Onesime, Clockmaker
Onesime, Clockmaker

Onesime, Clockmaker

1912Movie8 minFrench

In an effort to secure a promised inheritance, Onésime invents a time machine that speeds up activity on earth, hyper-animates men and machines, and telescopes the human life-cycle.

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Insights

Director: Jean DurandGenres: Comedy, Short

Plot Summary

Onésime, a character known for his mechanical ingenuity and often clumsy attempts at problem-solving, finds himself in a predicament involving clocks. His characteristic blend of ambition and misfortune leads to a series of humorous events as he navigates the complexities of timekeeping and clock repair.

Critical Reception

As a very early silent short film, "Onésime, Clockmaker" is primarily appreciated for its historical significance in the development of comedic cinema and animation. While specific critical reviews from its release are scarce, it is recognized as part of a popular series that showcased innovative visual gags and the evolving language of film comedy.

What Reviewers Say

  • A foundational example of early French silent comedy.
  • Showcases the physical humor and visual inventiveness of its era.
  • Historically significant for its place in the "Onésime" series and early cinema.

Google audience: Audience reception for such an early film is difficult to gauge through modern metrics. However, contemporary audiences likely appreciated the visual humor and novelty of the short.

Fun Fact

The character Onésime, portrayed by Jean Durand himself in many of his films, was a popular comedic figure in early French cinema, often depicted as a well-meaning but accident-prone inventor or adventurer.

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