Back around the turn of the 20th century, sometimes filmmakers didn't have access to great events of the day...so some of the time they simply faked it! For example, when the assassin who killed President McKinley was executed, the Edison Company faked it...convincing the audiences that they were seeing an actual electrocution! But it was all staged and when seen today, it sure looks it. Well, I couldn't help but think of this as I watched Méliès' "The Coronation of Edward VII"....a lavish (for its time) production in which you seem to see the king of Great Britain being crowned. But it was all made in a very elaborate set...far more elaborate and realistic than you'd expect....even from master filmmaker George Méliès. Apparently, this is because the Brits paid him handsomely for such a film to be shown to audiences following the actual ceremony. Now it is possible that the filmmakers never intended to deceive anyone and folks were told it was a re-creation...though based on other similar sorts of films, I doubt it.
As far as quality goes, while still a bit stagy, this one is truly amazing for the time. One of Méliès' best, though not nearly as much fun nor as interesting as his film "The Voyage to the Moon" or a few of his other goodies.
By the way, I have no idea if it's true but according to Tornado_Sam, this film was NOT intended to fool and explained on the poster that it was a recreation by the director.
As far as quality goes, while still a bit stagy, this one is truly amazing for the time. One of Méliès' best, though not nearly as much fun nor as interesting as his film "The Voyage to the Moon" or a few of his other goodies.
By the way, I have no idea if it's true but according to Tornado_Sam, this film was NOT intended to fool and explained on the poster that it was a recreation by the director.