The Films of Thomas Edison
Volume 5 (Containing 36 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

Japanese acrobats CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1904. SUMMARY An Oriental man and boy walk on a stage with a painted backdrop of a garden or park, give a slight bow to the camera as if it were an audience member, and remove their silk jackets. Both wear dark tights and leotards with light-colored slippers; the man also wears grey trunks, and the boy sports a white cloth around his middle. Lying on his back on a fitted mat, the man juggles and spins the boy with his feet. The boy's acrobatic movements include spinning in a tucked ball-like position, flipping lengthwise in a prone position, flipping from a standing position to a shoulder-stand, somersaulting from a standing to a sitting position, repeated flips involving both the hands and feet of the man, and other series of somersaults and turns. After finishing the act, the acrobats take a slight bow and run off the stage, then return for another bow before finally exiting.

Japanese village CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Thomas A. Edison, Inc., 1901. SUMMARY At the beginning of the film, at a distance of about one-hundred feet, is a two-story building with a balcony, some tropical plants, and a telephone pole. A young Japanese man appears directly in front of the camera. He is accompanied by two small Japanese boys attired in tight knee britches and rather loose sleeved blouses. The three of them exhibit their gymnastic powers by performing back handsprings, back flips, unusual handstands, etc. There are two spectators in Occidental clothing. Nothing shown in the film indicates Japanese surroundings.

The kiss CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: Nothing new, but an old thing done over again and done well. Some one has attempted to describe a kiss as "something made of nothing," but this is not one of that kind, but one of those old fashioned "home made" kind that sets the whole audience into merriment and motion, and has always proven a popular subject.

Launch of Japanese man-of-war "Chitosa" [i.e., "Chitose"] CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Thomas A. Edison, Inc., 1898. SUMMARY This film shows the launching of the Imperial Japanese Navy cruiser Chitose at the Union Iron Works shipyard, San Francisco, on Saturday, January 22, 1898. The camera view is east, across a small inlet of Central Basin, to slipway #1. Four additional slipways lay beyond to the west. The inlet and slipway remain today, now covered with chunks of abandoned piers, adjacent to the Southwest Marine shipyard. The camera viewpoint is today called pier 68, part of Southwest Marine's facilities. The San Francisco Chronicle's article on the Chitose's launch notes that "an Edison automatoscope caught the fleeting cruiser in a series of moving pictures which are to be sent to Japan for the edification of the public there, the Home Government favoring the project." The Chitose was a 4,760-ton second class unarmored protected cruiser used in naval support and supply operations. Her construction was supervised in San Francisco by Captain S. Sakurai of the Imperial Japanese Navy. The cruiser was 405 feet long, had a maximum speed of 22.3 knots, and was armed with several small guns (six 2.5-pounder, twelve 12-pounder, ten 4.7", two 8") and 14 torpedo tubes. She probably served as support during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05. Her last known entry in Jane's Fighting Ships (1925) lists her as an obsolete class of cruiser. The launch took place at 10:25am before a crowd of 200 distinguished guests and over 1,000 members of the public, as well as many shipworkers. Numerous workers can be seen dangling from the framework of the assembley shed [Frame: 1030], and a large crowd watches from a grandstand at the rear. Men and boys watch from small boats in the foreground and two boys jump into the water fully clothed near the end of the film [1570]. The unfinished hull received its superstructure over the following year. The ship sailed for Yokohama on March 21, 1899. Miss May Budd, niece of California governor James Budd, christened the ship with a bottle of California wine. Miss Gladys Sullivan, niece of San Francisco mayor James Phelan, pressed the button that sent the ship down the slipway. Following a Japanese custom symbolizing the peace-keeping role of a warship, 100 doves were released at the same moment. Bands played and Japanese fireworks were set off as the Chitose slid into the bay. United States Army and Navy officials, state and city officials, and the consular corps attended the launching. Japanese Consul General Segawa explained in a speech at the following luncheon that Chitose meant "a thousand years of peace" in Japanese, and hoped that the ship would fulfill that wish. The launching came at a time of excellent American-Japanese relations, although Japan was undertaking an unprecedented military buildup. The storm clouds of conflict between America and Japan lay several decades in the future. The Union Iron Works, founded in 1849 by Peter Donahue, moved to its bayside location, northeast of Potrero Hill, in 1883. Under the Scott Brothers it moved from machinery to shipbuilding, becoming the largest shipbuilding plant on the Pacific Coast. Several United States battleships were built at the yards in the 1890s, but the plant was in decline when it was bought by Bethlehem Steel in 1906.

Launch of life boat CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1897. SUMMARY From F.Z. Maguire catalogue: Taken at the Pacific Coast Life Saving Service, Fort Point Station, Presidio, San Francisco, Cal., commanded by Capt. Joseph Hodgson, and shows the crew in the act of starting for a wreck. The scene opens with the opening of the boat-house door, followed by the boat speeding down a runway into the water. The sailors, with oars pointing upward, and the splashing waters, are clearly reproduced, making an interesting scene.

Launching a stranded schooner from the docks CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: During the terrific storm all of the light craft along the dock front was lifted out of the water and washed up into the streets, many of them being carried for miles inland. This subject shows a number of boatmen who have banded together to get their craft back into the water, a panoramic view being taken of the schooner as she glided sideways down the improvised ways, forming a very interesting subject.

Launching, no. 2 CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1898. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: The camera was changed after the former subject had been photographed [Cataloger's note: see film entitled Launch of Japanese man-of-war "Chitosa"] and the ship is seen nearly head-on, bow first, still floating backward into the harbor, while in the foreground are seen numerous row-boats with their occupants. As the boat passes out of view the row-boats constantly move around and increase in numbers, thereby lending action to the scene. This film is also exceedingly sharp, and being shown in connection with the launching proper would prove interesting.

Laura Comstock's bag-punching dog CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1901. SUMMARY Opens with the head and shoulders of a woman in full dress and hat and the front paws and head of a boxer visible behind a sign that reads "Miss Laura Comstock's Bag Punching Dog." Cuts to the dog sitting on his haunches on a stage with a painted backdrop of a trail through a forest. As the dog starts to wander offscreen, a large punching bag drops from above. He leaps up and hits the suspended bag with his head and body, causing it to swing. The dog repeatedly punches the bag in this manner until he knocks it down completely, grabs it in his mouth, and shakes it from side to side in his teeth.

Leander Sisters CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1897. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: A clever, characteristic dance called the "Yellow Kid." Very unique. Stage is in the Sutro Baths, San Francisco, Cal., and the audience is composed largely of bathers.

Leonard-Cushing fight CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Kinetoscope Exhibiting Co., [1894] SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: An actual six-round contest between Mike Leonard, commonly called the "Beau Brummel" of pugilism, and Jack Cushing. Full of hard fighting, clever hits, punches, leads, dodges, body blows and some slugging.

Lick Observatory, Mt. Hamilton, Cal. CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1897. SUMMARY From F.Z. Maguire catalogue: The background of this picture is the Lick Observatory, Mount Hamilton, Cal. This observatory, the gift of James Lick, of Pennsylvania, was constructed at a cost of 700,000, being equipped with one of the most powerful telescopes that has ever been produced, and is famous the world over. The view of the Observatory is very complete, showing the style of architecture, including the glass covered dome in which are placed the various astronomical instruments. Every Saturday night throughout the year is set apart for visitors to inspect the Observatory and look through the great glass. This view shows a coach load driving up and alighting.

Life rescue at Long Branch CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1901.

Little mischief CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., [1899] SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: Papa is reading his newspaper and his little girl tickles his neck with a long straw. Thinking it is a fly papa "shoos" away the supposed fly with his hand. The tickling continues now on the ear, and papa waves his newspaper around his head. Not yet content, the little mischief maker continues her fun, and the man loses all patience, and makes such a wild commotion that he loses his balance, and falls over backwards, chair and all. Sure to make fun for the children, both great and small.

The little train robbery (in 3 parts) CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1905. SUMMARY The opening scene shows the interior of the robbers' den. The walls are decorated with the portraits of notorious criminals and pictures illustrating the exploits of famous bandits. Some of the gang are lounging about, while others are reading novels and illustrated papers. Although of youthful appearance, each is dressed like a typical Western desperado. The "Bandit Queen," leading a blindfolded new recruit, now enters the room. He is led to the center of the room, raises his right hand and is solemnly sworn in. When the bandage is removed from his eyes he finds himself looking into the muzzles of a dozen or more 45's. The gang then congratulates the new member and heartily shake his hand. The "Bandit Queen" who is evidently the leader of the gang, now calls for volunteers to hold up a train. All respond, but she picks out seven for the job who immediately leave the cabin. The next scene shows the gang breaking into a barn. They steal ponies and ride away. Upon reaching the place agreed upon they picket their ponies and leaving them in charge of a trusted member proceed to a wild mountain spot in a bend of the railroad, where the road runs over a steep embankment. The spot is an ideal one for holding up a train. Cross ties are now placed on the railroad track and the gang hide in some bushes close by and wait for the train. The train soon approaches and is brought to a stop. The engineer leaves his engine and proceeds to remove the obstruction on the track. While he is bending over one of the gang sneaks up behind them and hits him on the head with an axe, and knocks him senseless down the embankment, while the gang surround the train and hold up the passengers. After securing all the "valuables," consisting principally of candy and dolls, the robbers uncouple the engine and one car and make their escape just in time to avoid a posse of police who appear on the scene. Further up the road they abandon the engine and car, take to the woods and soon reach their ponies. In the meantime the police have learned the particulars of the hold-up from the frightened passengers and have started up the railroad tracks after the fleeing robbers. The robbers are next seen riding up the bed of a shallow stream and finally reach their den, where the remainder of the gang have been waiting for them. Believing they have successfully eluded their pursuers, they proceed to divide the "plunder." The police, however, have struck the right trail and are in close pursuit. While the "plunder" is being divided a sentry gives the alarm and the entire gang, abandoning everything, rush from the cabin barely in time to escape capture. The police make a hurried search and again start in pursuit. The robbers are so hard pressed that they are unable to reach their ponies, and are obliged to take chances on foot. The police now get in sight of the fleeing robbers and a lively chase follows through tall weeds, over a bridge and up a steep hill. Reaching a pond the police are close on their heels. The foremost robbers jump in clothes and all and strike out for the opposite bank. Two hesitate and are captured. Boats are secured and after an exciting tussle the entire gang is rounded up. In the mix up one of the police is dragged overboard. The final scene shows the entire gang of bedraggled and crestfallen robbers tied together with a rope and being led away by the police. Two of the police are loaded down with revolvers, knives and cartridge belts, and resemble walking aresenals. As a fitting climas a confederate steals out of the woods, cuts the rope and gallantly rescues the "Bandit Queen."

Loading baggage for Klondike, no. 6 CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1897. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: This was the first ship sailing for the Klondike from Seattle during the gold rush of 1897. The picture shows the excitement and enthusiasm that attended the great Klondike exodus. Crowds of anxious gold seekers watch the loading of their outfits, clothing, kits and provisions into the hole of the "Williamette."

The lone fisherman CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., [1896] SUMMARY From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: Illustrating "fisherman's luck." Sure to make a hit.

Love and war CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1899. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: An illustrated song telling the story of a hero who leaves for the war as a private, is promoted to the rank of captain for bravery in service, meets the girl of his choice, who is a Red Cross nurse on the field, and finally returns home triumphantly as an officer to the father and mother to whom he bade good bye as a private. The film presents this beautiful song picture in six scenes, each of which has a separate song, making the entire series a complete and effective novelty. PARTING. -- "Our hero boy to the war has gone." Words and music. CAMPING. -- "What! A letter from home." Words and music. FIGHTING. -- The battle prayer. "Father, on Thee I Call." Words and music. CONVALESCING. -- "Weeping, Sad and Lonely." Words and music. SORROWING. -- The mother's lament, "Come back, my dear boy, to me." Words and music. RETURNING. -- When our hero boy comes back again. Hurrah! Hurrah! "Star Spangled Banner." Words and music. The above scene can be illustrated either by a soloist, quartette or with an orchestra, and with or without stereopticon slides. This series of animated pictures, when properly illustrated or announced by stereopticon reading matter, should make a great success. Length 200 feet, complete with words of song and music.

Love in a hammock CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1901. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: A happy young couple are seated in a hammock under an old oak tree, ardently making love and evidently totally oblivious to all that is taking place about them. Two bad boys suddenly appear upon the scene, and one of them climbs into the tree while the other keeps watch. The urchin into the tree scrambles out on an overhanging branch, lying flat on his face, so as to be directly over the happy pair to hear what goes on. When the love making reaches a climax the branch on which the boy is lying breaks. The boy falls into the hammock between the pair of lovers; the hammock breaks with the fall of the boy, and both the boy and the lovers are mixed up in a confused mass upon the ground. The ending is exceedingly ludicrous, and we predict that this subject will be highly amusing.

Lower falls, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone Park CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., c1899. SUMMARY Probably part of the "Alaska and Yellowstone National Park Series" in the "Northern Pacific Railway Series" (Edison films catalog): The following pictures were taken by our artists at various points on the Northern Pacific Railway. We are greatly indebted to their officials who afforded us every opportunity in their power to obtain these splendid views. Many of the scenes are incident to the excitement prevailing at the time of the Klondike gold rush. They show the resources of this company for handling large numbers of people, baggage, freight and excursion parties, and give to prospective tourists and merchants an idea of the facilities with which this road handles traffic of all kinds

Luis Martinetti CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., [1894] SUMMARY From Raff & Gammon price list: Gymnast and contortionist, performing on flying rings.

Lurline Baths CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1897. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: At San Francisco. The main feature is the toboggan slide which the bathers use, some sitting, others lying down, head first or feet first.

The magician CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: The scene opens on a theatrical stage. The magician enters from the wings, and making a bow to the audience, removes his coat and hat, and they disappear mysteriously into the air. He then takes a white handkerchief from his pocket, holds it over his knees, and his long trousers disappear, and behold! he is clad in knickerbockers. He next makes a pass with a magic wand and a table suddenly appears before the audience, on which is a large pile of tissue paper. The magician takes up the paper and shakes it a few times and three live geese fly out upon the floor. This is a highly pleasing and mystifying subject.

Major General Shafter CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1898. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: The commander of the 5th Army Corps rides forward with a party of officers. He wears a white helmet, a broad expanse of shirt bosom and a general air of avoirdupois.

Maniac chase (in 2 parts) CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1904. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: The picture opens with the interior of a cell in an insane asylum. The inmate, who imagines himself to be Napoleon the Great, is seated at a table dressed in the costume of that world renowned general. A keeper enters with a bowl of soup. "Napoleon" tastes the soup and then dashes the contents of the bowl into the keeper's face. A fierce fight follows with "Napoleon" getting the better of it until two more keepers rush in and the three beat him unmercifully and leave him insensible on the floor. After the keepers leave, "Napoleon" gets up, smashes the table and pries off the bars of his cell with one of the table legs and escapes through the window. The second scene shows "Napoleon" escaping through the woods, pursued by the three keepers, and succeeding scenes following in rapid succession show the most exciting and ludicrous situations. In his flight "Napoleon" discovers an empty barrel, crawls into it and rolls to the bottom of the hill, and thus eludes his pursuers for a time. He next reaches a large tree. The first limbs are high above the ground, but "Napoleon" jumps and easily reaches one of the branches. The three keepers follow and disappear into the tree. A panoramic effect shows "Napoleon" descending from another tree, followed closely by the three keepers. A haystack is now reached. A tramp is sleeping at the foot with a gun beside him. "Napoleon" takes his gun and paces back and forth as a sentinel on guard. The keepers soon discover him and the chase continues. Finally "Napoleon" gets back to the asylum, climbs up to his cell window, and when the tired and worn out keepers return they are dumfounded [sic] at finding "Napoleon" seated at a table reading a paper. At each change of scene "Napoleon" stops to pose in characteristic attitude, producing a highly amusing effect.

The martyred presidents CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Thomas A. Edison, Inc., 1901. SUMMARY This film is difficult to classify. It opens on a scene showing a mourner with bowed head sitting in front of what appears to be a tombstone. Shortly afterwards, the face of Abraham Lincoln and then of two other presidents, Garfield and McKinley, can be seen on the monument and then they disappear. There is a figure huddled at the foot of a statue of Justice, as if asking forgiveness.

Maude's naughty little brother CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: In a charming dining room a very attractive young lady is seen seated at the table, evidently waiting for the caller who is to share a quiet little dinner for two. A moment later a dude of the regular chappy type enters and seats himself at the table. As soon as the meal commences the inevitable wicked small boy sneaks in unobserved, and producing a piece of rope ties one end securely to the dude's coat tails and fastens the other to the table- cloth. He then crawls under the table and in great glee awaits the result of his operations. At this moment an unexpected interruption occurs. The door is flung rudely open and papa enters upon the peaceful scene, at sight of whom the dude rises from the table and makes a dash for the door. Unfortunately for him his coat-tails are securely tied to the table-cloth, and as he makes his exit he drags off the crockery and table-cloth and overturns the table with a tremendous crash, being forcibly assisted out of the door by the irate parent's shoe-toe, who then rushes back into the room and administers a sound spanking to Maude's naughty little brother.

May Irwin kiss CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1896. SUMMARY From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: An osculatory performance by May Irwin and John Rice. The most popular subject ever shown.

McKinley's funeral entering Westlawn Cemetery, Canton [Ohio] CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Thomas A. Edison, Inc., 1901. SUMMARY Photographed from several camera positions, the film shows the funeral procession both preceding and following the body of the assassinated president before he is interred at Canton, Ohio.

Men boxing (in 2 parts) CREATED/PUBLISHED [1891] SUMMARY Experimental film fragment made with the Edison-Dickson-Heise experimental horizontal-feed kinetograph camera and viewer, using 3/4-inch wide film.

Mesmerist and country couple CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1899. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: Mr. and Mrs. Hayseed have heard of this wonderful Professor, and come to his office. They waken him from a trance, give him a fee and he hypnotizes them. The stunts they do while under his influence would make the Sphinx laugh for joy. Hayseed stands on his head, balances himself on a chair and takes off his clothes. Mrs. Hayseed also begins to disrobe, but she goes behind a screen. Her bare arm appears over the top, and she drops her clothes on the floor. It is a hair raising moment to guess what she's going to do next. The mystical appearances and lightning changes are managed with wonderful cleverness.

The messenger boy's mistake CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1903. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: "Cholly" wishes to call on his best girl and send her a large bouquet. To find out if the girl really loves him, he sends a note with the messenger boy requesting her to "wear this" if she does. The boy delivers the note and a package which the young lady opens and finds an old pair of trousers and other masculine wearing apparel. She becomes enraged. When "Cholly" comes she proceeds to give him instructions as to what to do in the future, etc., but before she finishes, the boy, having discovered his mistake, returns with the right box. "Cholly" hastily closes up the wrong one, hands it to the boy and kicks him out of the door. He then opens the right box and presents the bouquet himself. She wears the flowers, and things are now all right.

Military camp at Tampa, taken from train CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1898. SUMMARY From Edison films "war extra" catalog: A wide plain, dotted with tents, gleaming white in the bright sunshine. Soldiers moving about everywhere, at all sorts of duties. In the background looms up a big cigar factory; giving the prosaic touch to the picture needful to bring out in sharp contrast the patriotism with which the scene inspires us. The camera was on a rapidly moving train, so the panoramic view is a wide one, and remarkably brilliant.

The mob outside the Temple of Music at the Pan-American Exposition CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Thomas A. Edison, Inc., 1901. SUMMARY The camera was positioned at such a height behind a large group of people outside an exhibit building that mainly hats are visible. From a contemporary Edison film company catalog: THE MOB OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE OF MUSIC AT THE PAN-AMERICAN EXPOSITION. Unglorify. [code for telegraphic orders]. On Friday, September 6th, 1901, we had our cameras in position to photograph the President as he left the Temple of Music, but the deplorable assassination, of course, prevented our getting this picture. We did, however, secure an excellent panoramic view of the mob surging in front of the Temple of Music attempting to get at the assassin. These pictures have created intense excitement and interest. Our cameras were the only ones at work at the Pan-American Exposition on the day of President McKinley's speech, Thursday, September 5th, and on Friday, September 6th, the day of the shooting. This picture was photographed immediately after the shooting, and shows the intense excitement of the people. The Pan-American Exposition guards are plainly seen in the background trying to check the frantic multitude as they sway backward and forward in their mad endeavor to reach the assassin.

Montreal Fire Department on runners CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1901. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: First comes the Chief's sleigh with old-fashioned side runners, containing the Chief and his driver. Next comes a chemical apparatus mounted on a stout double runner sled, which is followed closely by hose apparatus mounted on double runner sleds. Next comes a water tower mounted on a set of double runners and drawn by four beautiful horses. This is followed very closely by an engine drawn by a four-horse string team. Next comes a hook and ladder mounted on a double set of runners and drawn by a four-horse string team. This is followed by another engine on double runners and drawn by a four-horse string team, and a second hose carriage, and a Protective Insurance outfit bring up in the rear. The different apparatus, with their puffing horses, make a very exciting appearance as they pass the camera. It being a very cold day, the breath leaves the horses nostrils in great white puffs as they gallop through the snow-clad streets.

A morning alarm CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1896. SUMMARY From Maguire & Baucus catalogues: This shows the Fire Department leaving headquarters for an early morning fire. The scene is remarkable for its natural effect. The opening of the engine house doors, the prancing of the horses, and even the startled expression upon the faces of the spectators, are all clearly depicted.

A morning bath CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1896. SUMMARY From Maguire & Baucus catalogues (summary edited to remove offensive words): This scene presents a[n]... African mother in the act of giving her struggling [child] a bath in a tub of suds. This is a clear and distinct picture in which the contrast between the complexion of the bather and the white soapsuds is strongly marked. A very amusing and popular subject.

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.