The Oubliette
Plot
Francois Villon, a wandering poet and philosopher, travels with his companion Colin toward Paris after leaving their vagabond camp. Their journey takes a compassionate turn when Villon witnesses an elderly couple being evicted from their humble home; moved by their plight, he empties both his own and Colin's purses to pay the Beadle and prevent the eviction. Continuing their journey, the pair succumbs to hunger and resorts to stealing from two corpulent monks, a crime that leads to their immediate arrest and imprisonment. The film explores themes of poverty, compassion, and justice in medieval Paris, showcasing Villon's complex character as both a thief and a man of conscience.
About the Production
This was one of the early productions at Universal City when the studio was still establishing itself as a major player in the film industry. The film was shot quickly on a modest budget, typical of Universal's short film productions of the era. The medieval setting was created using Universal's backlot facilities, with minimal but effective set design to evoke 15th century Paris. The production team utilized natural lighting and practical effects that were standard for the period.
Historical Background
1914 was a pivotal year in world history and cinema. The film industry was rapidly evolving from novelty to art form, with feature-length films beginning to emerge alongside the more common short films. Universal Film Manufacturing Company, founded just three years earlier in 1912, was competing with established studios like Biograph and Edison. The year 1914 also saw the outbreak of World War I in Europe, which would dramatically impact international film production and distribution. In America, the film industry was increasingly centered in California, with Hollywood emerging as the capital of cinema. This period also saw the rise of the star system, though actors were still often uncredited. The technical aspects of filmmaking were advancing, with longer takes, more sophisticated camera movements, and improved editing techniques becoming more common.
Why This Film Matters
As one of Lon Chaney's earliest surviving works, 'The Oubliette' provides invaluable insight into the development of one of cinema's first great character actors. The film represents the transition from the simpler, more theatrical style of early cinema to the more nuanced performances that would define the golden age of silent film. Its survival is particularly significant given the massive loss of early American cinema - an estimated 90% of films from this period are lost forever. The film's focus on historical French subjects reflects the early 20th century's fascination with European history and literature, a trend that would continue throughout the silent era. Its preservation allows modern audiences to witness the early techniques of visual storytelling and the evolution of film acting styles.
Making Of
The production of 'The Oubliette' took place during Universal's formative years when Carl Laemmle was building his studio empire. Charles Giblyn, the director, was known for his efficiency and ability to complete productions quickly and economically. The cast worked long days typical of the era, often filming multiple scenes in a single day. Murdock MacQuarrie brought his extensive stage experience to the lead role, while Lon Chaney, still early in his career, was developing the character acting techniques that would later make him famous. The film's medieval setting was achieved through costumes and minimal set pieces, as location shooting was rare and expensive. The production team relied on natural light from outdoor stages or diffused window light for interior scenes, creating the characteristic soft look of early cinema.
Visual Style
The cinematography of 'The Oubliette' reflects the technical limitations and aesthetic preferences of 1914. The film was likely shot on a stationary camera with minimal movement, as mobile camera shots were still experimental and expensive. Natural lighting was used extensively, with scenes filmed outdoors or near large windows to achieve adequate exposure. The visual style emphasizes clarity and composition over artistic flourish, typical of the period's functional approach to cinematography. The film's visual narrative relies on medium shots and long shots, with close-ups used sparingly for emotional emphasis. The black and white photography exhibits the high contrast characteristic of early film stock, with deep shadows and bright highlights that enhance the dramatic atmosphere.
Innovations
While 'The Oubliette' does not feature groundbreaking technical innovations, it represents the standard technical capabilities of American cinema in 1914. The film demonstrates the established practices of continuity editing, though the techniques were still evolving. The production likely used the standard 35mm film format with approximately 16 frames per second projection speed. The lighting setup would have relied primarily on natural light supplemented by arc lights when necessary. The film's survival and preservation represent a technical achievement in itself, as maintaining nitrate film stock from this period requires specialized knowledge and facilities. The restoration work that may have been done on surviving copies would involve modern digital techniques while preserving the original film's historical integrity.
Music
As a silent film, 'The Oubliette' originally would have been accompanied by live musical performance in theaters. The specific musical score is not documented, but typical accompaniment for a dramatic short of this period would include a pianist or small ensemble performing classical pieces, popular songs, and improvised music that matched the on-screen action. The music would have emphasized the emotional beats - tender melodies for scenes of compassion, tense music for the theft sequence, and dramatic chords for the imprisonment. Modern screenings of the film typically feature newly composed scores or period-appropriate classical music to recreate the authentic silent film experience.
Famous Quotes
The poet's heart is often heavier than his purse
In Paris, even angels must pay rent
A man may steal bread, but he cannot steal his conscience
Memorable Scenes
- The eviction scene where Villon gives away his last money to help the elderly couple, demonstrating his moral complexity as a thief with a conscience
- The tense moment when Villon and Colin decide to steal from the monks, driven by hunger despite knowing the risks
- The final imprisonment sequence in the oubliette, emphasizing the harsh consequences of their actions
Did You Know?
- This film is one of only a handful of Lon Chaney's early works from 1914 that survive today, making it extremely valuable to film historians.
- The title 'Oubliette' refers to a type of dungeon with access only through a trapdoor in the ceiling, reflecting the prison themes in the film.
- Murdock MacQuarrie, who plays Francois Villon, was a respected stage actor who transitioned to films and became a regular in Universal productions.
- The film was released just months before World War I began, capturing a final moment of pre-war cinema innocence.
- Director Charles Giblyn was a prolific director in the 1910s who directed over 100 films during his career.
- The character of Francois Villon was based on the real 15th-century French poet who was indeed known for his criminal activities.
- This film was part of Universal's 'Universal Juniors' series of short dramatic films.
- The film's survival is remarkable given that an estimated 90% of American silent films have been lost.
- Lon Chaney appears in a supporting role, two years before his breakthrough performance in 'The Miracle Man' (1919).
- The film was shot on 35mm film at a frame rate of approximately 16 frames per second, standard for the era.
What Critics Said
Contemporary reviews of 'The Oubliette' are scarce, as film criticism was still in its infancy in 1914. Trade publications like Moving Picture World and The New York Dramatic Mirror typically provided brief summaries rather than detailed critiques. Modern film historians and silent film enthusiasts regard the film as an important artifact for understanding Lon Chaney's early career and the development of American cinema. The film is often cited in academic discussions about the survival rate of early films and the importance of film preservation efforts. Critics today appreciate the film's historical value more than its artistic merits, though it's recognized as a competent example of the short dramatic films produced by Universal during this period.
What Audiences Thought
Audience reception in 1914 is difficult to document precisely, as systematic audience research was not conducted. However, the film's subject matter - a historical drama with elements of crime and redemption - was popular with early cinema audiences. The presence of recognizable actors like Murdock MacQuarrie likely helped attract viewers. Modern audiences, primarily silent film enthusiasts and scholars, view the film primarily for its historical significance, especially as an early example of Lon Chaney's work. The film is occasionally screened at silent film festivals and archives, where it's appreciated as a rare surviving example of early American cinema.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- Literary works about Francois Villon
- Victorian melodrama
- Stage plays of the early 20th century
- Contemporary social reform movements
This Film Influenced
- Later films about Francois Villon
- Universal's historical shorts of the 1910s
- Lon Chaney's later character-driven roles
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Film Restoration
The film survives in archives, making it one of the rare examples of Lon Chaney's 1914 work that has not been lost. It is preserved in film archives, though the quality may vary depending on the source material. The survival of this film is particularly significant given the estimated 90% loss rate of American silent films from this period. The film exists as a valuable historical artifact for studying early cinema and Chaney's career development.