The Evolution of the Movie Sequel: From Early Pioneers to Modern Works

When discussing the history of movie sequels, two seminal works often come to mind: The Fall of a Nation and The Son of the Sheik. While the origins of storytelling in film can be traced back to even earlier efforts, let's explore how these breathtaking films emerged as true sequels and their significance in the industry.

The Pioneering Era: Monkeyshines (1889)

Let's travel back to 1889, a year marked by innovation and rapid technological advancement. William Kennedy Dickerson and William Heise, in collaboration with Thomas Edison, created a series of short films collectively known as the monkeyshines. These early experiments were pivotal in testing the capabilities of the kinetoscope, a precursor to modern-day film cameras. Initially, these films were simple records of their movements, aimed at testing whether the camera could capture and playback motion accurately.

However, these early efforts set the stage for the evolution of film as an art form. The monkeyshines volume 2, followed closely by volume 3, marked the first time that motion pictures could be captured and played back, giving the illusion of motion. Though not considered classic cinema, these early works were significant in paving the way for future filmmakers.

First Ever Movie Sequel: The Fall of a Nation (1916)

While the monkeyshines were short episodes without a narrative thread, The Fall of a Nation, released in 1916, marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the movie sequel. Directed by Thomas Dixon Jr., The Fall of a Nation was the first film to follow and expand upon an earlier work, Birth of a Nation, released in 1915. Both films were controversial and sparked intense debate, particularly concerning their depictions of African Americans and the Ku Klux Klan. Despite the controversy, The Fall of a Nation played a crucial role in establishing the concept of a sequel in the film industry.

Some argue that The Son of the Sheik (1926), a film based on a sequel to The Sheik by Edith Maude Hull, was the first true sequel. This film, directed by George Fitzmaurice and starring Rudolph Valentino, not only continued the story but also followed the plot and characters of the original work. Although The Son of the Sheik was released five years after The Fall of a Nation, its content and narrative structure made it a more accurate representation of a sequel.

Early Short Film Sequels

It's important to note that short film series also played a significant role in the early years of filmmaking. In the early 1900s, a Danish series based on Sherlock Holmes, released from 1908 to 1910, predates both The Fall of a Nation and Birth of a Nation. This Danish series, while not as well-known as the American works, demonstrates the widespread desire for continued storytelling through the medium of film even in its infancy.

Conclusion

The journey of the movie sequel from its early beginnings with the monkeyshines to the classic The Son of the Sheik is a testament to the enduring appeal of storytelling in film. While The Fall of a Nation and the Danish Sherlock Holmes series are often cited as the first true sequels, the evolution of the concept has been shaped by countless films that have followed and expanded upon stories before them. As the film industry continues to innovate and evolve, the legacy of these early pioneers remains an integral part of its history.

If you're interested in exploring these early films, monkeyshines volume 1 and 2 are available on YouTube, offering a unique glimpse into the early days of cinema. Though not considered high art, these short episodes provide a fascinating look into the beginnings of a rich tradition that continues to thrive today.