The film is a panorama shot-scene lasting just under a minute. The panorama film, as coined by Lumière, is a moving-camera shot--usually accomplished by placing the camera on a moving transport, such as a boat or train.
"Les Fredaines de Pierrette" is the collective name of four short films of 20 meters each ("Arrivée de Pierrette et de Pierrot", "Arrivée d'Arlequin", "Suite de la danse", and "Départ d'Arlequin et de Pierrette"), attributed to Alice Guy (although not confirmed in any primary source), in which Columbine resists Pierrette's courting in favor of Harlequin.
A magician steps upon the stage carrying a hoop covered with white paper. Then in quick succession the flags of Germany, Russia, Ireland, England and China are brought forth, and from each a soldier is produced corresponding with the flag of each nation.
A dramatic scene - and exactly what moving pictures were invented for. With a fixed camera and without a traditional narrative, this film nevertheless tells a compelling story as a cast of men and boys fight an impending crisis.