The Films of Thomas Edison
Volume 2 (Containing 37 films)

Edison's laboratory was responsible for the invention of the Kinetograph (a motion picture camera) and the Kinetoscope (a peep-hole motion picture viewer). Most of this work was performed by Edison's assistant, William Kennedy Laurie Dickson, beginning in 1888. Motion pictures became a successful entertainment industry in less than a decade, with single-viewer Kinetoscopes giving way to films projected for mass audiences. The Edison Manufacturing Co. (later known as Thomas A. Edison, Inc.) not only built the apparatus for filming and projecting motion pictures, but also produced films for public consumption. Most early examples were actualities showing famous people, news events, disasters, people at work, new modes of travel and technology, scenic views, expositions, and other leisure activities. As actualities declined in popularity, the company's production emphasis shifted to comedies and dramas.

This collection features 341 Edison films. The earliest example is a camera test made in 1891, followed by other tests and a wide variety of actualities and dramas through the year 1918, when Edison's company ceased film production.

Here are some sample clips from four of the movies on this CD

Here is a description of each film on this CD

Burning of the Standard Oil Co's tanks, Bayonne, N.J. CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: This picture shows a street scene at Constable Hook, Bayonne, N.J. In the background rise immense volumes of dense black smoke from the burning oil, reaching high in the heavens. Outlined against this dense oil smoke is seen some of a lighter color. This is from the fire engines and from the houses of the unfortunate residents, whom we see fleeing before the destructive march of this element of fire. Some of them are bringing out what remains of their homes, and they have pressed into service all manner of vehicles, men in some cases taking the place of horses. Some have saved so little that they can readily carry out all that remains of their goods.

The burning stable CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1896. SUMMARY From Maguire & Baucus catalogues: Shows a barn actually in flames, from which four horses and a burning wagon are rescued by firemen and stable hands. The scene is exciting, full of action from beginning to end, and all its details are clearly and sharply defined. Thick volumes of smoke pouring from the doors and windows of the stable add greatly to the realistic effect.

Buster Brown series (in 5 parts/scenes) CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1904. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: Scene I-- The opening scene shows Bridget asleep at the kitchen-table, and Buster enters on tip-toe. After tying her apron over her head and to the back of the chair, he tries to reach a jar of jam on the top shelf of the pantry. After several futile attempts, he gives up. His attention is now attracted by a tramp at the window. Buster beckons the fellow to come in through the window, and asks "Weary Willie" to get jam for him. The tramp secures the jam, he places the jar on the table, and proceeds to enjoy the sweets, but neglects to give Buster his share. Whereupon Buster angrily gets up from the table, shakes his finger threateningly at the tramp and goes out, but almost immediately comes back with his mamma and his dog Tige. Buster's mamma is greatly shocked at the sight, while Buster now sets Tige on the tramp, and in the melee Bridget wakes up, and falls over backwards, chair and all. Buster's mamma releases Bridget from her predicament, and the tramp, with Tige holding on to his coat- tails, makes a hasty retreat through the window. Bridget succeeds in getting hold of her broom and helps him a little. Buster is rewarded by his mamma for getting rid of the tramp, and is given permission to eat all the jam he wants. Scene II -- Shows a millinery store in the shopping district, and Mrs. Brown with a lady friend, admiring the hats displayed in the window. Buster and Tige are standing in the foreground. A howling swell, leading a small dog bedecked with ribbons, recognizes Mrs. Brown and stops to chat. Buster becomes impatient, tugs at his mamma's dress, and endeavors to hurry her; but the dude waves him aside. Buster gets angry at this and retaliates by setting Tige on the dude's dog. Tige secures a good hold on the dog's neck and mauls it all over the street. During the battle the dude makes frantic efforts to rescue his dog by kicking Tige. Mrs. Brown comes to the rescue by beating the dude over his head with her umbrella and knocking his hat off. Tige sees the hat, releases his hold, and the two dogs tear the hat into ribbons. Scene III -- Shows a bargain counter in a department store and a large gathering of women examining goods. It is a special sale, and a great deal of interest is shown by the ladies, who jostle and crowd each other to secure the choicest bargains. Mrs. Brown enters, accompanied by Buster and Tige. Mrs. Brown is unable to get near the counter and is in despair. Buster sees his mamma's predicament, whispers in Tige's ear to "take a fit," which he does by throwing somersaults high in the air, and running wildly about as though mad. The dog's actions frighten the shoppers and they scatter in all directions. After the stampede Mrs. Brown proceeds to make her purchases, while Tige seats himself on a stool, and Buster looks on very innocently. Scene IV -- Shows a kitchen and Bridget busy making crullers. Buster enters and begs Bridget to give him one. Bridget refuses and places all the crullers in a basket on the top pantry shelf. She warns Buster not to touch them, and leaves the room. Buster secures a stepladder and proceeds to climb to the top. As he is about to secure the coveted prize his mamma enters, chastises him severely, and ties Buster fast to the table, and leaves the room. Buster calls Tige to his assistance, explains the situation, and points to the top shelf of the closet. Tige mounts the ladder, secures the basket and places it on the table at Buster's elbow. The scene closes with Buster and Tige dividing the spoils. Scene V -- Shows an Italian balloon vender near the "Flat-iron" Building, New York City. Mrs. Brown and Buster appear on the scene. Buster begins teasing his mamma to buy him a balloon, but she refuses. Buster whistles for Tige, and at the same time jostles the vender, who roughly brushes him aside. Seeing a chance to get a balloon for nothing, Buster sets Tige upon the Italian, and points toward the balloons. The vender, in his efforts to get away from the dog, loses his hold on the balloons and they scatter in every direction. Several stray dogs join Tige in rushing upon the balloons, and in their efforts to get hold of them they butt them about in the air in all directions.

Caicedo (with pole) CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., [1894] SUMMARY From Raff & Gammon price list: The "King of the Wire" in his marvelous slack wire performance.

Capsize of lifeboat CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1897. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: Daily practise [sic] of life boat crew, showing boat being upset purposely by the men. As these boats are self-righting and self-bailing, the scene is particularly interesting.

Capture of Boer battery CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From New York clipper: By the Gordon Highlanders. In the foreground are two Creusot guns, manned by the Dutch burghers. Smoke effects are due. The Highlanders are seen in the distance, approaching rapidly, easily distinguished by their kilts and bare legs. They sweep all before them, leaving the guns smoking and deserted as they pursue the flying Boers.

Capture of Boer battery by British CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: Nothing can exceed the stubborn resistance shown by the Gordon Highlanders, as we see them steadily advancing in the face of a murderous fire of the Boers, who are making their guns speak with rapid volleys. One by one the gunners fall beside their guns, and as the smoke clears for an instant the Highlanders are seen gaining nearer and nearer the disputed ground. Finally, a grand charge is made, the siege is carried, and amid cheers they plant the colors on the spot they have so dearly earned.

Capture of trenches at Candaba CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1899. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: The Filipinos execute a flank movement and re-occupy the trenches, cutting off the advance guard of Americans. The rebel flag waves over the ditch and they defend their position bravely. A fierce charge by our soldiers makes them give way and they scatter in all directions. The officer in command pays dearly for his desperate sortie. Just as his horse clears the embankment the officer throws up his hands and falls backward with a crash; while the riderless horse dashes off toward the American lines. Full of exciting action and excellent detail.

Carmencita CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., [1894] NOTES According to Edison film historian C. Musser, Spanish dancer Carmencita was the first woman to appear in front of an Edison motion picture camera. Six months before filming, she had been performing at Koster & Bial's Music Hall in New York City since February 1890.

Catching an early train CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1901. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: Surburbanite [sic] is seen in bed chamber, discovers he has overslept himself, jumps out of bed, shirt, trousers, shoes, collar, tie, coat, vest, hat, cane, cigar and satchel arise from the floor and adjust themselves to him. Makes a hasty exit. Scene dissolves to a R.R. Station, showing surburbanite running to catch the rear end of a moving train.

Cattle driven to slaughter CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1897. SUMMARY From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: A herd of long-horn cattle being driven through the Chicago stock yard gates to the slaughter house, where 280 of the animals are killed every hour of the day.

Champs de Mars CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: Shows all the prominent buildings on this thoroughfare, ending with a close view of the base of the Eiffel Tower, with the Trocadero Palace in the background.

Champs Elysees CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: Near the main entrance. Hundreds of carriages and characteristic Parisian buses are passing.

Charge of Boer cavalry [no. 1] CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From New York clipper: Shows a wild charge of Mounted Boer up a steep hill. The action of the picture is spirited and photographically it is an excellent film. The opening scene shows a bleak hillside with the Boer cavalry in the distance, galloping rapidly to the front. They cross the ridge just as the film ends.

Charge of Boer cavalry [no. 2] CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: In the distance is seen a number of grey objects rapidly approaching, which, upon drawing closer, are recognized as a company of Boer cavalry. As they draw nearer, you can see that they are straining every nerve and urging their horses to the utmost speed. Waving their sabres aloft on they come, so that the audience involuntarily make an effort to move from their seats in order to avoid being trampled under the horses.

Charity ball / Thomas A. Edison, Inc. CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1897. SUMMARY A man in formal dinner clothes and a woman in a white ruffled dress with a flower corsage and white shoes execute various dance steps designed as exhibition dancing. The set is bare, without backdrops or props. The couple's feet are not evident at times in the frame, and the dance appears to have been shot in relatively slow motion.

Ching Ling Foo outdone CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: The magician enters upon the stage, and removing a covering from a small table, shakes it before the audience to show that there is nothing whatever concealed inside, places the cloth upon the floor, and when he removes it a large washtub is found to be entirely filled with water, which he splashes before the audience to show that there is no deception. He places the cloth over the tub again, and when he removes it five large geese are found to be swimming in the water. The magician takes the geese out of the tub, and places them on the stage, and they walk away. He again places the cloth over the tub, and when he removes it the tub disappears and a small boy stands in its place. The boy walks off the stage to the astonishment and amazement of the audience.

Circular panorama of Electric Tower CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Thomas A. Edison, Inc., 1901. SUMMARY The film, photographed from a single camera position, shows the total exposition and its buildings. The film contains a 360-degree pan.

Close view of the "Brooklyn," naval parade CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1898. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: Schley's flagship at close range, showing shot hole in the middle of funnel, near deck. She flies a frayed and tattered battle flag.

The clown and the alchemist CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: Although we are led to believe that the ancient alchemists were all powerful, this picture somewhat reverses the order of things. The clown plays some wonderful pranks on the old professor. He appears and disappears in numerous startling positions, using his club with great effect and always escaping punishment. At last the alchemist brings his magic power into use, and calling two hooded assistants, orders a huge cauldron brought in. The climax, by which the clown finally disposes of the alchemist, is startling in the extreme.

Coaches arriving at Mammoth Hot Springs CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., c1899. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: The scene is the broad piazza of the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, and shows the arrival of tourists. Up dashes a spanking team of six, seemingly as fresh and spirited as when they started. Friends who are waiting on the piazza rush to greet the new arrivals and help them alight.

Colored troops disembarking CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1898. SUMMARY From Edison films "war extra" catalog: The steamer "Mascotte" has reached her dock at Port Tampa, and the 2d Battalion of Colored Infantry is going ashore. Tide is very high, and the gang plank is extra steep; and it is laughable to see the extreme caution displayed by the soldiers clambering down. The commanding officer struts on the wharf, urging them to hurry. Two boat stewards in glistening white duck coats, are interested watchers--looking for "tips" perhaps. The picture is full of fine light and shadow effects.

"Columbia" winning the cup CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1899. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: The decisive moment in the great International Yacht Races is shown in this picture. Against a background of well defined clouds, the Light Boat is seen marking the finishing line in this great aquatic struggle. As the Columbia crosses the line, followed closely by the Shamrock, we see the steam from the whistle of the Light Ship announcing the well earned victory of the American yacht.

Congress of nations CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: A new and sensational film, which deals in a highly up to- date manner with the international situation. 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. The magician adds a bit of comedy to the scene by producing a decidedly Hibernian policeman from the flag of Erin's Isle. The magician then slowly waves his arms in front of the American flag, and as he dissolves into thin air a striking and patriotic tableau appears. The dissolving effect from the magician to the tableau is a new and unique effect never hitherto achieved in motion photography.

Corbett and Courtney before the Kinetograph CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Kinetoscope Exhibiting Co., 1894. SUMMARY From F.M. Prescott catalog: This fight consists of six rounds, each round on a film 150 feet long. It is not a fac-simile [sic] or a "fake" of any description, but an actual contest between James J. Corbett, former champion of the world, and Peter Courtney. The films are listed as "1st Round," "2nd Round," "3rd Round," "4th Round," "5th Round," and "6th Round"...

Corner Madison and State streets, Chicago CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1897. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: The busiest corner in Chicago. Cable cars and street traffic of all descriptions. Hundreds of shoppers. Fine perspective view looking north toward the Masonic Temple.

Cripple Creek bar-room scene EATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1899. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: Shows tap room of the "Miners Arms," stout lady at the bar, and three men playing stud horse. Old toper with a silk hat asleep by the stove. Rough miner enters, bar maid serves him with Red Eye Whiskey and he proceeds to clean out the place. Barmaid takes a hand with a siphon of vichy, and bounces the intruder, with the help of the card players, who line up before the bar and take copious drinks on the house.

Crissie Sheridan CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Thomas A. Edison, Inc., 1897. SUMMARY A woman in a white gown performs a skirt dance, using her arms to produce circles and other patterns within the folds of her costume. Her legs and feet appear to be bare.

Cuban ambush CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1898. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: From the upper windows of a ruined mill the Cubans fire at a scouting party of Spaniards, who return the volley. Fine smoke effects.

Cuban refugees waiting for rations CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1898. SUMMARY From Edison films "war extra" catalog: A group of escaped reconcentrados, saved from the fate of starvation imposed by the Butcher, Weyler. They stand in line waiting, each man with his tin dish and cup. One expects to see just such men as these, after the centuries of Spanish oppression and tyranny. As they come forward, their walk, even, is listless and lifeless. The picture affords an exceedingly interesting racial character study. At one side stands a group of officers from the camp near by, accompanying several ladies who are seeing the sights.

Cuban volunteers embarking CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., c1898.

Cupid and Psyche CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1897. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: By the Leanders. The dress of one consists of a pair of wings and a bow and arrow; the other represents a fairy. Bathers in all stages of dress and undress watch the graceful dance.

A day with Thomas A. Edison (in 6 parts) CREATED/PUBLISHED [United States : General Electric Co., 1922?]

Dick Croker leaving Tammany Hall CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: A very lifelike picture of the famous New York politician and Tammany Hall boss. This picture was taken on Sunday morning as he was leaving the 14th Street Wigwam, accompanied by a number of prominent New York politicians.

Discharging a Whitehead torpedo CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: Taken on board the U.S. torpedo boat "Morris." It shows the crew loading a Whitehead torpedo into the tube and then discharging it. The torpedo can be seen running along the surface of the water for a distance of over half a mile.

Dog factory (in 2 parts) CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1904. SUMMARY Part 1: In the middle of a store or factory set sits a machine identified as the "Patent Dog Transformator." On the walls behind it are coils of sausages or hot dogs, labeled with the name of the dog they represent: Pointer, Setter, Fighting Bull, Bull, Terrier, Spaniel, Poodle, Plain Dog, Trained Dog, Bull Pups, Boston Bull, Daschund [sic], Mut, and Pug. At the top of the back wall is a sign that reads "Dogs made while you wait--Dog Factory--Dogs mixed to order." A bearded man in a suit stands by the machine looking bored, as his partner in a cap and apron dusts the rows of sausages. A tramp enters the store with a string of three dogs, which he sells to the man in the suit. One by one, the three dogs are loaded into the top of the machine, cranked by the man in the apron, and transformed into links of sausage that come out the right end of the contraption. These links are then hung up in their proper places on the wall: Plain Dog, Trained Dog, and Boston Bull. A man identified as a dandy with his cane and straw topper enters and orders a spaniel. The process is then reversed, as the appropriate coil of meat is taken off the wall and put in the top of the machine, resulting in a dog exiting from the left end of the transformator. The next customer, a woman, orders a dachshund, but the dog proves too jumpy for her and is changed back to a sausage; the woman then settles on a terrier, and leaves happily with her purchase Part 2.: A man in a suit enters the factory and orders a trained dog. The resulting canine does tricks such as a back-flip at the urging of the owner in the apron, and the customer leaves satisfied. When the next woman requests a small dog, a string of bull pups are produced for her, from which she selects her favorite; the rest of the puppies are turned back to sausage. Finally, a "tough" enters the store and orders a Boston Bull, but he rejects the resulting dog as not mean enough. The factory owners then create a fighting bull, which comes out of the transformator biting. In the resulting commotion, with the Boston Bull also running around the store, the fighting bull grabs the tough by the seat of his pants and the two wrestle. The factory owners laugh as the bull and customer exit the shop, still fighting. From Edison films catalog: On the walls of the factory a lot of different varieties of frankfurters are hung. Each is marked with the breed of dog it is made from. A combined dog and bologna making machine is seen in the foreground, and two Germans are working industriously over it. A tramp enters with about a dozen dogs of various types, and sells them to the Germans. They are soon transformed into sausage and the tramp departs with his cash. A dude now enters who wants to buy a spaniel. The dog is quickly made and sold. A number of customers follow and are supplied with dogs that suit their fancies. Finally a tough enters who wants a bull dog. A Boston Bull is produced, but does not suit him. He wants a fighting bull. The dog is made, and as he jumps from the machine he grabs the tough by the pants, and dog and man mix up in a rolling match all over the floor. The tough finally releases himself and disappears, leaving the fighting bull dog to be again turned into bologna.

Down the old Potomac CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1917. SUMMARY Follows a week-long, 180-mile trip on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal through the Potomac Valley from Cumberland, Md., to Washington, D.C. Includes scenes of the locks in operation; a mile-long, hand-dug tunnel which was built in 1840; coal barges plying the canal; Maryland farming country; Harper's Ferry; and Great Falls.

This CD is created to run on both Windows and Macintosh computers using an HTML menu to navigate to the various movies. IMPORTANT: These CDs are designed to be played in your computer - not your DVD player.