The Tinderbox (1907)
A landmark of early silent cinema, Viggo Larsen brings Hans Christian Andersen's enchanting fairy tale to life in just eleven captivating minutes.
The Tinderbox - Movie Information
- Original Title: Fyrtøjet
- Release Year: 1907
- Directed by: Viggo Larsen
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Fantasy
- Runtime: 11m
- Original Language: Danish
- Spoken Languages: No Language
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 3, 1907 (Denmark)
- Production Companies: Nordisk Film Denmark
- Production Countries: Denmark
The Tinderbox - Plot
Viggo Larsen's adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy tale about the soldier who gets hold of a magic tinderbox capable of calling forth three dogs with big eyes that can fulfill all his wishes. When the soldier has one of the dogs transport a sleeping princess to his room, he is arrested and sentenced to death. But his adventure, as we know, does not end here.
The Tinderbox - Trailer
Watch the official video for this pioneering 1907 silent fairy tale film:
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The Tinderbox - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Viggo Larsen
Main Cast
- Viggo Larsen
- Oda Alstrup
- Robert Storm Petersen
- Petrine Sonne
- Waldemar Petersen
- Gustav Lund
- Clara Nebelong
The Tinderbox - FAQs
Is The Tinderbox based on a true story?
No, The Tinderbox is not based on a true story. It is an adaptation of the beloved fairy tale written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, first published in 1835. The story is entirely fictional, featuring magical elements such as a wish-granting tinderbox and three supernatural dogs with enormous eyes.
Where can I watch The Tinderbox (1907)?
As a 1907 silent short film now in the public domain, The Tinderbox may be available through film archives, silent cinema collections, and online platforms hosting early cinema. You can check current streaming availability and viewing options for your region via JustWatch.
Who directed The Tinderbox (1907)?
The Tinderbox (1907) was directed by Viggo Larsen, a pioneering Danish filmmaker and actor who also starred in the film as the soldier protagonist. Larsen was one of the key figures in early Scandinavian cinema and worked extensively with Nordisk Film during the silent era.
What is The Tinderbox (1907) about?
The Tinderbox follows a soldier who acquires a magical tinderbox capable of summoning three dogs with enormous eyes, each able to fulfill his wishes. When he uses the tinderbox to have a sleeping princess brought to his room, he is arrested and condemned to death, though his fate takes an unexpected turn.
Who are the main actors in The Tinderbox?
The Tinderbox (1907) features Viggo Larsen as the soldier, Oda Alstrup as the princess, Robert Storm Petersen as a servant, Petrine Sonne as the witch, Waldemar Petersen as a second servant, Gustav Lund as the king, and Clara Nebelong in a supporting role.
How long is The Tinderbox (1907)?
The Tinderbox (1907) has a runtime of approximately 11 minutes, which was a standard length for short films produced during the early silent cinema era. Despite its brevity, the film manages to convey the key narrative beats of Hans Christian Andersen's original fairy tale.
What language is The Tinderbox (1907) in?
The Tinderbox (1907) is a silent film with no spoken dialogue, produced in Denmark. The original title is Fyrtøjet. As was standard for the era, storytelling relied entirely on visual performance and intertitles rather than spoken language, making it universally accessible across language barriers.
Is The Tinderbox (1907) one of the earliest fairy tale films?
Yes, The Tinderbox (1907) is among the earliest surviving adaptations of a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale on film. Produced by Nordisk Film in Denmark, it represents a landmark in both Scandinavian cinema history and the broader tradition of adapting literary fairy tales for the emerging medium of motion pictures.
More About The Tinderbox
Explore further details about this pioneering 1907 silent film on these authoritative resources.