Creepy Fairy Tales.

So I'm taking a class called U.S. Film History this semester, and I gotta tell ya, it's been a lot of fun; studying about the earliest history of moving pictures has been quite the learning experience.

Thomas Edison

During a recent class, we watched an assortment of old clips from the beginning of the motion picture craze, including a very old Thomas Edison short by Edwin S. Porter called "The Teddy Bears" from 1907. That's right, 1907 (103 years ago).

It was very popular at the time as it featured decent bear costumes, an elaborate set and one of the earliest stop-motion scenes ever filmed (just like the original King Kong, just not as "good"). Now I can go into all the nuances and historical significance of the clip, but I'd like to focus on the story line which is based on Goldilocks and the Three Bears. I always thought that once baby bear found Goldilocks in his bed that she ran away scared, and the bears went about their business. In this version, the bear family chases Goldilocks forever (it seemed), until she comes along a hunter in the woods, where he promptly shoots papa and momma bear and then drags baby bear away on a chain. They go back to the Bear House in which Goldilocks promptly steals his teddy bears out of the home.


Now, I am in no way a fairy tale aficionado, but what the heck is this all about?!? When did this happen?? Orphaned Baby Bear gets dragged away on a chain to be sold to the circus or something, while maniacal Goldilocks (played by a creepy looking young boy) pillages the Bear House? But don't take my word for it, see for yourself; here is a link to the film: The "Teddy" Bears by Edwin S. Porter. But be warned, it's 14 minutes of 103 year old film goodness.

This did get me thinking on how many of our beloved fairy tales have less then fortunate endings. I never thought I'd have to screen these tales before reciting them to my 16 month old though. This is the stuff of nightmares!


Anyways, what's your favorite creepy fairy tale? Feel free to leave a comment!