Budgets surpassing $1 million and nudity are so common in films today that it's easy to forget that there was once a time when both concepts were unfamiliar to filmmakers and audiences alike. In fact, both trends originated with a single film: the 1916 silent film A Daughter of the Gods, directed by Herbert Brenon. The three-hour fantasy epic stars legendary Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman as a young goddess targeted by an evil witch and a grieving sultan looking to resurrect his son from the dead. In its most famous shot, Kellermann frolics naked near a waterfall. Even though her long hair covers most of her chest, it is nevertheless regarded as possibly the first "nude scene" in cinematic history.
Unfortunately, the film in its entirety has long been lost. Nevertheless, a selection of stills from the film, along with a trove of primary sources from 1916, provide a fascinating glimpse into the film's production and reception.
Unfortunately, the film in its entirety has long been lost. Nevertheless, a selection of stills from the film, along with a trove of primary sources from 1916, provide a fascinating glimpse into the film's production and reception.
- 1/18/2025
- by Andrew Tomei
- MovieWeb
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