A noted film historian and a lover of genre movies, Jack “The Agnostic” Garcia examines the first 25 years of the horror film (1896-1919) . A special and fascinating era in which the first steps toward cinematic art were taken by imaginative cinematic pioneers . And what are considered traditional themes, sources and motifs were imaginatively developed with an almost supernatural speed. First off its George Melies a magician from the theatrical world who seizes upon the brand new scientific apparatus of the movie camera and incorporates into his act. He no longer needed a theater to conjure up his trickery , since the world was now his audience. Melies would become the first cinematic master of the supernatural and his influence would be massive and world wide. Next up, as audiences grew more sophisticated , films grew longer and sets ,ore elaborate, the horror film would take its place in the cinematic universe . As the French silent horror film matured – film makers would draw inspiration from classic literature (Hugo & Poe) , legends , folk tales and fables. As well as the rapid and remarkable advancements in science, medicine and technology – and explore such themes as Beauty and the Beast and Darwin’s theory of Evolution.