The Policemen's Little Run

Plot

In this early French comedy short, a diligent policeman spots a crafty dog snatching a piece of meat from a butcher's shop and immediately gives chase through the streets. As the pursuit continues, the policeman is soon joined by several of his colleagues, creating an increasingly chaotic chase scene through the urban landscape. The dog, proving surprisingly agile and clever, leads the growing group of law enforcement officers on an increasingly frantic and comical pursuit. The chase culminates in an unexpected twist when the dog leads all the policemen to an amusing destination, subverting audience expectations of a typical capture scenario. The film plays with themes of authority versus cleverness, using the simple premise to create physical comedy and visual gags characteristic of early chase films.

Historical Background

1907 was a pivotal year in early cinema, marking the transition from simple actualities and trick films to more complex narrative storytelling. The film industry was rapidly professionalizing, with companies like Pathé establishing global distribution networks and standardized production methods. In France, cinema was emerging as a legitimate art form and entertainment medium, moving away from fairground attractions toward dedicated theaters. This period saw the development of film grammar and techniques that would become standard in narrative cinema. The chase comedy genre was particularly popular as it required minimal dialogue and could be understood by international audiences, making it ideal for Pathé's global distribution strategy. The film also reflects the urbanization of early 20th century Europe, with its street-level perspective of modern city life.

Making Of

Ferdinand Zecca, who served as both director and production chief at Pathé, oversaw the creation of hundreds of similar short comedies during this period. The film was likely shot quickly on Pathé's studio backlot or on the streets of Paris, taking advantage of natural lighting and real urban settings. The dog performer would have been trained using food rewards and repetition, a technique pioneered by early animal trainers in film. The multiple policemen were probably played by the same group of actors who appeared in many Pathé comedies, creating a sense of familiarity for regular cinema-goers. The film's simple premise allowed for improvisation and physical comedy, with the actors encouraged to exaggerate their movements and reactions for maximum comic effect. The chase sequence required careful choreography to ensure the dog and multiple actors could move through the space safely while maintaining the illusion of frantic pursuit.

Visual Style

The film was likely shot using a stationary camera with occasional panning to follow the action, typical of early cinema techniques. The cinematography emphasized clarity of action and movement, with the camera positioned to capture the full scope of the chase sequence. Early Pathé films often featured bright, high-contrast lighting to ensure visibility in various exhibition conditions. The visual composition was straightforward, focusing on the central action without complex camera movements or angles. The film may have utilized some of Pathé's innovative techniques for creating dynamic movement within a static frame, such as having actors move toward and away from the camera to create depth. If the film was hand-colored, this would have added visual interest and helped highlight key elements of the action.

Innovations

While not technically groundbreaking, this film demonstrated the growing sophistication of narrative filmmaking in 1907. The coordination of multiple actors and an animal performer in a chase sequence represented an advancement in film choreography and planning. The film likely utilized Pathé's improved film stock and camera equipment, which allowed for greater clarity and stability in moving shots. The editing, while simple, would have required careful timing to maintain the pace and humor of the chase sequence. If the film incorporated any special effects, such as jump cuts or speed changes, these would have been created in-camera or through laboratory techniques that were still being developed at the time. The film's successful execution of a complex chase scene with multiple participants showed the growing capabilities of early film production.

Music

As a silent film from 1907, 'The Policemen's Little Run' would have been accompanied by live music during exhibition. The musical accompaniment would typically have been provided by a pianist or small ensemble in the theater, playing popular tunes of the era or improvising music to match the on-screen action. The chase sequences would have been accompanied by increasingly frantic music, often using familiar classical pieces or popular songs that audiences would recognize. The musical selections were typically chosen by the theater's musical director rather than being specified by the filmmakers. The absence of synchronized sound meant that the visual comedy had to work independently of any specific musical cues, though exhibitors would carefully match the mood and tempo of the music to enhance the film's comedic effect.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening scene where the dog cleverly snatches the meat from the butcher shop while the policeman watches in disbelief
• The escalating chase sequence as more and more policemen join the pursuit, creating a growing crowd of law enforcement
• The final reveal where the dog leads all the policemen to an unexpected destination, subverting the expected outcome

What Critics Said

Contemporary reception of early short films like this one was primarily documented through trade publications and exhibition reports. The film was likely well-received by audiences of the time, as chase comedies were among the most popular genres in early cinema. Critics of the period, when they wrote about such films, often praised their technical execution and entertainment value rather than artistic merit. Modern film historians and scholars view this film as an important example of early narrative development and the evolution of cinematic comedy techniques. The film is studied today as representative of Pathé's production methods and the popular tastes of early cinema audiences. While not considered a masterpiece of early cinema, it is valued for its historical significance and its role in the development of film comedy.

What Audiences Thought

Early cinema audiences in 1907 would have found this film highly entertaining, as chase sequences and animal humor were among the most popular attractions of the period. The film's universal visual language made it accessible to diverse audiences across different countries and social classes. Contemporary exhibition records suggest that chase comedies like this one were often featured as part of mixed programs that included newsreels, actualities, and other short films. The film's brevity and simple premise made it ideal for the short attention spans of early cinema audiences who were still adapting to the new medium of film. The comedic elements, particularly the sight of multiple policemen being outwitted by a small dog, would have provided the kind of immediate, visual humor that early cinema audiences craved.

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