Early film violence startled even though it was silent

** ADVANCE FOR THURSDAY DEC 18 **FILE**Actor George Barnes, points his pistol in a scene from the 1903 silent movie, "The Great Train Robbery," in this vintage image from the film which premiered 100 years ago this Christmas. The premier of the 11-minute movie marked the birth of the feature film industry. (AP Photo/Courtesy of the Margaret Harrick Library) HFR 12-18-03. ADVANCE FOR THURSDAY DEC 18 1903 FILE PHOTO. less ** ADVANCE FOR THURSDAY DEC 18 **FILE**Actor George Barnes, points his pistol in a scene from the 1903 silent movie, "The Great Train Robbery," in this vintage image from the film which premiered 100 years ago ... more Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Early film violence startled even though it was silent 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A hundred years ago, when "The Great Train Robbery" was making the rounds, the thing that most floored audiences was the final shot. It was an avant-garde ending, something removed from the context of the action. George Barnes, as one of the outlaws, is seen in a medium shot. Looking straight into the camera, he fires a gun, seemingly right at the audience.

It is said that when audiences saw that for the first time, they ducked. It has also been reported -- though this may just be legend -- that when the film was shown out West, people stood up and fired back at the screen.

"The Great Train Robbery" inspired imitators, most notably a film called -- guess what? -- "The Great Train Robbery," which was made by Sigmund Lubin (a man who obviously had no shame). The critic for the Philadelphia Inquirer, writing in 1904, reported that during screenings of the Lubin film, ladies in the audiences would put their fingers in their ears to block the sound of the gunfire. They'd do this even though it was a completely silent movie.

People were more sensitive in those days, at least more sensitive to film violence, but they'd soon toughen up. And as they've toughened, action filmmakers have consistently raised the stakes. The goal, though, has always been the same: to replicate and, if possible, surpass the titillation and shock that "The Great Train Robbery" incited.

One can only wonder what those nice ladies in 1904 would think of our movies today.