Saïda Makes Off with the Manneken Pis

About This Movie

So here’s an oddball from 1913, 'Saïda Makes Off with the Manneken Pis.' It’s a comedy with a peculiar charm, where a cheetah dashes away from a fair and snatches the famous Brussels statue. The pacing is brisk, typical of silent films but filled with an energy that captures the whimsical nature of the narrative. The practical effects are quite amusing for the time, featuring a live animal in the chaos of a cityscape. It has this playful yet absurd atmosphere that really makes it stand out in the silent film era. Plus, the whole idea of a cheetah pilfering a national symbol feels like a playful jab at societal norms. You can’t help but appreciate the sheer weirdness of it all.

This film has seen limited availability over the years, often found in niche silent film collections or archives. It's not one that pops up regularly, making it a curiosity for collectors. As for formats, it's usually available on DVD or in digital archives, but original prints are quite scarce, increasing its allure among film enthusiasts who appreciate the absurdity of early cinema.