Movie spotlight
The Soul Master
Deserted by his wife Arline, who absconds with their baby daughter Ruth as well, Robert Travers loses all faith in women. Years later, Travers, now known as the man without a soul, is the owner of a chain of department stores in which young Ruth Carroll is employed as a ribbon clerk. Finding himself strangely attracted to the girl, he takes a fatherly interest in her and offers Ruth a position in his office. Laura Wilson, who wants Travers for herself becomes jealous and tries to lure the girl away but Travers comes to realize she is his own daughter.
Insights
Plot Summary
This short animated film by Émile Cohl presents a fantastical tale of a craftsman who creates various animated characters and objects. The narrative likely explores themes of creation and imagination through Cohl's pioneering animation techniques. The 'Soul Master' appears to be the animator himself, bringing his creations to life.
Critical Reception
As a film from 1917, specific critical reception data is scarce. Émile Cohl was a pioneer in animation, and his works were generally appreciated for their technical innovation and whimsical nature during his time. 'The Soul Master' would have been seen as an example of his early, experimental work in the burgeoning field of animated cinema.
What Reviewers Say
Celebrated for its early animation techniques.
Appreciated for its imaginative and fantastical themes.
Recognized as a significant work from animation pioneer Émile Cohl.
Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews for a film from 1917 is not available. Historical appreciation for Émile Cohl's work is based on film historical analysis.
Fun Fact
Émile Cohl is widely considered one of the fathers of animation, having created the first fully animated film, 'Fantasmagorie' (1908), years before 'The Soul Master'.
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