This is the earliest example of in-film reference that I have found till now. Mack Sennett doesn’t know that his ex-girlfriend is now an actress, he accidentally watches her first film at the local cinema and he forgets that she is a star of a fictional story!
Mack Sennett’s At Twelve O’Clock (1913) in Mack Sennett’s Mabel’s Dramatic Career (1913).
You can watch the film for free here.
Love this work you’re doing! Great finds!
Been wanting to compile a series of stills for my instagram account on this very topic. Would it be all right if I borrow a couple of stills and give your site a credit with a link?
You can find me on Instagram: chalecossalvavidas
Look forward to hearing from you.
Of course, you can use whatever you want 🙂
How about DW Griffith”s Those Awful Hats from 1908? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ORwC7gNyUaY
Wow what a find!