What Happened in the Tunnel

Plot

In this early comedy short, a well-dressed woman travels aboard a train carriage where she becomes the object of unwanted attention from a male passenger who persistently attempts to flirt with her. The woman tries to maintain her composure and rebuff his advances while other passengers observe the awkward interaction. When the train enters a tunnel, plunging the carriage into complete darkness, the situation takes an unexpected turn as the woman uses the cover of darkness to her advantage. Upon emerging from the tunnel, the roles are comically reversed, with the man now appearing disheveled and embarrassed while the woman maintains her dignity. The film concludes with the other passengers reacting with amusement to the unexpected outcome.

Historical Background

This film was produced during a pivotal moment in cinema history when filmmakers were transitioning from simple actualities and trick films to more complex narrative storytelling. 1903 was the year that saw the release of both 'The Great Train Robbery' and this film, marking Edison's dominance in the American film market. The early 1900s also saw the rise of nickelodeons and the growing popularity of motion pictures as a form of mass entertainment. Socially, the film reflected the changing dynamics between men and women in public spaces as more women began traveling alone and participating in public life. The film's treatment of unwanted advances, while played for comedy, touched on real concerns women faced during this period of increasing social mobility.

Making Of

Edwin S. Porter directed this film during his most productive period at Edison, shortly after his breakthrough success with 'The Great Train Robbery.' The production was typical of Edison's factory-like approach to filmmaking - rapid, efficient, and cost-effective. The train carriage set was a standard piece of scenery that Edison maintained for multiple productions. The tunnel sequence required careful timing and coordination between the actors and the camera operator to achieve the desired comedic effect. The darkness was created either by simply turning off the studio lights or through an in-camera effect. The film was likely shot in one take with minimal rehearsal, as was common for these short subjects. Porter's experience as a cameraman and projectionist helped him understand exactly what would work visually and what would read clearly to audiences of the time.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Edwin S. Porter (who often served as his own cameraman) follows the static camera approach typical of early cinema. The camera remains fixed throughout the film, capturing the entire train carriage set in a single wide shot. This approach ensured that all the action remained visible to the audience and was necessary given the primitive nature of film equipment at the time. The lighting would have been provided by studio lamps, with the tunnel effect achieved by extinguishing these lights. The film stock was likely orthochromatic, which rendered colors differently than modern film and affected the appearance of skin tones and costumes. Despite these technical limitations, Porter demonstrates an understanding of composition and staging that makes the action clear and readable.

Innovations

While not as technically innovative as some of Porter's other works, this film demonstrates several important technical achievements for its time. The effective use of lighting changes to create the tunnel effect shows an understanding of how light could be used as a narrative tool. The film's clear staging and composition within the constraints of a single camera setup demonstrate Porter's growing mastery of cinematic storytelling. The film also represents the refinement of continuity editing principles, with the action flowing naturally from one moment to the next. The survival of the film itself is a technical achievement, as many films from this period have been lost due to the unstable nature of early film stock.

Music

As a silent film, 'What Happened in the Tunnel' had no synchronized soundtrack. During its original exhibition, it would have been accompanied by live music, typically a pianist or small ensemble in the theater. The music would have been improvised or selected from standard repertoire appropriate to the mood of each scene. For the comedic elements, performers might have chosen lively, popular tunes of the day. The tunnel sequence might have been accompanied by dramatic or mysterious music to enhance the effect. Modern presentations of the film often feature newly composed scores or carefully selected period-appropriate music to recreate the original viewing experience.

Memorable Scenes

• The moment the train enters the tunnel and the carriage is plunged into darkness, creating suspense and setting up the comedic reversal
• The final reveal when the train exits the tunnel and the characters' positions are comically reversed, with the man disheveled and the woman composed

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception is difficult to document as film criticism as we know it today did not exist in 1903. However, trade publications like The New York Clipper and The Moving Picture World occasionally mentioned Edison releases in their coverage of new subjects. The film was likely described as an amusing comedy suitable for general audiences. Modern film historians and archivists recognize it as an important example of early narrative comedy and a demonstration of Porter's developing directorial skills. It is often cited in studies of early cinema and gender representation in film.

What Audiences Thought

Audience reception in 1903 would have been gauged by exhibitor feedback and rental demand rather than box office figures. The film's comedic premise and relatable situation likely made it popular with audiences of the time. The sight gag involving the tunnel would have been particularly effective for early cinema audiences who were still discovering the possibilities of the medium. The film's short length and clear visual storytelling made it accessible to the diverse audiences that attended nickelodeons and vaudeville theaters. Modern audiences viewing the film in archival contexts often appreciate it as a fascinating glimpse into early cinematic comedy and social norms of the period.

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