Alice in Wonderland (1915)

Visually amazing screen version of the Lewis Carroll classic is based on the Strand Stage version then playing in New York.

Starring Viola Savoy as Alice the film is an abbreviated telling of the story however in many ways it feels the most faithful because the costumes are so close to the John Tenniel drawings.

For me the film's joys are the costumes and settings.Filmed on Long Island the film is one of the few versions that looks like its in a real place, not a fantastical place but a real one. Additionally, the costumes are mostly spectacular and makes you wonder why even the later versions never ever looked this good.

If  there is a draw back  it's simply that in order to stay close to Carroll and since the film is silent there are long sections of the film that are quotes from the stories. Its fine, but at times it feels more like an illustrated novel then a movie.

If you are a fan of the books or want to see some really cool costumes you must take the time and watch the film which can be found above.