There It Is

Plot

When a mysterious figure known as the Fuzz-Faced Phantom begins causing a series of strange disruptions at the Frisbie Home in New York, the family becomes increasingly alarmed by the supernatural occurrences. Scotland Yard is contacted about these paranormal disturbances, prompting the deployment of eccentric detective Charley MacNeesha and his loyal assistant MacGregor from England to investigate the case. The duo arrives in America to uncover the source of the mysterious phenomena, which include objects moving on their own and bizarre apparitions appearing throughout the household. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they discover that the phantom's activities are more complex than initially believed, involving a clever mixture of trickery and genuine supernatural elements. The film culminates in a revealing sequence where the true nature of the phantom is exposed through a combination of detective work and unexpected transformations that showcase Bowers' innovative animation techniques.

Historical Background

Released in 1928, 'There It Is' emerged during the final years of the silent film era, just as sound was revolutionizing cinema. This period saw filmmakers experimenting with increasingly sophisticated visual techniques to compete with the novelty of talking pictures. The late 1920s was also a time of great innovation in special effects and animation, with pioneers like Walt Disney and Max Fleischer developing new techniques. Bowers' work represented a unique alternative to the more mainstream animation styles of the era, combining surreal humor with technical wizardry. The film also reflected the 1920s fascination with spiritualism and the supernatural, which was a popular cultural phenomenon following World War I. The transatlantic setting, with detectives traveling from Scotland Yard to America, mirrored the growing cultural exchange between Europe and the United States during this period.

Making Of

Charles R. Bowers was a true innovator who essentially created his own cinematic language through the fusion of live-action and animation. For 'There It Is,' Bowers employed a complex process involving multiple exposures and carefully choreographed timing to seamlessly integrate his animated creations with the live actors. The production required Bowers to design and build many of his own props and animation devices, as the technology he needed didn't exist commercially. He worked with a small team of animators and technicians who helped bring his vision to life, often working long hours to perfect the intricate sequences. The film's distinctive visual style was achieved through a combination of stop-motion animation, puppetry, and clever editing techniques that Bowers developed himself. Many scenes required dozens of takes to get the timing right between the live-action elements and the animated effects.

Visual Style

The cinematography in 'There It Is' was groundbreaking for its time, employing innovative techniques to seamlessly blend live-action footage with animated elements. The film used multiple exposure photography to create the illusion of animated objects interacting with real actors, requiring precise timing and careful planning. The camera work often employed unusual angles and movements to enhance the surreal comedy, breaking from the more static cinematography common in many silent films. The lighting had to be carefully controlled to accommodate the different requirements of live-action and animation sequences. The film's visual style combines the gritty realism of 1920s cinematography with the fantastical elements of animation, creating a unique aesthetic that was entirely new to audiences of the time.

Innovations

Charles R. Bowers pioneered several technical innovations in 'There It Is' that were years ahead of their time. The film's seamless integration of live-action and stop-motion animation required the development of new techniques for matching lighting and perspective between different media. Bowers created custom animation rigs and devices to achieve effects that would later become standard in the industry. The film's use of multiple exposure photography to combine real actors with animated elements was particularly sophisticated for 1928. Bowers also developed innovative methods for creating the illusion of objects moving on their own, techniques that would influence special effects artists for decades. The phantom's transformations and appearances involved complex in-camera effects that demonstrated Bowers' mastery of visual trickery.

Music

As a silent film, 'There It Is' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original theatrical run. The score would typically have been provided by a theater organist or small orchestra, following the musical cues and mood suggestions provided by the studio. The music would have ranged from suspenseful themes during the phantom sequences to jaunty comedic tunes for the detective's investigation. Modern restorations and screenings of the film often feature newly composed scores by silent film accompanists who create music appropriate to the film's blend of mystery and comedy. The original musical cues and themes for the film have not survived, so contemporary accompaniments are based on the silent film tradition and the specific needs of Bowers' unique visual style.

Memorable Scenes

• The reveal of the Fuzz-Faced Phantom's true nature through Bowers' innovative animation sequence
• The detectives' arrival in New York and their first encounter with the supernatural phenomena
• The climactic scene where live-action and animation seamlessly merge to solve the mystery

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews praised 'There It Is' for its originality and technical innovation, with critics noting Bowers' unique approach to comedy and special effects. Variety magazine highlighted the film's clever combination of live-action and animation, calling it 'a refreshing departure from the ordinary comedy short.' Modern critics and film historians have rediscovered the film as an important work of early animation, with many considering Bowers ahead of his time in his technical achievements. The film is often cited in scholarly works about early animation and special effects history. Critics today appreciate the film's surreal humor and groundbreaking techniques, though some note that the pacing and comedy style may seem dated to modern audiences. The restoration and re-release of Bowers' films have led to renewed critical appreciation for his work.

What Audiences Thought

Initial audience reactions to 'There It Is' were generally positive, with viewers particularly impressed by the film's visual effects and animated sequences. The combination of mystery and comedy appealed to 1920s audiences who enjoyed genre-blending entertainment. Modern audiences who have discovered the film through screenings at film festivals and archive showings often express surprise at the sophistication of the animation techniques for the period. The film has developed a cult following among animation enthusiasts and silent film fans who appreciate Bowers' unique vision. Some contemporary viewers find the film's surreal humor and pacing challenging compared to modern entertainment, but many are fascinated by its historical significance and technical achievements.

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