Synopsis
Static views of the California missions, many in disrepair, and the Pueblo Church in Los Angeles on a busy corner with cars and a streetcar passing.
Synopsis, reviewed
Details
- Running time
- 16 minutes
- Collection
- Prelinger Archives
Reviews on the Internet Archive
★★★★★ · A documentary from 1907 · Godgifu · 2024-02-25
As of this writing, the Archive's data on this film is incorrect -- it's not 1920s, but from 1907. It's significant for being the first known motion picture to use matte paintings. As for the movie's entertainment value, it's kind of like looking at a slide-show. People used to pay to go see those -- this was probably a treat at the time, with its enhanced *live footage!* Something funny to notice is that most of the Missions are in better condition now, in the 21st century, than they were 120 years ago. I suppose historic preservation has done its job.
★★ · They could have just listed them, and it would have been just as exciting. · Spuzz · 2019-04-17
In this film, Missions in California are mentioned, we see them, and then we go on to the next one. And then it repeats. Sort of monotonous, some history, but not that detailed at all.