Herr Albert Capellani was a remarkable French film director pioneer who began his career, as did many others in those ancient times, in the world of theatre; this was a very useful background to have since silent films were often based on stage plays. But his imagination and efforts took full advantage of the possibilities of the new medium, allowing him to make some outstanding pictures (sometimes primitive but still enchanting for that very reason) in which he was obviously influenced by another genius French film director, Herr Georges Méliès.
At this point in necessary to remark and emphasize the name of another remarkable silent film pioneer, Herr Segundo de Chomón, whose special effects and trick photography work were outstanding for the time. Both Herr Capellani und Herr Chomón worked for the French company "Pathé Frères", and collaborated on "Le Pied De Mouton" ( The Sheep's Foot ) (1907), Herr Capellani as director and Herr Chomón in charge of the special effects. Such an artistic collaboration made possible a wonderful film.
"Le Pied De Mouton" is an adaptation of an old French stage play titled "The Talisman" written by Herr Alphonse Martainville und Herr César Ribié. The movie tells an enchanting fairy tale, a comic play primitive in film narrative ( indebted to theatre in artistic terms ) but brilliant in art design and technical effects. The atmosphere is hilarious, oneiric and delicious. The film tells the story of Herr Gusman and Frau Léonora, two lovers who must deal with many spells and troubles in order to preserve their love. The tale is full of princes and princesses, damsels in distress, good witches and wicked lords and is an amazing piece of work. The trick effects are captivating and every hand-coloured frame reflects the magic of those early silent days.
And now, if you'll allow me, I must temporarily take my leave because this German Count must eat one sheep's foot for lunch while saving the other three for dinner.