The 2nd short film as part of the Magica series dealing with pre-cinema. In the 18th and 19th centuries, optical views were shown in optical boxes with magnifying lenses. The showmen organised a real spectacle, with a barker, music and sound effects. The views played with light (transparencies, perforations). A series of engravings shows the public's enthusiasm for these shows. The second part of the film is a reconstruction of such a show. First, there are views of Paris, Venice, Constantinople and Versailles, followed by various disasters: plague, floods, fires and shipwrecks.

• DirectorPierre Levie
• Release1 January 1978
• Genre
  Documentary / Animation
• Duration0h 16m
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• Revenue?
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• Productions

  SODEP, Sofidoc, Seuil Audiovisuel