Capital Execution

Capital Execution Danish Henrettelsen is a 1903 silent film drama directed by Danish photographer Peter Elfelt. Based upon a true story, the short 15minute film relates the execution of a French woman who is condemned to death for killing her two children. It was the first dramatic movie made by a Danish filmmaker, and is notable as an early example of a dramatic film that referenced action outside the picture frame. Elfelt used a typical stationary, oneshot camera position, but directed the actors to gesture and enter and exit with reference to things happening outside of the audiences view. This allowed for the development of the story beyond what was captured by camera, and expanded the dramatic scope of film.

According to the actress Nathansen, only a few days after filming, Henrettelsen premiered with great success at the Panotikonhallen in Copenhagen. It is possible that it had another title, Barnemordersken Child Murderess, but it is listed in Elfelts protocol of negatives as Henrettelsen. When Elfelt was asked in 1926 if he had ever filmed a drama, he remembered being reluctant about this film.

Source: Wikipedia