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4.3/10
Archivist John
Senior Editor
A definitive 4.3/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Thanksgiving Day remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Okay, so, Thanksgiving Day from 1908. Is it worth tracking down? For history buffs or anyone who genuinely enjoys seeing how cinema started, absolutely. It's a short, silent little thing, probably made to just be a pleasant diversion, and it nails that.
If you're looking for a plot that grips you or modern pacing, you'll probably hate it. This is more like watching a home movie from a century ago. 🎞️
The film, as you might guess, centers around a family getting ready for Thanksgiving. You've got the mother bustling about, and then there's old Henry Wardell, who I swear is trying to look stressed but just ends up looking vaguely amused by the whole ordeal. He's wrestling with what must be a *very* plump turkey at one point. The way he nearly drops it? Classic physical comedy.
It’s all broad gestures, of course. No sound, so every emotion has to be painted on with a big brush. Fred Howard, as one of the younger fellows, keeps sneaking bits of food from the kitchen table. It's such a tiny detail, but it makes him feel more real than some of the other characters who are just... standing.
There's a scene around the dining table that just goes on for a bit. Everyone's miming eating, and one of the kids, probably played by Cornelius Keefe, is just staring wide-eyed at the camera. It’s not profound, but it’s a moment of pure, unforced charm. Like he forgot he was supposed to be acting.
The sets are simple, just a few pieces of furniture that feel lived-in, not staged. You can almost feel the chill of a New England autumn day through the grainy footage. It feels like someone just pointed a camera at a regular family, minus the acting part.
Walter Rodgers, I think, plays the grumpy uncle type. He sits in a chair, arms crossed, for a surprising amount of time. Then someone offers him pie, and his face just lights up. It’s a good moment, a real little human beat in all the silent movie hustle.
You can tell it's a film from a time when the rules were still being written. The camera placement is pretty static, mostly just observing. There aren't any fancy cuts or close-ups to tell you who to focus on. You just watch the whole scene unfold like a play.
Honestly, the biggest takeaway might be how much things *haven't* changed. Families still gather, there's still a bit of a scramble, and someone always eats too much pie. It’s a nice reminder, watching this dusty old film, that some traditions are truly timeless. 🥧
It’s not a masterpiece, not by a long shot. But it’s a genuine artifact, a little window into the past. Worth a look if you have ten minutes and an interest in where it all began.
IMDb 6.3
1926
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