In the year 1896, filmmaking was very new--a novelty. It was so amazing for people to see movement on screen that early filmmakers rarely tried anything that included more of a plot. A lot of the time, films showed everyday life without any storytelling. So for 1896 this is a great effort as there is a bit of a plot and is generally more entertaining. It's all about two little kids who are having a tea party. But then they get into a big fight and one slaps the other, apparently over a piece of cake. While that might not sound exciting, for 1896 it's exceptional. A work of fiction. This was a big success and it's easy to see why because of the period.
(Note: This is technically a remake of the Lumiere Bros' "Childish Quarrel" which was made the same year, except that film is more of a closeup and there is a background, not just a blank wall, plus the camera composition is more elaborate).
(Note: This is technically a remake of the Lumiere Bros' "Childish Quarrel" which was made the same year, except that film is more of a closeup and there is a background, not just a blank wall, plus the camera composition is more elaborate).