The Wishing Ring: An Idyll of Old England

Almost all credit for inventing the language of cinema is given to the admittedly brilliant D.W. Griffith. This has led to other pioneers being over-looked. There are many Australian film-makers for instance who are rarely mentioned in film histories (did you know that the Tait brothers made the world's first feature film in 1906 "The Story of the Kelly Gang"?). Perhaps more surprisingly over-looked is Maurice Tourneur (who was not Australian!), who, in mini-masterpieces like "The Wishing Ring", displays a command of cinema language that is astonishingly advanced. This charming and beautifully filmed gem is an absolute must-see (the Grapevine Video version is very good). Editing, lighting, cinematography, and skill in story-telling are all outstanding. And it's funny too! See it!