The world’s first feature-length film, The Story of the Kelly Gang, was made in Melbourne, Australia, and premiered on December 26, 1906, at the Athenaeum Hall. This pioneering work marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and paving the way for the global film industry we know today.
The Land Down Under: Home to a Cinematic First
While the earliest cinematic experiments took place in Europe and America, it was Australia that birthed the first film to break the barrier of what was then considered “feature-length.” Before The Story of the Kelly Gang, films were typically short, often lasting only a few minutes. This groundbreaking production, estimated to run for around 60-70 minutes in its original form, ushered in a new era of cinematic narratives.
The film, directed by Charles Tait, follows the life and exploits of the infamous Australian bushranger, Ned Kelly. Its production was ambitious for the time, involving a large cast and crew, extensive location shooting, and innovative (for the era) filmmaking techniques. Though much of the original film is now lost, its impact on the development of cinema remains undeniable.
Understanding Feature-Length: A Definition in Context
It’s important to understand what constituted a “feature-length” film in the early 20th century. There wasn’t a universally accepted definition, but generally, a film needed to run for at least four reels of film (roughly an hour) to be considered a feature. The Story of the Kelly Gang comfortably met this criterion, solidifying its claim to the title. This definition differentiates it from earlier, shorter narrative films that, while important in their own right, did not achieve the extended runtime of a feature.
Factors Contributing to Australia’s Early Lead
Several factors contributed to Australia’s early prominence in feature film production. The country possessed a strong storytelling tradition, a relatively stable economy, and a burgeoning entertainment industry. Furthermore, the Tait brothers, the driving force behind The Story of the Kelly Gang, possessed the vision, resources, and entrepreneurial spirit to undertake such an ambitious project.
Legacy and Impact: The Ripple Effect of a Bushranger’s Tale
The Story of the Kelly Gang was a massive success in Australia and overseas. Its popularity demonstrated the public’s appetite for longer, more elaborate cinematic narratives. The film’s success inspired other filmmakers to push the boundaries of storytelling and invest in larger-scale productions. It helped to establish Australia as a significant player in the early film industry, albeit one whose later development faced considerable challenges from the increasingly dominant American and European studios.
The Lost History: Recovering Fragments of a Masterpiece
Sadly, only fragments of the original Story of the Kelly Gang survive today. This is a common fate for many early films, as the nitrate film stock used at the time was highly flammable and prone to decomposition. Despite these losses, diligent archival work has allowed researchers to piece together a partial understanding of the film’s content and its historical significance. The surviving fragments are precious artifacts, offering glimpses into the dawn of feature filmmaking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about The Story of the Kelly Gang and the history of feature-length film:
FAQ 1: What exactly made The Story of the Kelly Gang “feature-length”?
It met the prevailing standard of the time, consisting of approximately 60-70 minutes of screen time across multiple reels of film. This duration was significantly longer than the short films that were the norm at the time.
FAQ 2: Who were the Tait brothers, and what was their role?
The Tait brothers were a family of entrepreneurs who ran a successful entertainment business in Australia. They financed and produced The Story of the Kelly Gang, with Charles Tait serving as the director.
FAQ 3: Why is so much of the film lost?
The film was made using nitrate film stock, which is highly flammable and chemically unstable. Over time, the film decomposed, and fires destroyed many early films.
FAQ 4: What is Ned Kelly’s historical significance?
Ned Kelly was a notorious Australian bushranger who became a symbol of rebellion and defiance against authority. His story has been the subject of numerous books, films, and plays. He is considered by some to be a folk hero, while others view him as a criminal.
FAQ 5: What are some other early contenders for “first feature-length film”?
While The Story of the Kelly Gang is widely recognized, some argue for films like the French L’Enfant Prodigue (1907) as contenders. However, The Story of the Kelly Gang premiered earlier, establishing its claim. The key distinction lies in demonstrable proof of meeting the feature length threshold before other films.
FAQ 6: How successful was The Story of the Kelly Gang commercially?
The film was a major commercial success in Australia and overseas. It attracted large audiences and generated considerable revenue for the Tait brothers.
FAQ 7: What filming techniques were used in The Story of the Kelly Gang?
The film employed a range of techniques that were innovative for the time, including location shooting, stunts, and special effects (though rudimentary by today’s standards).
FAQ 8: What impact did the film have on the Australian film industry?
It helped to establish Australia as a significant player in the early film industry and inspired other filmmakers to create longer and more ambitious productions. However, this early momentum was later overshadowed by the rise of Hollywood.
FAQ 9: Where can I see parts of The Story of the Kelly Gang today?
Surviving fragments of the film are preserved in various archives, including the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA). These fragments are sometimes screened at film festivals or made available online.
FAQ 10: How has the film influenced later depictions of Ned Kelly?
The Story of the Kelly Gang established a visual template for later depictions of Ned Kelly. Many subsequent films and television shows have drawn inspiration from its imagery and narrative.
FAQ 11: What were the challenges of making a feature film in 1906?
The challenges were numerous, including the lack of sophisticated equipment, the difficulty of working with nitrate film stock, and the logistical complexities of managing a large cast and crew. Finance was also a huge obstacle.
FAQ 12: What does the legacy of The Story of the Kelly Gang tell us about the early history of cinema?
It highlights the global nature of early cinema and demonstrates that innovative filmmaking was not limited to Europe and America. It also reminds us of the importance of preserving our cinematic heritage, as many early films have been lost to time. The film stands as a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of early filmmakers who dared to push the boundaries of the medium.