Published: October 19, 2024
The Cigar Box (1907) Colorized: Segundo de Chomón’s Ingenious Film Trick of Conjuring Dancers from Smoke and Tobacco
The Illusion of 'La boîte à cigares'
In the vibrant landscape of "early cinema" illusion, "The Cigar Box (1907)"—known in its original French as 'La boîte à cigares'—stands out as a delightful testament to the ingenuity of its director, "Segundo de Chomón". This captivating "short film", produced by the dominant European studio "Pathé Frères", runs just over four minutes and features a seemingly impossible feat: a magician who conjures human beings from a giant, cylinder-shaped "cigar box". The trick escalates when the magician lights five cigars from the box, which then magically transform into an array of energetic "dancing girls".
This restored and "colorized version" of the "public domain film" offers a spectacular glimpse into the elaborate stage theatrics that captivated audiences in the early 20th century. By applying modern "AI colorization" and "video restoration" techniques, the visual quality is dramatically improved, allowing viewers to appreciate the meticulous staging, the bold set design, and the seamless nature of de Chomón’s special effects—elements that were central to the film's initial success as a theatrical curiosity.
Segundo de Chomón's Legacy of Film Trickery
"Segundo de Chomón" was a central figure in the competition among early film studios to produce the most spectacular and technically advanced trick films. Working primarily for "Pathé Frères", he was a master of visual deception, utilizing methods like the "stop-trick" (substitution splice), multiple exposures, and inventive camera setups to achieve his fantastical results. While his contemporary, George Méliès, often used painted backdrops, de Chomón frequently focused on complex mechanical illusions and props, as demonstrated by the colossal, functional "cigar box" at the center of this film.
In "The Cigar Box", de Chomón’s technical virtuosity is on full display. The introduction of the magician from the cylindrical box is an initial surprise, setting the stage for the primary illusion. However, the transformation of the lit cigars—symbols of luxury and vice—into live performers is the film's most memorable effect. This clever transformation is a subtle commentary on the ephemeral nature of both smoke and stage spectacle, showcasing de Chomón's ability to weave a narrative thread, however brief, into his technical showcases.
Analyzing the Special Effects
The primary illusion in 'La boîte à cigares' relies on a precise combination of cinematic tricks and practical stagecraft. The transformation of the cigars into dancing girls is a textbook example of the "stop-motion" or "substitution trick"—the camera is halted, the cigars are rapidly replaced with the actresses, and filming resumes. The rapid replacement, especially of five separate objects simultaneously, requires remarkable coordination and execution.
The "cigar box" itself acts as a large prop for the classic "production" effect" common in both "silent film" and stage magic, where objects or people are produced from an impossibly small container. The use of a "cylinder shape" likely facilitated a hidden compartment or a revolving mechanism, allowing the magician (who also appears to emerge from the prop) to seamlessly reveal the dancers. The original filming technique, likely involving high-contrast photography, is beautifully softened and revealed in the "colorized" version, which adds depth to the performance space and highlights the costumes of the female performers.
The Power of AI Colorization and Preservation
For a film dating back to "1907", the challenges of preservation are immense. Original prints are often degraded, scratched, and tinted inconsistently. The "AI colorization" process used by "Public Domain Colorizer" serves a dual purpose: first, it aids in the "video restoration" by stabilizing the image and removing blemishes; second, it utilizes advanced algorithms to assign natural, period-appropriate color palettes to the grayscale images. This transformation is crucial for engaging modern audiences who may find the monochromatic nature of "old movies" distant and unappealing.
Crucially, because this work is under the "CC0 Public Domain Dedication", it allows for maximum freedom in preservation efforts. The CC0 license permits anyone to distribute, remix, and build upon the material in any format, ensuring that "The Cigar Box" and the legacy of "Segundo de Chomón" are permanently protected from loss. The clear, vibrant presentation ensures that this piece of "French cinema" history remains a accessible and entertaining historical document.
Watch The Cigar Box (1907) Colorized - Full Short Film
Don't miss the ingenious stage magic and dazzling visual effects of this "Segundo de Chomón" masterpiece. Stream the complete restored and "colorized" version of "The Cigar Box (1907)", a true delight of "early illusion film".