Masterful silent-film director Maurice Tourneur (LAST OF THE MOHICANS) made the first, and arguably the best, interpretation of Maurice Maeterlinck`s play. Preceding the paragon of German Expressionist THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI by a year, this fantastical film utilizes extravagant costumes and sets, and wholly innovative camera effects. Two young children, brother Tytyl (Robin MacDougall) and sister Mytyl (Tula Belle), head off in search of the Bluebird of Happiness in a bid to improve their lot in life. Their highly allegorical journey forces them to confront edifying life lessons at every turn, visiting the
Palace of Joy and Delights
and the
Land of the Unborn,
before discovering that the Bluebird was in their own backyard all along. The director`s theater background is evident in the staginess of sets, which is symptomatic of the then still-new filmic medium, while the magical story unfolds in an exuberant display of creativity.
