75 years before the iconic T-Rex scene in “Jurassic Park” the king of dinos made its first appearance on screen.
“The Ghost of Slumber Mountain” is known as a defining film for special effects, being the first to show live actors and stop-motion creatures on screen at the same time.
Released November 17, 1918, the picture was written and directed by Willis O’Brien. O’Brien was a special effects pioneer who would go on to renowned success with “The Lost World” and “King Kong” and both have heavy influences here. What’s left of the film runs just shy of 20 minutes. The plot is quite brilliant, and obviously far ahead of its time.
Dinosaurs are always fun
Jack Holmes (Herbert M. Dawley) is a writer and adventurer who narrates for his young nephews (Alan Day and Chauncey Day). Whilst exploring Slumber Mountain, Holmes finds a telescope that allows him to see into the past – specifically dinosaurs. What begins like something from ‘Nick at Nite ends with Holmes narrowly avoiding being the victim of a tyrannosaurus.
I love historic shit. It’s quite surreal to view a project like this, and impossible to put myself into the mind of its original audience. Its almost 106 years old. World War I has just ended. I wonder how they reacted to the dinosaurs, which managed to look decent considering this isn’t “Jurassic Park” technology.
A true indie
“The Ghost of Slumber Mountain” has an indie feel to it. I suppose everything back then was independent. Still in the silent era, tawdry placards indicate the dialogue. And of course, horrid circus music that doesn’t match the atmosphere at all pops throughout.
If you enjoy historic cinema, “The Ghost of Slumber Mountain” is a quick and easy watch. Check it out for free and compare it to your favorite modern dinosaur movies.
“The Ghost of Slumber Mountain” can be watched on YouTube.
