PORTER'S UNCLE JOSH SERIES

These three films by Porter form a sort of series of films revolving around the character of Uncle Josh, a country pumbkin, they also represent trick films.

UNCLE JOSH AND THE SPOOKY HOTEL (1900)

This has a very vaudville feel to it.  Something we will see when we look at the silent comedies of Chaplin, Keaton, and Lloyd.

UNCLE JOSH'S NIGHTMARE (1900)

Notice the similarites to Melies' film THE BLACK IMP, made a few years later.  It possibly shows the exchange of ideas or stealing of ideas.  It also shows the develpment of the trick film.  Melies' is more compliated and smoother.

UNCLE JOSH AT THE MOVING PICTURE SHOW (1902)

This film is fascinating in its fascination with the cinematic medium.  Like THOSE AWFUL HATS, the film shows the curiosity associated with the cinema by audiences and filmmakers.  Technically... masking.  Also sort of a homage to the Lumiere Brothers and their film THE ARRIVAL OF THE TRAIN AT THE STATION and the reported audience reaction of fear that the train would break through the screen.  If you like this sort of reflexivity you might want to look at Buster Keaton's SHERLOCK JR. and Woody Allen's THE PURPLE ROSE OF CARIO.