley provided the funding and the studio space. After the film became a massive hit, Dawley attempted to patent the stop-motion process O'Brien had developed, leading to a legal battle. O'Brien eventually left the partnership to work with Watterson Rothacker, who had been impressed by the effects in 'Slumber Mountain' and wanted to apply them to a feature-length adaptation of 'The Lost World'. The models were meticulously moved frame-by-frame, with O'Brien often working alone for hours to achieve just a few seconds of footage. The 'breathing' effect on the dinosaurs was achieved using a small football bladder inside the models that was slightly inflated and deflated between frames.

Visual Style

The cinematography is notable for its early use of split-screen techniques and double exposure to place actors in the same frame as the miniature models. Willis O'Brien also experimented with camera movement during animation, such as panning the camera while the models were being moved, which helped create a sense of scale and physical space that was unprecedented for the time.

Innovations

First use of stop-motion animation combined with live-action footage in a realistic narrative.,Innovation of 'breathing' models using internal bladders.,Early use of miniature sets with naturalistic lighting to match live-action plates.,First cinematic depiction of a Tyrannosaurus Rex.,Pioneered the use of metal armatures for stop-motion puppets to ensure stability and precise movement.

Music

As a silent film, there was no synchronized soundtrack. Original screenings would have been accompanied by a live pianist or organist. Modern restorations often feature new scores, though some viewers have noted that the 'circus-style' music found on some public domain versions clashes with the film's intended atmosphere.

Memorable Scenes

• The battle between the Tyrannosaurus Rex and the Triceratops, which remains the film's most famous sequence.
• The T-Rex licking its chops after killing its prey, a small but significant detail of character animation.
• The giant bird (Gastornis) grooming itself and eating a snake, showing O'Brien's interest in naturalistic animal behavior.
• The final chase where the T-Rex appears to break through the 'window' of the past to chase Jack in the present.

What Critics Said

At the time of its release, the film was a sensation. The New York Times praised the dinosaurs as 'remarkably lifelike,' and Variety noted that the creatures moved and ate exactly as one might imagine they did in the 'long, long ago.' Modern critics view it as a fascinating, if narratively thin, historical artifact that showcases the birth of a revolutionary technology. While the live-action segments are often criticized as amateurish, the animation remains highly respected for its fluid movement and attention to detail.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1918 were captivated by the spectacle, leading to sold-out screenings at the Strand Theater in New York. The film's profitability was immense, as it tapped into the public's growing obsession with prehistoric life. Today, it is primarily viewed by film historians and dinosaur enthusiasts who appreciate its status as the 'ancestor' of modern CGI blockbusters.

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