Watch 1907's "The Doll's Revenge" — the first cannibal killer doll film in cinema history

Cannibalistic dolls, groundbreaking special effects, and a dark Victorian tale

The Doll's Revenge, directed by Cecil M. Hepworth, (1907) Public Domain

In 1907, when most films were still showing trains pulling into stations, British director Cecil M. Hepworth decided what cinema really needed was a pair of cannibalistic dolls devouring a Victorian brat.

"The Doll's Revenge" begins innocently enough — a father brings home a dancing d…