William K.L. Dickson

William K.L. Dickson

Nascimento : 1860-08-03, Chateau St. Buc, Minihic-sur-Ranse, France

Morte : 1935-09-28

História

William Kennedy-Laurie Dickson (Le Minihic-sur-Rance, 3 de agosto de 1860 – Twickenham, 28 de setembro de 1935) foi um inventor escocês que criou uma câmera cinematográfica pioneira enquanto trabalhava para Thomas Edison, tendo sido precedido nesse intento apenas por Louis Le Prince. Aos 19 anos de idade, em 1879, William Dickson escreveu uma carta a Thomas Edison à procura de emprego com o inventor, mas não foi atendido. Nesse mesmo ano Dickson, sua mãe, e duas irmãs se mudaram da Inglaterra para a Virgínia. Em 1883 ele finalmente foi contratado para trabalhar no laboratório de Menlo Park, de Edison, que em 1888 concebeu um aparelho que "faria para olho o que o fonógrafo faz para o ouvido". Em outubro, Edison apresentou uma pedido preliminar de patentejunto ao escritório de patentes dos Estados Unidos descrevendo os seus planos para o dispositivo. Em março de 1889 um segundo pedido preliminar foi apresentado, em que o dispositivo cinematográfico recebeu um nome, Cinetoscópio. Dickson, na época o fotógrafo oficial da empresa de Edison, foi designado para transformar o conceito em realidade. William Dickson, inventou a primeira película de celulóide destinada especificamente para esta aplicação. Ele cortou uma filme em rolo convencional, que na época era de 70 mm de largura, e perfurou as laterais das tiras 35 mm resultantes, criando assim o padrão de filme de 35 mm até hoje em uso em cinema e fotografia. Em seguida William Dickson e sua equipe, do laboratório de Edison, trabalharam por vários anos no desenvolvimento do Cinetoscópio. O primeiro protótipo foi apresentado em maio de 1891, e o design do sistema foi finalizado no outono de 1892. A versão completa do Cinetoscópio foi revelada oficialmente no Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences em 9 de maio de 1893. Esse equipamento não consiste tecnicamente em um projetor, e sim em uma máquina de peep show. Ele mostrava em loop contínuo o filme que Dickson havia inventado, que era iluminado por uma lâmpada inventada por Edison. O filme era visto individualmente por cada espectador, através de uma janela que funcionava como visor, instalada em uma das paredes do equipamento. Contudo, o Cinetoscópio introduziu o processo de base que viria a ser o padrão para todas projeções cinematográficas anteriores ao advento do vídeo. William Dickson e sua equipe também desenvolveram o Cinetógrafo, uma forma inovadora de câmeras de cinema para filmar experimentos de sua empresa e, eventualmente, apresentações comerciais do Cinetoscópio.

Perfil

William K.L. Dickson

Filmes

The Brilliant Biograph: Earliest Moving Images of Europe (1897-1902)
Director
Eye Filmmuseum and the British Film Institute present a compilation film of newly-restored rare images from the first years of filmmaking. Immerse yourself in enchanting images of Venice, Berlin, Amsterdam and London from 120 years ago. Let yourself be carried away in the mesmerizing events and celebrities of the time, and feel the enthusiasm of early cinema that overcame the challenge of capturing life-like movement.
Butterfly Dances
Director
Selection of hand-painted films made from serpentine dance performances between 1895 and 1907, with original music by Carol Robinson. Produced for ARTE / Lobster Films.
Pope Leo XIII in His Carriage
Director
Filmmaker WKL Dickson, one-time right hand man to Thomas Edison, the 'Wizard of Menlo Park', here captures an even greater eminence, Pope Leo XIII. This was one of a series of films that exploited Dickson's unique, hard-won access to the Pontiff. Here the Pope arrives in a carriage and bestows a blessing. Whether this blessing was intended for the camera or for the audience beyond it, capturing it on film was a great prize for Dickson.
Captain Deasy's Daring Drive, Descent
Director
Film by W.K.L. Dickson
Captain Deasy's Daring Drive, Ascent
Director
Film by W.K.L. Dickson
Panorama of Ealing from a Moving Tram
Director of Photography
A camera sits on top of a moving train, providing a panoramic view of Ealing as the train moves.
Panorama of Ealing from a Moving Tram
Director
A camera sits on top of a moving train, providing a panoramic view of Ealing as the train moves.
Malta
Director
A panorama shot of the Malta island.
Panorama of Grand Harbour, Malta, Showing Battleships, Etc.
Director
Single panning shot of the Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta.
Battle of Spion Kop: Ambulance Corps Crossing the Tugela River
Director of Photography
Ambulances and British troops crossing the Tugela River over the pontoon bridge near Trichardt's Drift, during the British retreat from Spion Kop in the Boer War, 25 January 1900.
Battleship Odin Firing All Her Guns
Director
Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.
Dutch Fishing Fleet
Director
Tracking shot across a bay showing a large number of fishing boats
Tram Journey through Southampton
Director
A moving tour through lively turn-of-the-century Southampton.
Four Warships in Rough Seas
Director
Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.
Warships at Sunset
Director
A single shot of a fleet of warships at sea, with a sunset sky superimposed from another sequence to complete the effect.
Ladysmith – Naval Brigade Dragging 4.7 Guns into Ladysmith
Director of Photography
Naval ratings pulling along naval guns during the Boer War.
Gordon Highlanders in Ladysmith
Director of Photography
Single shot of a column of Gordon Highlanders marching out of their camp at Ladysmith to meet General Buller's relief column.
Naval Guns Firing at Colenso
Director of Photography
Close shot of 4.7" naval gun pointing to the left with group of British naval ratings standing around it. The gun fires and the men run up to reload, the begin to pull the gun forward.
Repairing the Broken Bridge at Frere
Director of Photography
British officers (Royal Engineers) supervising repair work on a bridge at Frere, spanning the Blaauw Krantz River, South Africa, during the Boer War.
King John
Director
Based on Shakespeare's play, Act V, Scene vii: King John is in torment, and his supporters fear that his end is near. As he writhes in agony, he is attended by Prince Henry, the Earl of Pembroke, and Robert Bigot. Prince Henry tries repeatedly to comfort his delirious father, but to no avail - John's pain is too great.
Man Overboard!
Director
Sailors practice rescuing someone who's fallen overboard.
Flower Parade in Haarlem
Director
In April the bloemencorso (flower parade) takes place in Haarlem in the Netherlands. This shot shows groups of carriages, festooned with flowers parading in a grassy area with onlookers.
Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race
Director of Photography
"An interesting picture of the great inter-collegiate eight-oared boat race of 1899. The picture is taken from the judge's boat, and shows the start and first part of the race."
Amann, the Great Impersonator
Director
"In his characterization of Capt. Dreyfus and Emile Zola."
Launch of the 'Oceanic'
Director
"A magnificent picture of the launching of the 'Oceanic,' which up to that time was the largest vessel ever floated. The view is taken from a pier out over the water; the vessel coming stern on towards the camera and passing it by. A tremendous wave is thrown among the spectators crowded at the side of the pier, and the great excitement prevailing is very evident in the picture." (Belfast)
Orphan Girls in Amsterdam
Director
A group of orphans walking through the streets of Amsterdam. Shot on 68mm Mutagraph-Biograph.
Tapping a Blast Furnace
Director
Showing the tapping of the furnace, and the running of the molten metal into the moulds at Elswick yard.
Catching the Ferry in Amsterdam
Director
Film by WKL Dickson
Panoramic View of Windsor Castle
Director
Film by W.K.L. Dickson; Rounding a bend in the track, we behold Windsor Castle.
London Fire Brigade, Alarm
Director
A London fire brigade springs into action.
In the Friedrichstrasse
Director
A busy street in Berlin.
Away Aloft
Director
Sailors clamber up the rigging
From Monte Carlo to Monaco
Director
Phantom train ride along the French Riviera in Monte Carlo, Monaco
In a German Bath
Director
Women bathing in a german bath.
Fun on a Sand Hill
Director
A very amusing picture, showing a crowd of children and old folks disporting on a sand hill in one of the big public parks of Berlin. This picture is one of the "hits" of the Biograph.
Rifle Hill Signal Station near Frere Camp
Director of Photography
Signalling from a British trench during the Boer war.
The Lane on Sunday Morning
Director of Photography
Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.
Launch of the 'Oceanic'
Director of Photography
"A magnificent picture of the launching of the 'Oceanic,' which up to that time was the largest vessel ever floated. The view is taken from a pier out over the water; the vessel coming stern on towards the camera and passing it by. A tremendous wave is thrown among the spectators crowded at the side of the pier, and the great excitement prevailing is very evident in the picture." (Belfast)
Tapping a Blast Furnace
Director of Photography
Showing the tapping of the furnace, and the running of the molten metal into the moulds at Elswick yard.
Australian Cricket Tourists of 1899
Director of Photography
Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.
The American Biograph in Circus O. Carré
Director of Photography
Short film of the audience leaving the afternoon show at Circus Carré in Amsterdam. Produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.
Pope Leo XIII Leaving Carriage and Being Ushered Into Garden, No. 104
Director
Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.
Pope Leo XIII Carried through the Vatican Loggia on His Way to the Sistine Chapel
Director
Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.
Duel to the Death
Director
This Victorian duel between knife-wielding women was taken from an existing stage production, thought to be the Drury Lane theatre melodrama 'Women and Wine'. The actresses are believed to be Edith Blanche and Beatrice Homer.
Coronation of Queen Wilhelmina of Holland (No. 1)
Director
Carriages carrying Queen Wilhelmina arrive in Amsterdam
Duel to the Death
Director
This Victorian duel between knife-wielding women was taken from an existing stage production, thought to be the Drury Lane theatre melodrama 'Women and Wine'. The actresses are believed to be Edith Blanche and Beatrice Homer.
He and She
Director
An amusing picture showing a quarrel between an elderly husband and his young wife, and a joyful reconciliation.
Launch of the Worthing Lifeboat Emerging from the Boathouse
Director of Photography
"The Worthing Station is some distance from the shore, and whenever there is a wreck the life-boat is dragged to the scene on a huge truck drawn by eight horses. Our picture shows the life-boat responding to an alarm. The horses start out from the station at a gallop, and the members of the crew run beside the boat. This negative is unusually fine photographically."
Me and My Two Friends
Director of Photography
A sweet little girl is seated in the bow of a life-boat feeding crackers to a magnificent St. Bernard dog, while a tabby cat dozes and blinks at her side.
The Boulevard of Scheveningen
Director
The boulevard in front of the Kurhaus, with pedestrians and a terrace.
Neapolitan Dance at the Ancient Forum of Pompeii
Director of Photography
A folk dance staged in the ruins of Pompeii. With the Arch of Tiberius in the near distance and Arch of Caligula in far distance. A troop of soldiers, or possibly more performers, march past. W K L Dickson who is directing the action can apparently be seen on far right of picture.
Neapolitan Dance at the Ancient Forum of Pompeii
Himself
A folk dance staged in the ruins of Pompeii. With the Arch of Tiberius in the near distance and Arch of Caligula in far distance. A troop of soldiers, or possibly more performers, march past. W K L Dickson who is directing the action can apparently be seen on far right of picture.
The Unwilling Draught Dog
Director
A draught-dog, unwilling to do its work, lets its load fall into the water.
The Grand Canal, Venice
Director
"This picture was taken from the front of a rapidly moving launch through one of the most beautiful stretches of the Grand Canal, showing many magnificent historical palaces. The photographic work is unusually fine."
Scheveningen
Director
Sailors disembarking on the beach in Scheveningen, Netherlands. Shot on 68 mm Mutagraph-Biograph.
The Bridge of Sighs, Venice
Director
Short shot of the Bridge of Sighs in Venice with gondoliers
The Tarantella, an Italian Dance
Director
Young people dance the Tarantella
Upside Down Boxers
Director
Two men box while standing on their hands
A Blast at the Solvay Quarries
Director
Miners at the Solvay Quarries show off their new machine for drilling
Maidenhead Junction
Director
Film shot by W.K.L. Dickson at Maidenhead Junction, 1898.
Mills from the Zaanstreek
Director
Windmills along the River Zaan
From War to Peace
Director
The SS 'St. Louis' departs from Southampton Docks
Dutch Fishing Boats
Director
Dutch fishing boats
Panoramic View of the Vegetable Market at Venice
Director
Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.
Funeral Procession of the Misericordia
Director
Black hooded pallbearers carry a coffin in a funeral procession in front of onlookers.
Irish Mail – L.& N.W. Railway – Taking up Water at Full Speed
Director
Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.
Procession of Capuchin Monks
Director
W. K.L. Dickson's film of a procession of Capuchin monks.
Venice, harbour scene with gondolas
Director
Many gondolas in Venice harbour with a fishing boat in the background
Venice, Feeding the Pigeons in St. Mark's Square
Man on left of picture
A British Mutoscope & Biograph production.
The Grand Canal, Venice
Director of Photography
"This picture was taken from the front of a rapidly moving launch through one of the most beautiful stretches of the Grand Canal, showing many magnificent historical palaces. The photographic work is unusually fine."
Panoramic View of the Vegetable Market at Venice
Director of Photography
Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.
Pelicans at the Zoo
Director of Photography
Pelicans being released for feeding into their enclosure at London Zoological Gardens.
Launch of the Worthing Lifeboat Coming Ashore
Director of Photography
Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.
Venice, Feeding the Pigeons in St. Mark's Square
Director
A British Mutoscope & Biograph production.
Panoramic View of Conway on the L. & N.W. Railway
Director
A hand-colored ride along the Bangor-Conwy-Colwyn Bay railroad filmed from an express train from the London and North Western Railway; Stations, vistas and a tunnel under the castle.
Place de la Concorde
Director
A beautiful view of one of the most celebrated spots in the French capital. A magnificent fountain is playing in the background of the picture, and elegant equipages drive by.
Crissie Sheridan
Director
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. (Library of Congress)
Has He Hit Me?
Director
Two boxers miss their punches - until they don't.
Les Parisiennes
Director
"A fascinating, up-to-date dancing diversion by four pretty girls in stunning costumes."
Bath Scene
Director
"This view was made at the Scheveningen Baths. It shows a number of bathers enjoying themselves in the surf. Several picturesque Holland boats are moored in the background."
A Camp of Zingaree Gypsies
Director
Roma families eat, drink, dance, and play
Passage des portiques (École de gymnastique de Joinville)
Director
Men run a training course
Firing the Maxim Gun
Director
Hiram Maxim shows off his cannon
Hiram Maxim and His Quick-firing Gun
Director
Hiram Maxim shows off his machine gun.
Changing Guard (Berlin)
Director
Military in Germany.
Home Life of a Hungarian Family
Director
Nothing more novel than this picture could be shown to an American audience. The view was taken in the doorway of a peasant's hovel. The family, in gala attire, from the grandfather down to the baby, are entertaining some visiting friends. Wine is brought forth, visitors treated, and their health drunk by the happy family.
Afternoon Tea in the Gardens of Clarence House
Director of Photography
Several members of European Royalty, including the Duke and Duchess of York, and Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, seated round a tea-table in the grounds of Clarence House.
Sandow
Writer
Strong-man Eugene Sandow flexes his muscles and strikes a few poses in front of a black background. This was a short film shot by William K.L. Dickson and produced in Thomas Edison's Black Maria studio.
Sandow
Director
Strong-man Eugene Sandow flexes his muscles and strikes a few poses in front of a black background. This was a short film shot by William K.L. Dickson and produced in Thomas Edison's Black Maria studio.
Rip Meeting the Dwarf
Director
Exit of Rip and the Dwarf
Director
A series of short black and white films from director William K.L. Dickson which chronicle the adventures of Rip Van Winkle.
Rip's Toast to Hudson
Director
Rip Passing Over the Mountain
Director
Awakening of Rip
Director
Rip's Twenty Years' Sleep
Director
Rip's Toast
Director
Rip Leaving Sleepy Hollow
Director
Serpentine Dance by Annabelle
Director
Annabelle (Whitford) Moore performs her popular serpentine dance routine. She twirls around, and as she does so, she uses her long skirts to create a variety of patterns.
McKinley at Home, Canton, Ohio
Director of Photography
“This view was taken upon Mr. McKinley's lawn at his home in Canton, Ohio. Mr. McKinley appears walking across the lawn in company with his Secretary, who hands him a telegram, which he reads with apparent satisfaction. The characteristic walk and gestures of Mr. McKinley will be noted with interest by his friends.” (AMB Picture Catalogue)
Rip Van Winkle
Director
An abridged version of the tale of Rip Van Winkle, a lazy American man, who wanders off one day with his dog Wolf into the Kaatskill mountains where he runs into an odd group of small men drinking and playing. He drinks some of their mysterious brew and passes out. When he wakes up under a tree he is astonished to find that 20 years have passed and things are a lot different.
Little Egypt
Producer
"A well-known character, in a dance that created considerable excitement when first introduced in America."
Dancing Darkies
Director
"A company of little darkies showing off their paces to the music of the banjo."
New Blacksmith Shop
Director
Four men at work in a forge. The uses hammers and and anvil to beat metal.
Robetta and Doretto, No. 1
Director
Scene represents section of the interior of a Chinese Opium Den.
Annabelle Serpentine Dance
Director
In a long, diaphanous skirt, held out by her hands with arms extended, Broadway dancer Annabelle Moore performs. Her dance emphasizes the movement of the flowing cloth. She moves to her right and left across an unadorned stage. Many of the prints were distributed in hand-tinted color.
Billy Edwards and the Unknown
Producer
Former lightweight boxer Billy Edwards, now a trainer and writer of the sport, takes on a challenger named Warwick in an exhibition match. The match is scheduled for five rounds of 20 seconds each. A large crowd has gathered behind the ring to watch the fight.
Billy Edwards and the Unknown
Director
Former lightweight boxer Billy Edwards, now a trainer and writer of the sport, takes on a challenger named Warwick in an exhibition match. The match is scheduled for five rounds of 20 seconds each. A large crowd has gathered behind the ring to watch the fight.
James Grundy, Buck and Wing
Director
A short of Mr. Grundy dancing. He's a Black man in a jockey outfit and there's someone in a horse costume dancing next to him.
A West Indian Woman Bathing a Baby
Director
Directed by W.K.L Dickson.
Indian War Council
Director
Edison short.
Dance
Director
A lively, eccentric dance by Frank Lawton, Etta Williamson and Rosa France of Charles Hoyt's "Milk White Flag". Atttractive costumes.
Fire Rescue Scene
Director
"Firemen in working uniform, rubber coats, helmets, and boots. Thrilling rescue from burning building. Smoke effects are fine." - from the Edison Catalog
Band Drill
Director
A scene from Charles Hoyt's 'A Milk White Flag': A brass band marches out, led by bandmaster Steele Ayers. When Ayers reaches his position, he turns around and directs the musicians as they take up their own positions.
Corbett and Courtney Before the Kinetograph
Director
James J. Corbett and Peter Courtney meet in a boxing exhibition.
Imperial Japanese Dance
Director
A charming representation of the Mikado dance by three beautiful Japanese ladies in full costume. Very effective when colored.
Annie Oakley
Director
Annie Oakley was probably the most famous marksman/woman in the world when this short clip was produced in Edison's Black Maria studio in West Orange, New Jersey. Barely five feet tall, Annie was always associated with the wild west, although she was born in 1860 as Phoebe Ann Oakley Mozee (or Moses)in Darke County, Ohio. Nevertheless, she was a staple in the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show and similar wild west companies. Because of her diminutive stature, she was billed as "Little Sure Shot." The man assisting her is this appearance is probably her husband, Frank E. Butler. Annie had outshot Butler (a famous dead-eye marksman himself) in a shooting contest in the 1880's. Instead of nursing his bruised ego because he had been throughly outgunned by a woman, Butler fell in love, married Little Sure Shot, and became her manager.
Chinese Opium Den
Director
Lost film from 1894, directed by William K.L. Dickson.
Bucking Broncho
Director
Lee Martin, one of the cowboy stars in 'Buffalo Bill's Wild West', rides a bronco as a crowd looks on. While the horse is trying to throw Martin off its back, another cowboy stands on top of a fence rail and occasionally fires his six-shooter, to spur on both horse and rider.
Lasso Thrower
Director
Edison short.
Mexican Knife Duel
Director
Edison short.
Hadj Cheriff
Director
Hadji Cheriff, a performer known for a variety of unusual abilities, demonstrates part of his act in the Thomas Edison studio. He has a large knife in his hand at the opening of the act. He then hurls the knife away and begins a rapid series of dance-like motions, executing numerous cartwheels and whirling movements.
Glenroy Brothers (Comic Boxing)
Director
The Glenroy Brothers perform a portion of their vaudeville act, "The Comic View of Boxing: The Tramp & the Athlete", which depicts a boxer with a classic style trying to contend with an opponent who uses a very unorthodox approach.
The Hornbacker-Murphy Fight
Director
A referee and five fans (including a waiter in his apron) look on as two young men box. The dark-haired, slightly taller boxer throws a right and the light-haired smaller one goes down; but he's up before the referee starts counting. After the knockdown, the boxers mostly hit each other's gloves. The fans, at least one of whom is sitting inside the ring, show no animation. They're all men, dressed in a range of late 19th-century garb.
Buffalo Dance
Director
Long before Hollywood started painting white men red and dressing them as 'Injuns' Edison's company was using the genuine article! Featuring for what is believed to be the Native Americans first appearance before a motion picture camera 'Buffalo Dance' features genuine members of the Sioux Tribe dressed in full war paint and costume! The dancers are believed to be veteran members of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. Filmed again at the Black Maria studios by both Dickson and Heise the 'Buffalo Dance' warriors were named as Hair Coat, Parts His Hair and Last Horse. Its quite strange seeing these movies at first they all stand around waiting to begin and as they start some of the dancers look at the camera in an almost sad way at having lost their way of life.
Sioux Ghost Dance
Director
From Edison films catalog: One of the most peculiar customs of the Sioux Tribe is here shown, the dancers being genuine Sioux Indians, in full war paint and war costumes. 40 feet. 7.50. According to Edison film historian C. Musser, this film and others shot on the same day (see also Buffalo dance) featured Native American Indian dancers from Buffalo Bill's Wild West show, and represent the American Indian's first appearance before a motion picture camera.
Rats and Weasel
Director
Sequel to the Rats and Terrier series
Rats and Terrier No. 3
Director
Sequel to Rats and Terrier No. 2
Rats and Terrier No. 2
Director
Sequel to Rats Killing from 1894
Dickson Experimental Sound Film
Musician
William K.L. Dickson plays the violin while two men dance. This is the oldest surviving sound film where sound is recorded on the phonograph.
Dickson Experimental Sound Film
Producer
William K.L. Dickson plays the violin while two men dance. This is the oldest surviving sound film where sound is recorded on the phonograph.
Dickson Experimental Sound Film
Himself
William K.L. Dickson plays the violin while two men dance. This is the oldest surviving sound film where sound is recorded on the phonograph.
Dickson Experimental Sound Film
Director
William K.L. Dickson plays the violin while two men dance. This is the oldest surviving sound film where sound is recorded on the phonograph.
Caicedo (with Pole)
Producer
King of the slack wire. His daring feats of balancing as he performs his thrilling feats in midair show that he is perfectly at home.
Caicedo (with Pole)
Director
King of the slack wire. His daring feats of balancing as he performs his thrilling feats in midair show that he is perfectly at home.
The Boxing Cats
Producer
"A glove contest between trained cats. A very comical and amusing subject, and is sure to create a great laugh." (by Edison Films)
The Boxing Cats
Director
"A glove contest between trained cats. A very comical and amusing subject, and is sure to create a great laugh." (by Edison Films)
Buffalo Bill
Director
The famous army scout in an exhibition of rifle shooting. A fine picture of the principal, and beautiful smoke effects.
Leonard-Cushing Fight
Director
In the background, five fans lean on the ropes looking into the ring. The referee is to the left; like the fans, he hardly moves as two fighters swing roundhouse blows at each other. Mike Leonard, in white trunks, is the aggressor; in black, Jack Cushing stands near the edge of the ring, warily pawing the air as Leonard comes at him. A couple of punches land, but the fighters maintain their upright postures.
Souvenir Strip of the Edison Kinetoscope
Producer
Eugen Sandow, who claims to be the strongest man in the world, appears in the Edison Company's film studio.
Souvenir Strip of the Edison Kinetoscope
Director
Eugen Sandow, who claims to be the strongest man in the world, appears in the Edison Company's film studio.
The Pickaninny Dance from the “Passing Show”
Director
“A scene representing Southern plantation life before the war. A jig and a breakdown by three colored boys.”
Trained Bears
Director
Bears that are trained.
Rat Killing
Director
Edison short.
Chinese Laundry Scene
Director
The pursuit of Hop Lee by an irate policeman.
Highland Dance
Director
Early Edison film.
Wrestling Match
Director
Early short film.
Carmencita
Producer
The first woman to appear in front of an Edison motion picture camera and possibly the first woman to appear in a motion picture within the United States. In the film, Carmencita is recorded going through a routine she had been performing at Koster & Bial's in New York since February 1890.
Carmencita
Director
The first woman to appear in front of an Edison motion picture camera and possibly the first woman to appear in a motion picture within the United States. In the film, Carmencita is recorded going through a routine she had been performing at Koster & Bial's in New York since February 1890.
Unsuccessful Somersault
Director
One of the series gives successive pictures of an athlete in an unsuccessful attempt to turn a somersault. Everybody who has seen a boy perform this act knows the brief space of time it takes him to throw himself upon his hands, with his feet in the air and how quickly he recovers himself if he fails to go over. Yet it will be seen that the kinetograph photographed the athlete forty-four times between the beginning and the end of the act, aside from the numerous pictures taken when he was bending down to the ground and coming back to an erect position.
Athlete with Wand
Producer
An athlete demonstrating various poses.
Athlete with Wand
Director
An athlete demonstrating various poses.
Cock Fight, No. 2
Producer
Two gamecocks are fighting inside a wire cage, while two spectators look on in the background. The two men agree to make a bet on the outcome. One of them shows his money to the other, who is commenting on the fight.
Cock Fight, No. 2
Director
Two gamecocks are fighting inside a wire cage, while two spectators look on in the background. The two men agree to make a bet on the outcome. One of them shows his money to the other, who is commenting on the fight.
Edison Kinetoscopic Record of a Sneeze
Producer
A man (Thomas Edison's assistant) takes a pinch of snuff and sneezes. This is one of the earliest Thomas Edison films and was the first motion picture to be copyrighted in the United States.
Edison Kinetoscopic Record of a Sneeze
Director
A man (Thomas Edison's assistant) takes a pinch of snuff and sneezes. This is one of the earliest Thomas Edison films and was the first motion picture to be copyrighted in the United States.
Annabelle Butterfly Dance
Producer
Annabelle (Whitford) Moore performs one of her popular dances. For this performance, her costume has a pair of wings attached to her back, to suggest a butterfly. As she dances, she uses her long, flowing skirts to create visual patterns.
The Barbershop
Producer
“Interior of Barber Shop. Man comes in, takes off his coat; sits down, smokes; is handed a paper by attendant, who points out a joke; both laugh. Meantime the man in the chair is shaved and has his hair cut. Very funny.” (Edison's Latest Wonders, 1894)
Glenroy Bros., No. 2
Producer
The Glenroy Brothers perform a portion of their vaudeville act, "The Comic View of Boxing: The Tramp & the Athlete".
Glenroy Bros., No. 2
Director
The Glenroy Brothers perform a portion of their vaudeville act, "The Comic View of Boxing: The Tramp & the Athlete".
Annabelle Sun Dance
Director
Annabelle Dances in William K.L. Dickson's 1894 short film
Luis Martinetti, Contortionist
Director
Luis Martinetti, a contortionist suspended from acrobatic flying rings, contorts himself for about thirty seconds. This is one of the first films made for Edison's kinetoscopes.
The Barbershop
Director
“Interior of Barber Shop. Man comes in, takes off his coat; sits down, smokes; is handed a paper by attendant, who points out a joke; both laugh. Meantime the man in the chair is shaved and has his hair cut. Very funny.” (Edison's Latest Wonders, 1894)
The Cock Fight
Director
Two gamecocks fight in the Edison Company film studio. This feature was remade later in the same year, with additional detail added.
Annabelle Butterfly Dance
Director
Annabelle (Whitford) Moore performs one of her popular dances. For this performance, her costume has a pair of wings attached to her back, to suggest a butterfly. As she dances, she uses her long, flowing skirts to create visual patterns.
Blacksmith Scene
Producer
Three men hammer on an anvil and pass a bottle of beer around. Notable for being the first film in which a scene is being acted out.
Blacksmith Scene
Director
Three men hammer on an anvil and pass a bottle of beer around. Notable for being the first film in which a scene is being acted out.
Horse Shoeing
Himself
One of the pictures to be seen in the machine, for example, was that of a blacksmith shop in which two men were working, one shoeing a horse, the other heating iron at the forge. One would be seen to drive the nail into the shoe of the horse's hoof, to change his position and every movement needed in the work was clearly shown as if the object was in real (life). In fact, the whole routine of the two men's labor and their movements for the day was presented to the view of the observer.
Horse Shoeing
Director
One of the pictures to be seen in the machine, for example, was that of a blacksmith shop in which two men were working, one shoeing a horse, the other heating iron at the forge. One would be seen to drive the nail into the shoe of the horse's hoof, to change his position and every movement needed in the work was clearly shown as if the object was in real (life). In fact, the whole routine of the two men's labor and their movements for the day was presented to the view of the observer.
A Hand Shake
Producer
William K.L. Dickson and William Heise shake hands in this early experimental film.
Fencing
Producer
Early Edison short showing two men fencing.
Boxing
Director
Boxing
Producer
A Hand Shake
Director
William K.L. Dickson and William Heise shake hands in this early experimental film.
Wrestling
Director
A lost film, directed by William K.L. Dickson about two men wrestling.
Man on Parallel Bars
Director
Lost film directed by William K.L. Dickson. Presented by Edison Manufacturing Company.
A Hand Shake
William K.L. Dickson and William Heise shake hands in this early experimental film.
Fencing
Director
Early Edison short showing two men fencing.
Dickson Greeting
Producer
William K.L. Dickson brings his hat from his one hand to the other and moves his head slightly, as a small nod toward the audience. This was the first film produced by the Edison Manufacturing Company to be shown to public audiences and the press.
Dickson Greeting
Director
William K.L. Dickson brings his hat from his one hand to the other and moves his head slightly, as a small nod toward the audience. This was the first film produced by the Edison Manufacturing Company to be shown to public audiences and the press.
Dickson Greeting
Himself
William K.L. Dickson brings his hat from his one hand to the other and moves his head slightly, as a small nod toward the audience. This was the first film produced by the Edison Manufacturing Company to be shown to public audiences and the press.
Newark Athlete
Producer
Experimental film fragment made with the Edison-Dickson-Heise experimental horizontal-feed kinetograph camera and viewer, using 3/4-inch wide film.
Newark Athlete
Director
Experimental film fragment made with the Edison-Dickson-Heise experimental horizontal-feed kinetograph camera and viewer, using 3/4-inch wide film.
Men Boxing
Producer
Experimental film fragment made with the Edison-Dickson-Heise experimental horizontal-feed kinetograph camera and viewer, using 3/4-inch wide film.
Men Boxing
Director
Experimental film fragment made with the Edison-Dickson-Heise experimental horizontal-feed kinetograph camera and viewer, using 3/4-inch wide film.
Duncan and Another, Blacksmith Shop
Director
Lost film from 1891, directed by William K.L. Dickson and William Heise. The film stars James C. Duncan.
Duncan Smoking
Director
Unfound film from 1891, directed by William K.L. Dickson and William Heise. The film stars James C. Duncan.
Duncan or Devonald with Muslin Cloud
Director
Lost film from 1891, directed by William K.L. Dickson and William Heise. The film stars Fred C. Devonald and James C. Duncan.
Monkey and Another, Boxing
Director
Lost film from 1891, directed by William K.L. Dickson and William Heise.
Monkeyshines, No. 2
Producer
Experimental film that follows up on the results of "Monkeyshines, No. 1". Once again, an Edison company worker moves around in front of the motion picture camera.
Monkeyshines, No. 1
Producer
Experimental film made to test the original cylinder format of the Kinetoscope and believed to be the first film shot in the United States. It shows a blurry figure in white standing in one place making large gestures and is only a few seconds long.
Monkeyshines, No. 3
Director
Experimental film that follows up on the results of "Monkeyshines, No. 1" and "Monkeyshines, No. 2". Once again, an Edison company worker moves around in front of the motion picture camera. Lost film.
Monkeyshines, No. 2
Director
Experimental film that follows up on the results of "Monkeyshines, No. 1". Once again, an Edison company worker moves around in front of the motion picture camera.
Monkeyshines, No. 1
Director
Experimental film made to test the original cylinder format of the Kinetoscope and believed to be the first film shot in the United States. It shows a blurry figure in white standing in one place making large gestures and is only a few seconds long.