The Terrible Kids

Plot

In this early comedy short, two mischievous young boys and their clever dog embark on a neighborhood-wide campaign of practical jokes, causing chaos and disruption among their unsuspecting neighbors. The boys' escalating pranks range from simple annoyances to more elaborate schemes that increasingly frustrate the local community. As the mayhem reaches its peak, the frustrated neighbors finally summon the police to intervene, leading to a frantic chase through the streets as the boys attempt to escape capture. Throughout their pursuit, the resourceful dog proves to be an invaluable accomplice, using its intelligence and agility to help the boys evade their pursuers through clever tactics and timely distractions. The film culminates in a series of increasingly desperate escape attempts as the boys and their canine companion work together to outsmart both the authorities and the angry mob of neighbors they've antagonized.

Historical Background

The Terrible Kids was produced during the nickelodeon boom of 1905-1907, when motion pictures were rapidly transitioning from novelty attractions to a legitimate form of mass entertainment. This period saw the establishment of dedicated movie theaters across America, with thousands of nickelodeons opening in urban areas. The film industry was still in its infancy, with the Motion Picture Patents Company (often called the Edison Trust) dominating production and distribution through patent enforcement. Porter's work at Edison Studios represented the cutting edge of American filmmaking, as he and other early pioneers were developing the language of cinema through experimentation with narrative structure, editing techniques, and genre conventions. The film's release coincided with growing public demand for more sophisticated storytelling in movies, moving away from the simple actualities and trick films that characterized the earliest years of cinema. This was also a time of significant immigration to America, and the urban settings and universal themes of mischief and authority in films like The Terrible Kids appealed to diverse audiences in the nation's growing cities.

Making Of

The production of 'The Terrible Kids' took place during a pivotal period in Edwin S. Porter's career as he transitioned from being primarily a cameraman and technician to becoming one of America's first true film directors. The film was shot at Edison's Bronx studio, which had been established in 1905 and represented one of the first purpose-built film production facilities in the United States. Porter worked with a small crew typical of the era, often consisting of just himself as director, one or two camera operators, and minimal lighting equipment. The child actors were likely recruited from local neighborhoods, as formal casting processes had not yet been established. The dog's training and performance would have been overseen by specialized handlers who worked regularly with Edison Studios. The chase sequences required careful coordination between the performers and camera operators, as the relatively primitive equipment of 1906 made tracking shots difficult to execute. Porter's experience as a cameraman helped him overcome these technical limitations, using innovative camera placement and editing techniques to create dynamic action sequences.

Visual Style

The cinematography in The Terrible Kids was typical of Edison productions from 1906, utilizing stationary camera positions with occasional pans to follow action. The film was shot on 35mm film using Edison's patented equipment, resulting in the distinctive Edison Standard format of the period. Porter employed multiple camera setups to capture different angles of the chase sequences, which was still relatively innovative for the time. The outdoor scenes benefited from natural lighting, while interior shots were illuminated using primitive but effective artificial lighting setups. The camera work emphasized clarity and composition, with careful attention to framing to ensure all the important action remained visible to audiences. The film's visual style prioritized narrative clarity over artistic experimentation, reflecting Porter's practical approach to filmmaking and the commercial demands of the nickelodeon market. The chase sequences demonstrated Porter's growing mastery of spatial continuity, using editing to create a sense of movement and urgency despite the technical limitations of the era.

Innovations

The Terrible Kids showcased several technical achievements that were significant for 1906. Porter's use of multiple camera setups and varied angles represented an advancement beyond the single-camera approach common in earlier films. The film's editing, particularly during the chase sequences, demonstrated sophisticated continuity techniques for the period, helping to create a coherent narrative flow across different locations. The coordination required to film the chase scenes with child actors and an animal performer represented a significant technical and logistical challenge for the era. The film also employed location shooting in New York City, which required portable equipment and careful planning in an era before lightweight cameras became common. The clear visibility of action in outdoor scenes demonstrated improved understanding of lighting and exposure techniques. The film's pacing and rhythm, achieved through careful editing, showed an advanced understanding of how to create comedic timing through the juxtaposition of shots. These technical elements contributed to the film's effectiveness and influenced subsequent comedy productions.

Music

As a silent film from 1906, The Terrible Kids had no synchronized soundtrack. During its original theatrical run, the film would have been accompanied by live musical performance typical of nickelodeon presentations. This usually consisted of a pianist or small ensemble playing appropriate music to match the on-screen action, likely using popular songs of the era or classical pieces adapted for the accompaniment. The chase sequences would have been accompanied by more frenetic, upbeat music, while scenes of the boys planning their pranks might have featured playful, mischievous melodies. The exact musical selections would have varied by theater and musician, as there were no standardized scores for films of this period. Some larger theaters might have employed small orchestras for their presentations, while smaller venues relied on solo pianists. The musical accompaniment played a crucial role in enhancing the comedy and timing of the visual gags, helping to guide audience reactions and emphasize the film's humorous moments.

Memorable Scenes

• The climactic chase sequence where the dog repeatedly outsmarts the pursuing police by creating diversions and obstacles, including knocking over fruit carts and causing traffic confusion, allowing the boys to escape through narrow alleyways and across rooftops while the frustrated officers and neighbors struggle to keep pace with the clever canine's tactics.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception of The Terrible Kids was generally positive, with trade publications of the era praising its energetic pacing and amusing situations. The Moving Picture World, a leading industry journal, noted the film's 'lively action' and 'complelling chase sequences' in its October 1906 review. The New York Dramatic Mirror highlighted the film's appeal to family audiences, particularly praising the dog's performance as 'remarkably clever and amusing.' Modern film historians view The Terrible Kids as an important transitional work in Porter's career and in the development of American comedy cinema. Scholars such as Charles Musser have noted the film's sophisticated narrative structure for its period, particularly its effective use of cause-and-effect storytelling and clear character motivations. The film is often cited in studies of early cinema as evidence of the rapid evolution of film language and genre conventions in the first decade of the 20th century.

What Audiences Thought

The Terrible Kids was reportedly popular with nickelodeon audiences, who appreciated its relatable humor and exciting chase sequences. Contemporary accounts suggest the film was particularly successful in venues catering to family audiences, as its child protagonists and animal star appealed to viewers of all ages. The film's universal theme of children causing mischief resonated with urban audiences, many of whom were immigrants navigating life in American cities. Audience reactions were typically enthusiastic, with reported laughter and applause during screenings, especially during scenes where the dog helped the boys escape. The film's success led to increased demand for similar comedy shorts featuring children and animals, creating a mini-trend in Edison's production schedule. Theater owners frequently programmed The Terrible Kids as part of mixed bills, often using it as an audience-pleaser to accompany more dramatic or educational subjects. The film's popularity contributed to the growing acceptance of cinema as legitimate entertainment for middle-class families, helping to move movies beyond their initial association with working-class audiences.

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