The Sinking of the Lusitania (1918)
In the National Film Registry
•
12m
1918 animation depicts 1915 sinking, fueling anti-German sentiment in WWI.
Through an animated depiction of the sinking of the RMS Lusitania during World War I, Winsor McCay's The Sinking of the Lusitania (1918) breaks away from the lighthearted cartoons of the era.
The film's seriousness and length, clocking in at twelve minutes, were groundbreaking for animation. McCay utilizes detailed, realistic drawings, creating a documentary-like feel. He employs innovative techniques for the time, including cel animation, which streamlined the animation process.
The Sinking of the Lusitania is also a powerful piece of propaganda. McCay's meticulous animation personalizes the tragedy, a stark contrast to the grainy newsreel footage available at the time. The film's emotional impact fueled anti-German sentiment during World War I.
Beyond its historical context, The Sinking of the Lusitania stands as a testament to the evolving art form of animation. It demonstrates the medium's potential for seriousness, documentary-style storytelling, and emotional resonance.
Up Next in In the National Film Registry
-
The Son of the Sheik (1926)
Desert sheik's son loves dancer, betrayal sparks revenge & redemption.
A sequel to the wildly popular The Sheik (1921), The Son of the Sheik (1926) reunites Rudolph Valentino and Vilma Bánky in this more playful approach to the source material. The film incorporates elements of comedy and melodr...
-
The Story of Menstruation (1946)
Educational film explores menstruation, its biology and social stigmas, breaking taboos in 1946.
Walt Disney's 1946 film The Story of Menstruation takes an unconventional approach to health education. Commissioned by a feminine hygiene company, the film aimed to educate young girls about menstru...
-
The Strong Man (1926)
Belgian soldier searches for pen pal love in America, finds adventure & true love with twist.
Harry Langdon's comedic persona is a key factor in The Strong Man (1926), a silent comedy directed by Frank Capra and starring Langdon. His character, a wide-eyed innocent named Paul, embodies a childli...
