Mr. Sardonicus (1961) - the world's first interactive movie

Interactive cinema follows the conventions of traditional filmmaking, with the addition of “Choose Your Own Adventure” aspirations. The genre puts non-linear storytelling in the hands of the spectator, who can direct the course of the film through choices at specific intervals.

Mr. Sardonicus follows Baron Sardonicus, who threatens to harm his wife if prominent medical doctor Robert Cargrave fails to treat the baron’s bizarre facial disfigurement. Watch the trailer to hear how the director left the ending up to the audience through the "Punishment Poll".

Although the director claims that he shot a “mercy” ending, that alternative was never chosen in theaters and some suspect that it never existed. Still, the fact that movie-goers at least possessed the illusion of choice was a revolutionary experience.