Movie spotlight
A romantic couple are transformed into skeletons via X-Rays. The film combines two very recent innovations: Wilhelm Roentgen's discovery of X-rays in 1895, and Georges Méliès' accidental realisation of the special-effects potential of the jump-cut in 1896.
A mischievous figure, the 'X-Ray Fiend', uses a magical amulet to see through people's clothes, causing a comedic disturbance. He parades around town, exposing the hidden attire of various townsfolk, leading to a playful chase and the eventual return of his confiscated amulet. The film is a silent short, relying on visual gags and the novelty of its premise.
As one of the earliest examples of stop-motion animation and special effects in film, 'The X-Ray Fiend' was a novelty and a technical achievement for its time. While not subjected to modern critical analysis, its innovation in cinematic trickery was likely met with wonder and amusement by early audiences.
A pioneering work in early cinema, showcasing early special effects.
Remarkable for its time, demonstrating creative use of stop-motion animation.
A lighthearted and amusing short film, notable for its imaginative premise.
Google audience: Due to the film's age, specific Google user reviews are not available. However, its historical significance as an early example of cinematic trickery and stop-motion animation is widely recognized.
Arthur Melbourne-Cooper, the director and likely star, was a pioneer in stop-motion animation, creating many groundbreaking films for the early British film industry.
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The X-Rays (aka. The X-Ray Fiend) is another film from George Albert Smith. Smith directed The Haunted Castle, a remake of a George Melies film, earlier that year. The X-Rays shows us a young woman that gets confronted by an adoring older ...