The Films of Thomas Edison
Volume 7 (Containing 31 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

Panoramic view of the Champs Elysees CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900.

Panoramic view of the Golden Gate CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Thomas A. Edison, Inc., 1902. SUMMARY This film, photographed from the front of a moving steam engine, shows the scenic portion of the Ferries and Cliff House Railroad route along the bluffs and cliffs of Lands End (at the northwest corner of San Francisco) overlooking the Golden Gate and the Marin headlands. The line gave access to the famed Cliff House and Sutro Baths, previously accessed by the Point Lobos toll road through the sand dunes and by a nearby inland railroad. The Ferries and Cliff House line, the youngest and last of San Francisco's steam railroads (five in all) was built between 1886 and 1888 under the direction of owners W.H. Martin, John Ballard, W.J. Adams, Thomas Magee, and H.H. Lynch. The line was absorbed into the United Railroads of San Francisco in 1894 (owned by the Southern Pacific Railroad) and was served by six light and two heavy Baldwin steam engines, the latter used on Sundays. The rails were of English steel. Hurt by competition from a rival - and cheaper - inland line owned by former Mayor Adolph Sutro (owner of the Cliff House and Sutro Baths and enemy of the Southern Pacific Railroad), the line ceased operation shortly before the 1906 earthquake. The locomotives were replaced with electric streetcars of the Sutter and California Street Railroad's #1 line. The streetcars ceased operation after the trackbed was eroded by landslides in 1925. Today the trackbed, partly destroyed by landslides, is a trail in the Lands End unit of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Monterey cypress trees and other plants were subsequently introduced and have greatly altered the original coastal shrub landscape. The film shows the first 1.5 miles of the 5.25 mile eastbound return trip from the Cliff House and Sutro Baths to the train terminal at California Street and Central Avenue (now Presidio Avenue). From the terminal, passengers could continue by cable car to downtown or to various outlying neighborhoods. The portion of the route not shown was along California Street, through the thinly-developed sand dunes of the Richmond district. The scenic portion was built at an elevation averaging 150 feet, affording superb views of the Golden Gate, the entrance strait to San Francisco Bay.

Panoramic view of the Place de l'Concord CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: Taken from an automobile. This picture was taken during the fashionable driving hour, making a complete circle of the Place de la Concorde, passing hundreds of carriages and busses. The beginning of the picture shows the historical church of the Madeleine in the background, the picture ending by approaching and running under the main entrance to the Paris Exposition.

Panoramic view of the president's house at Canton, Ohio CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Thomas A. Edison, Inc., 1901. SUMMARY Photographed from a single-camera position, the film's 160-degree pan shows President McKinley's house and the large line of people being controlled by military troops. The crowd had gathered before going through the president's house to view his body.

Panoramic view of Tremont Hotel, Galveston CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: This picture shows several buildings which were wrecked and also shows a rear view of this hotel, which is on the highest point of land in Galveston, and in which several thousand people were saved.

Parade of Chinese CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1898. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: Taken at San Francisco, Cal., at the Golden Jubilee. This picture shows a procession of the resident Chinese of San Francisco, carrying banners, flags, etc. They are followed by an immense float drawn by four white horses. In the background is seen a beautiful arch, while across the street are hung numerous flags, which wave in the wind.

Parade of marines, U.S. cruiser "Brooklyn" CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1898. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: First comes the famous Marine Band of the "Brooklyn," with the mascot goat alongside the bass drum. The 300 marines follow in rapid marching order, a sixteen file front in each company.

Passaic Falls CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., [1896] SUMMARY From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: A beautiful picture of the falls of the Passaic River, near Paterson, N.J.

Philadelphia Express, Jersey Central Railway CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1897. SUMMARY From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: The scene of the overhead crossing of the Pennsylvania and Jersey Central railroads at Elizabeth, N.J. While a Pennsylvania train is passing over the arch, the Philadelphia Express on the Central Railroad comes dashing underneath at full speed, head on to the audience.

Pillow fight CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1897. SUMMARY From F.M. Prescott catalog: A comic subject, clear, bright and characteristic. Shows four girls in their night dresses, engaged in an animated pillow fight. During the action the pillows become torn, and the feathers fly over their heads and about the room in great numbers, producing with the white dresses and the black background a novel effect. Sharp, full of action, and popular in character.

Pilot boats in New York harbor CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Thomas A. Edison, Inc., 1899. SUMMARY A New York harbor pilot boat passes close enough for four members of the crew to be seen [Frame: 0471]. Following the sailing vessel is a steamship [0780]. From a contemporary Edison Company catalog: PILOT BOATS IN NEW YORK HARBOR. Unboys [code for telegraphic orders]. A close view of an eighty footer, schooner rigged, trim as a private yacht, skimming over the waters of the harbor near Robin's Reef, [where a] picturesque little lighthouse is seen in the near background. A steamer decked with bunting also passes by at close range.

Police patrol wagon CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1897. SUMMARY From Maguire & Baucus catalogues: A scene in which a number of men engage in a rough-and-tumble street fight. The police appear, the patrol wagon dashes up and the combatants are arrested and driven off to the police station. A realistic picture; sharp, clear and sure to excite interest wherever exhibited.

President McKinley and escort going to the Capitol CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Thomas A. Edison, Inc., 1901. SUMMARY Filmed during McKinley's inauguration. The film begins by showing military personnel on horseback. The camera was positioned on a side street and photographed representatives of several different companies of American cavalry. Just as the film ends, foot soldiers and West Point cadets preceding the two horse-drawn carriages, one containing President McKinley's party, come into view.

President McKinley reviewing the troops at the Pan-American Exposition CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Thomas A. Edison, Inc., 1901. SUMMARY From a single camera position pointed directly at the reviewing stand, the film shows President McKinley and his entourage as they stand in the reviewing stand and take the salute of the passing American infantry troops.

President McKinley taking the oath CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Thomas A. Edison, Inc., 1901. SUMMARY This film records President McKinley taking the oath of office. The first camera position shows the seating arrangements prepared for the spectators and witnesses on the steps of the Capitol. At the time the film was taken, there were many empty seats. The second camera position shows the inaugural party during the swearing-in ceremonies. All that can be seen is the black draped balcony and, in the distance, two people standing facing one another, as if they were part of the administration of the oath. The film ends as the newly inaugurated president begins his speech.

President McKinley's funeral cortege at Buffalo, N.Y. (in 3 parts) CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Thomas A. Edison, Inc., 1901. SUMMARY The photography in this film is from several camera positions. The first position was over the heads of the crowds that lined the street watching the cortege begin. Mounted police precede the escort for the funeral procession. the next camera position is from the other side of the spectators and reveals the escort of various military organizations represented (army, navy, marine corps, West Point and U.S. Naval Academy cadets). Another camera position includes the immediate family in their carriages preceding the hearse carrying the body of the president [end of part 2]. The next camera position, high above the heads of the people, is in front of the building where the memorial services were held. It shows the hearse and the casket being removed and taken on the shoulders of the bearers up the steps of the church. In the background are streets crowded with people. The last scene shows large groups of people leaving the memorial services.

President McKinley's funeral cortege at Washington, D.C. (in 3 parts) CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Thomas A. Edison, Inc., 1901. SUMMARY The photographer covered the subject, the funeral cortege of President McKinley, from many different positions along the line of march. The people shown are those who preceded the hearse and those who followed after it. First come the walking military (army, navy, marine corps, national guard) [end of part 2], and then ranking military dignitaries who immediately precede the hearse. Following the escorted hearse are the two closed carriages, containing the president's immediate family. After the carriages, are more mourners on foot, representing various countries. There is some film taken from one of the wings of the Capitol overlooking the courtyard of that building.

President McKinley's speech at the Pan-American Exposition CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Thomas A. Edison, Inc., 1901. SUMMARY The film begins by showing the introductory speaker at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo. The speaker introduces the incumbent president of the United States, William F. McKinley. The remainder of the film is a straight-on moving photograph of the president during his last public speech.

President Roosevelt at the Canton station CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Thomas A. Edison, Inc., 1901. SUMMARY The film begins by showing Theodore Roosevelt arriving with other mourners at Canton, Ohio. Mr. Roosevelt is shown leaving the station and getting into his carriage. The remainder of the film was photographed by panning the camera over the large crowd gathered in the area to watch the arrival of celebrities attending the funeral of President McKinley.

Princess Ali CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., [1895] SUMMARY From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: By "Princess Ali," the star of the Midway Plaisance.

Procession of floats CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1898. SUMMARY Taken at San Francisco, Cal., at the Golden Jubilee. In the foreground are seen crowds of people, all being very close to the camera. The first float is drawn by four white horses and is at least twenty feet long. It carries a full load of little school girls, who sit along its full length facing the sides of the street. This is followed by a corps of firemen, and they in turn by a unique float drawn by six mules. Particular attention is drawn to the actions of a small boy who stands very close to the camera and who partially obstructs the view. He was requested by the photographer to leave his position, and the startled look and hasty disappearance lends a humorous incident. Sharp and clear.

R.F.D., 10,000 B.C. (in 2 parts) CREATED/PUBLISHED [United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1917?] SUMMARY An animated mannequin comedy (also known as an O'Brien plastic stop-work comedy) set in prehistoric times. Henry Saurus, the mailman, and Johnny Bearskin, the favored suitor, vie for the affections of Winnie Warclub on Valentine's Day.

Racing at Sheepshead Bay CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1897. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: The finish and weighing out of a running race with nine starters. Won by famous Clifford, Sloane up.

Raising Old Glory over Morro Castle CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., c1899. SUMMARY From The Phonoscope, January 1899, p. 15: Down goes the Spanish flag, and up floats the Stars and Stripes. Down falls the symbol of tyranny and oppression that has ruled in the new world for four hundred years, and up goes the Banner of Freedom. In the distance are the turrets and battlements of Morro, the last foothold of Spain in America.

Red Cross ambulance on battlefield CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1900. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: Near the center of this scene we see the regimental surgeon directing the movements of the Ambulance Corps. Tenderly they pick up the unfortunates and place them in the ambulance. The numbers disabled show that the battle has been a hot one, and many a poor fellow, if he survives his injuries, will carry to his grave the scars honorably acquired in his country's cause.

Return of lifeboat CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1897. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: Shows a life boat coming through the breakers. The surf is high and the stout boat is tossed about like a cork.

Reviewing the "Texas" at Grant's Tomb CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1898. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: Shows every detail of the "Texas" as she passes Riverside Park. The background shows the white dome of the tomb on the hill crest.

Robetta and Doretto CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., [1894] SUMMARY From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: The pursuit of Hop Lee by an irate policeman.

A romance of the rail CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1903. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: A series of railroad scenes of novel and amusing interest. It opens with a view of an imposing station showing a pretty girl, dressed in white, seated on a trunk awaiting the arrival of her train. A young man approaches, also dressed in white, and the two immediately fall in love. The Lackawanna Limited then rolls into the station and the Pullman porter helps the couple aboard. As the Limited pulls out the pair are seen on the observation platform waving adieu to their friends. The picture later shows the train rushing sixty miles an hour through the famous Delaware Water Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with the young couple enjoying the passing scenery. As Delaware Water Gap station is reached a porter appears with his brush, but the young people protest that the journey has been so free from dust that there is no need for his services. The climax comes when the young man, who has become more and more infatuated, secures a minister and the marriage ceremony takes place on the rear platform. The picture shows them leaving the train on arrival at the Gap, and a little humor is added at the end by the appearance of two tramps from beneath the trucks of the observation car dressed in full evening clothes, who become indignant at the offer of the porter to brush them off, as their trip has been entirely free from soot and dust. The series is full of snappy train scenes and is certain to provoke a laugh.

Roosevelt's Rough Riders embarking for Santiago CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., c1898.

Rube and Mandy at Coney Island CREATED/PUBLISHED United States : Edison Manufacturing Co., 1903. SUMMARY From Edison films catalog: The first scene shows this country couple entering Steeplechase Park. They proceed to amuse themselves on the steeplechase, rope bridge, riding the bulls and the "Down and Out." The scene then changes to a panorama of Luna Park, and we find Rube and Mandy doing stunts on the rattan slide, riding on the miniature railway, shooting the chutes, riding the boats in the old mill, and visiting Professor Wormwood's Monkey theatre. They next appear on the Bowery, where we find them with the fortune tellers, striking the punching machine, and winding up with the frankfurter man. The climax shows a bust view of Rube and Mandy eating frankfurters. Interesting not only for its humorous features, but also for its excellent views of Coney Island and Luna Park.

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.