Buzz
In 1888, Thomas Edison stated, "I am experimenting upon an instrument which does for the eye what the phonograph does for the ear, which is the recording and reproduction of things in motion." This groundbreaking system consisted of the Kinetograph, a motion picture camera, and the Kinetoscope, a motion picture viewer, largely developed by Edison's assistant, William Kennedy Laurie Dickson. (The invention was likely inspired by Eadweard Muybridge's zoopraxiscope, used to display his motion photographs—an individual of both acclaim and infamy, as he was also a murderer.) Edison's early films showcased "actualities": news events, celebrities, disasters, and exhibitions. However, over time, the company shifted towards producing narrative films, the kind we now recognize as typical in modern cinema. Below are some of the company’s first cinematic efforts.
1. A French Aristocrat Secures a Wife Through the Personal Ads of the New York Herald, 1904
This film portrays a nobleman who places a personal advertisement and, according to the company's catalog, is pursued by so many suitors that he "fled for his life down the Riverside Drive." It was a reworking of the Biograph company's 1904 film, *Personal*. The Library of Congress records that Edison's version outperformed Biograph's, making it the most successful film for Edison Manufacturing Co. that year.
2. The Great Train Robbery, 1903
Edison's catalog described this iconic film, one of the most renowned early works, as a "sensational and deeply tragic subject" that "is sure to be a massive success wherever shown. We believe it to be far superior to any moving picture ever produced." Filming took place in Edison's New York studio, in New Jersey, and at the Lackawanna Railway. The film starred Justus D. Barnes as the bandit leader, with G.M. Anderson—who would later be known as Bronco Billy—portraying "a variety of roles," as per the Library of Congress. Two years later, Edison released a parody, The Little Train Robbery, which featured a group of children.
3. The Unappreciated Joke, 1903
In its early days, Edison's company produced several comedic films, including this brief one-minute short, which was priced at $6.60 (approximately $169 today). The catalog offers the following description of the plot:
Scene: inside a streetcar. A portly man enters and sits next to a friend, then begins reading a comic newspaper. He shows his friend a joke in the paper, and they both laugh uproariously. When the friend leaves, the stout man doesn't notice and continues sitting. An elderly woman takes the vacated seat. Without looking up, the man shoves the paper in front of the woman's face, mistakenly thinking his friend is still there. He bursts into laughter over the joke, nudging her with his thumb and slapping her knee. The woman becomes deeply embarrassed and angry. She shakes his shoulder; he turns around, realizes his mistake, and sinks through the floor.
4. Terrible Teddy, The Grizzly King, 1901
This uproarious burlesque—which here refers to a "mocking imitation, grotesque parody" rather than the modern American definition, dating back to the 1870s, of a "variety show featuring striptease"—was inspired by a series of political cartoons from the New York Journal and Advertiser. The catalog notes: "Teddy, with his big teeth, is seen rushing down the hill with his gun in hand, trailed by his photographer and press agent. He scouts around a large tree and eventually spots the mountain lion. He kneels and takes a careful shot. Upon firing his gun, a huge black cat falls from the tree, and Teddy pulls out his bowie knife, jumps on the cat, stabs it multiple times, then strikes a pose while his photographer captures the moment and the press agent writes up the thrilling escapade."
5. The Kleptomaniac, 1905
This film, directed by Edwin S. Porter like many other Edison productions, tells the story of two women—one affluent, the other impoverished—who are caught stealing. The wealthy woman is quickly released into the care of her friends, while the poor woman, who had been stealing to feed her children, is sentenced to jail.
6. Subub Surprises the Burglar, 1903
According to the Library of Congress, this film was inspired by a popular comic strip character. It also borrowed some plot elements from Biograph's film The Burglar-Proof Bed.
7. Rube and Mandy at Coney Island, 1903
Shot on location at Coney Island, this film showcases two actors portraying country bumpkins. According to Edison's catalog, the pair "enjoy themselves on the steeplechase, rope bridge, riding the bulls, and taking a turn on the 'Down and Out.' The scene transitions to a panoramic view of Luna Park, where Rube and Mandy participate in various activities: performing stunts on the rattan slide, riding the miniature railway, shooting the chutes, taking boats on the old mill, and attending Professor Wormwood's Monkey Theatre. They are later seen on the Bowery, where they interact with fortune tellers, try the punching machine, and finish with a visit to the frankfurter vendor. The finale shows a close-up of Rube and Mandy savoring frankfurters."
The catalog notes that the film is "not only entertaining for its comedic elements but also offers stunning views of Coney Island and Luna Park."
8. Love and War, 1899
This film, depicting the Spanish-American War, had a production cost of $45 in 1899 (approximately $1241 in 2013 currency). The story follows a soldier who begins as a private, earns a promotion for his bravery, falls in love with a Red Cross nurse, and eventually "returns home triumphantly as an officer to the father and mother to whom he bade good bye as a private," as described in the catalog. Each of the six scenes is accompanied by its own song, "making the entire series a complete and effective novelty." These songs could be performed by a soloist, quartette, or orchestra, with or without stereopticon slides. The catalog claims that the series, when properly illustrated or announced through stereopticon readings, should be a tremendous success.
9. Jack and the Beanstalk, 1902
"From this simple and beloved fairy tale, we have created a charming, engaging, and comedic motion picture play, introducing many surprising new tricks and dissolving effects," the catalog proudly declares. "We have adhered as closely as possible to the traditional version of JACK AND THE BEANSTALK." However, the filmmakers have taken some creative liberties to inject humor (which, as they note, is essential for any animated picture play), including a humorous take on some elements:
For example, when the butcher trades Jack's mother's cow for a hatful of beans, we introduce a comical animal made from two men covered with the head, horns, and hide of a cow. This creature performs various amusing antics, such as kicking, jig dancing, and sitting cross-legged, before, after much effort from the butcher, allowing itself to be led away.
"In this beautiful production," the catalog concludes, "the transitions between scenes are enhanced by stunning dissolving and fading effects. There are no abrupt cuts; instead, the entire experience is smooth, delightful, and seamless, making it easy for the audience to follow the captivating story of this beloved fairy tale...."
10. Dream of a Rarebit Fiend, 1906
This short film, lasting seven minutes, is inspired by the comic strip of the same name created by Winsor McCay. It incorporates several "trick" special effects. (The Carport Theatre version has enhanced the viewing experience with music and audio effects typical of the period.)
