Known for Directing
Edwin Stanton Porter was an American film pioneer, most famous as a producer, director, studio manager and cinematographer with the Edison Manufacturing Company and the Famous Players Film Company. Influenced by both the "Brighton school" and the story films of Georges Méliès, Porter went on to make important shorts such as Life of an American Fireman (1903) and The Great Train Robbery (1903). In them, he helped to develop the modern concept of continuity editing, paving the way for D.W. Griffith who would expand on Porter's discovery that the unit of film structure was the shot rather than the scene. Porter, in an attempt to resist the new industrial system born out of the popularity of nickelodeons, left Edison in 1909 to form his own production company which he eventually sold in 1912. Porter remains an enigmatic figure in motion picture history. Though his significance as director of The Great Train Robbery and other innovative early films is undeniable, he rarely repeated an innovation after he had used it successfully, never developed a consistent directorial style, and in later years never protested when others rediscovered his techniques and claimed them as their own. He was a modest, quiet, cautious man who felt uncomfortable working with the famous stars he directed starting in 1912. He has directed four films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: Life of an American Fireman (1903), The Great Train Robbery (1903), Dream of a Rarebit Fiend (1906) and Tess of the Storm Country (1914).
Born
April 21, 1870
Died
April 30, 1941 (age 71)
Birthplace
Connellsville, Pennsylvania, USA
Filmography
213 films


The Prince and the Pauper
1915 · 50m · US
A poor boy named Tom Canty and Edward, the Prince of Wales exchange identities but events force the pair to experience each other's lives as well.


Bella Donna
1915 · 50m · US
Bella Donna ( Pauline Frederick ) a seductive woman snares Nigel Armine ( Thomas Holding ) into marriage and he takes her to Egypt to live. Tired of her simple husband, Bella becomes involved with brutish Baroudi. To get rid of Nigel, she begins slowly poisoning him. However, Nigel's friend Dr. Isaacson arrives in time to save him. Now Baroudi wants nothing to do with Bella, and neither does her husband. Totally alone now, the distraught Bella wanders off into the desert.


Zaza
1915 · 50m · US
Zaza is a music hall star in Paris. She meets Bernard Dufrene and a flirtation develops into an intense love on her part. She is in despair when she discovers that he already has a wife and child. To visit them and announce herself as the mistress of the husband and father is her first idea, but the charm of the child restrains her. She cannot strike the blow and passes off her visit with an improvised excuse. She dismisses Bernard and returns to the stage, where she gains real fame as a dramatic artist. Once more he seeks her, but again the memory of the child saves her to her better self.


The White Pearl
1915 · 45m · US
A silent romantic drama film directed by Hugh Ford and Edwin S. Porter
Sold
Sold
1915 · 1h · US
A successful artist and a struggling one both love the same woman; she chooses the poor one but as the years roll on and other choices she makes and her husband’s misunderstanding lead to a near breaking point for the couple.


The Eternal City
1915 · 1h 20m · US
Leone, a Papal guard, is devastated when his wife drowns herself after mistakenly thinking that he had abandoned her. He turns over his son David to be brought up by nuns, then enters a monastery. David is brought to London and is raised to be a beggar and thief until he is rescued by Dr. Roselli, an Italian political refugee, who raises David with his daughter Donna Roma. Years later David gets heavily involved in Italian politics and incurs the enmity of the corrupt Italian Prime Minister, which leads him to discover the hidden secrets of his family's past--and present.


When We Were Twenty-One
1915 · 50m · US
Richard "The Imp" Audaine is a clever but dissolute orphan whose guardian and friends are trying to lead him from the path of ruin and back to his senses.


Niobe
1915 · 50m · US
The statue of Niobe comes to life through the dream of a hen-pecked old man.


The Morals of Marcus
1915 · 50m · US
A silent comedy drama film directed by Hugh Ford and Edwin S. Porter


The Crucible
1914 · 50m · US
Jean finds the boyish manner in which her late father raised her, is now causing quite a lot of trouble for her, and she ends up in a reformatory. After escaping this prison she meets Craig Atwood, a handsome artist, and now Jean must prove through a series of trials, that she is worthy of his love.


Such a Little Queen
1914 · 55m · US
A lost film. Queen Anna Victoria of Herzegovina is exiled from her tiny country and forced to live in poverty in America. Meanwhile, King Stephen of Bosnia, whom she loves but cannot marry due to political reasons, also is exiled to America. When both are forced by circumstances to get jobs, they go to work for wealthy New York meat packer Adolph Lauman who soon decides that his daughter should marry Stephen for social status. Eventually, Lauman's daughter convinces her father that she is in love with an American and Stephen and Anna are returned to their respective thrones, now free to marry each other. -From TCM.com Database, powered by the AFI.


Tess of the Storm Country
1914 · 1h 20m · US
A young girl, squatting on a wealthy man's land fights for her fellow squatters' right to stay.


A Good Little Devil
1914 · 50m · US
A partially lost film, with only one surviving reel. A movie released in 1914 directed by Edwin S. Porter.


Hearts Adrift
1914 · 50m · US
A lost film. A man and a woman are shipwrecked on a desert island. It doesn't take long before they fall in love and, figuring that they would never see civilization again, declare themselves married and eventually have a child. One day, however...


The Count of Monte Cristo
1913 · 1h 9m · US
A French sailor, imprisoned for years on false charges of conpiring against the king, escapes and exacts revenge on his accusers.


His Neighbor's Wife
1913 · 19m · US
Mr. Norton discovers his wife in the arms of his neighbor, Captain Roberts, a married man. His first maddened impulse is to kill his faithless wife, but on his way for the gun his little child runs to his arms to say good-night. The incident unnerves him and his wild determination is destroyed. He decides upon another course. He goes to Mrs. Roberts and tells her that he intends to ruin the Captain's home as her husband had ruined his, and that unless she consents to elope with him at ten o'clock that night he will shoot her husband on sight.


In the Bishop's Carriage
1913 · 50m · US
A lost film. A successful stage actress with a hidden past as a criminal is kept on the path of righteousness by a benefactor.


The Prisoner of Zenda
1913 · 55m · US
A kingdom's ascending heir, marked for assassination, switches identities with a lookalike, who takes his place at the coronation. When the real king is kidnapped, his followers try to find him, while the stand-in falls in love with the king's intended bride, the beautiful Princess Flavia.


The Price
1911 · 14m · US
Pretty Ann, and Joe, the hostler, one day chance to meet. Strong is Joe, and simple, and Ann is shy and sweet. As man and maid have done before, they love, and marry, too. And live happy ever after? Ah, this tale is new to you! Yes, the tale is drear, prosaic; and so poetry won't do. A baby boy comes to bless the union. Joe is working in the stables when they tell him of his joy: his heart is gay and happy, and he tells the horses so. Then, it might be the angels were jealous of such mortal happiness; it might be the devil, seeing the stage so set, entered to play the leading role.
Lost Illusions
Lost Illusions
1911 · 14m · US
A marital romance in which a married artist woos the wife of another man.


The Lighthouse by the Sea
1911 · 15m · US
The old lighthouse keeper lives peacefully with his two daughters, who are both engaged to fisherman. One night he receives a message announcing the shipwreck...
Sherlock Holmes, Jr.
Sherlock Holmes, Jr.
1911 · 11m
Little Sherlock Holmes, Jr., reads the doughty doings of his hero-god, and at once determines to become a detective himself.


On the Brink
1911 · 12m · US
A 1911 silent drama film written and directed by Edwin S. Porter and Lois Weber. Starring Lois Weber, Phillips Smalley, and Charles De Forrest.


A Heroine of '76
1911 · 11m · US
During the American Revolution, an innkeeper's daughter learns of a plot to assassinate George Washington while he will be staying at her father's inn.
Russia, the Land of Oppression
Russia, the Land of Oppression
1910 · US
On the Western Frontier
On the Western Frontier
1909 · 16m · US
Among the tall trees and mountains of the Far West, a father, son and daughter dwell peacefully in their mountain cabin, close to nature, seldom hearing of the great restless world outside, happy in their isolation. Jack, the son, visiting town on business, is tempted into a gambling saloon and takes part in a game of cards. Dalton, a gambler, undertakes to fleece the boy. The result is a fight in which Dalton is shot, and Jack becomes a fugitive.
The Colored Stenographer
The Colored Stenographer
1909 · 10m · US
It is Mr. Bunk's unlucky day. Before leaving for business, he is despoiled of all his ready cash by Mrs. Bunk for a bargain sale. At the office his homely stenographer (chosen by Mrs. Bunk) aggravates him by her eternal primping. About to discharge her, he is restrained by the sudden appearance of his wife laden with the spoils of the bargain counter. The bargains, of course, are of main importance. They are displayed and discussed with animation by the ladies. Business routine is shattered. Mr. Bunk, irritated beyond endurance, rages from the office intent on obtaining a stenographer of his own choosing. At the employment office, it is impossible to please him, until the arrival of Miss Dimples, a stunning blonde. Mr. Bunk can hardly wait for an introduction, and she is hired on the spot.
Miss Sherlock Holmes
Miss Sherlock Holmes
1908 · 30m · US
Nell, the boss's daughter, uses Sherlock Holmes' detective work, to choose between the two suitors at her dad's broker's office.
She
She
1908
A mysterious metal box is bequeathed to Leo, a young Englishman, to be opened on his twenty-fifth birthday. It is opened in the presence of his guardian, and his servant. They find an Egyptian tablet 2,000 years old.


Tale the Autumn Leaves Told
1908 · 2m · US
A handful of short tales of love, framed by leaf masks.


A Suburbanite's Ingenious Alarm
1908 · 7m · US
An office worker takes desperate measures in an attempt to get up on time in the morning.


The Little Girl Who Did Not Believe in Santa Claus
1907 · 14m · US
A generous boy tries to help a girl who does not believe in Santa Claus because of her family's poverty.


Laughing Gas
1907 · 8m · US
A woman goes to the dentist for a toothache and is given gas. On her way home on the subway she can't stop laughing, and every other passenger catches the laughter from her.


College Chums
1907 · 11m · US
While in a park, a young woman sees her fiancé being quite affectionate with another woman. When she calls him on the telephone to demand an explanation, he tells her that it was his sister. She is not satisfied, and insists on coming over to meet his 'sister'. As the young man broods over how to get out of trouble, an old college friend comes over, and he offers to pretend to be the sister. At first this works, but soon it has created even more complications.


The Trainer’s Daughter, or A Race for Love
1907 · 12m · US
Jack and the daughter of a horse trainer are in love with each other, but when the trainer discovers them together, he makes it clear that Jack is unwelcome. Later, at the stables, another suitor for the daughter's hand appears. An unusual agreement is reached, under which the result of a race will determine which of the two the daughter will marry. But Jack's rival proves to be unscrupulous, and he will stop at nothing to be successful.


Jack the Kisser
1907 · 5m · US
An energetic man steals kisses from passing ladies, until bystanders give chase.


Rivals
1907 · 13m · US
Chollie and George compete for a young woman's affection, using trickery and sabotage.


Cohen’s Fire Sale
1907 · 13m · US
A shopkeeper suffers the loss of some valuable merchandise, and thinks of a way to regain his losses.


The 'Teddy' Bears
1907 · 14m · US
A combination of the story of Goldlocks and the Three Bears with the true story of how Teddy Roosevelt spared a bear cub after killing its mother while hunting, an event which led to the popularization of the teddy bear. Goldilocks goes to sleep in the bears' home after watching six teddy bears dance and do acrobatics, viewing them through a knothole in the wall. When she is awoken by the returning bear family, they give chase through the woods, but she runs to the aid of the Old Rough Rider, who saves her.
Poor John
Poor John
1907 · 4m · US
Vesta Victoria Sings 'Poor John'.


Getting Evidence
1906 · 14m · US
A jealous husband arrives in the office of Hawkshaw, a private detective. The husband is certain that his wife is being unfaithful, and he wants the detective to produce photographic evidence. The detective tails the wife, and thinks he has caught her, but a sudden mishap prevents him from getting a photo. Despite this and further setbacks, the dedicated detective presses on, determined to fulfill his assignment.


How the Office Boy Saw the Ball Game
1906 · 5m · US
An office boy plays hooky from work so he can watch a ballgame perched high atop a telephone pole. Includes footage of an actual baseball game as if seen through a telescope.


Waiting at the Church
1906 · 8m · US
1906 comedy film by Edwin S. Porter, based on a popular song of the same title.


Life of a Cowboy
1906 · 16m · US
A cowboy gets involved in the kidnapping and rescue of a pretty young girl.
The Life of an American Cowboy
The Life of an American Cowboy
1906 · 17m · US
The Life of an American Cowboy is a Western short film.


Three American Beauties
1906 · 1m · US
In this color-tinted short, we first see a close-up of a red rose, perfectly formed. Then, we see the rose held by a young woman who is wearing a bright yellow dress. She's the second beauty. Behind her is a slow dissolve to the US flag, tinted in red, white, and blue, blowing in the wind. Behind the flag is a star-lit sky.


A Winter Straw Ride
1906 · 7m · US
Two groups of young women get into a pair of horse-drawn carts, and go off for a straw ride through the snowy streets. As they pass by a group of children, the children throw snowballs at the riders, and they and other persons begin to join in the fun. Then one of the carts tips on its side, spilling some of its occupants into the snow. Everyone soon decides that they enjoy playing in the snow even more than riding.


Dream of a Rarebit Fiend
1906 · 7m · US
A live-action film adaptation of the comic strip Dream of the Rarebit Fiend by American cartoonist Winsor McCay. This silent short film follows the established theme: the “Rarebit Fiend” gorges himself on rarebit and thus suffers spectacular hallucinatory dreams.


The Night Before Christmas
1905 · 9m · US
On Christmas Eve, Santa feeds his reindeer and loads his sleigh, before going on his journey to deliver toys to the children of the world.


The Life of an American Policeman
1905 · 14m · US
A policeman has breakfast with his wife and children, and then prepares for the day's work. While on his beat, he finds and helps a lost child. Later, several officers try to save a woman who has attempted to drown herself. And there are some even more hazardous situations yet to come.


The Train Wreckers
1905 · 11m · US
A romance between a railroad engineer and the switchman's daughter is nearly ruined by train wreckers who knock out the girl and leave her on the tracks to be run over. The engineer perches on the engine's cow catcher and rescues the girl.


The Miller’s Daughter
1905 · 13m · US
Hazel, the miller's daughter, is courted by a country boy and a sophisticated city boy. Her father favors the country boy, but she elopes with the city boy. Before they can marry, his wife shows up and stops the ceremony. Hazel tries to return to her father, but he has disowned her. She jumps into the river, but is rescued by the country boy, who later marries her.


The Watermelon Patch
1905 · 11m · US
Several men take watermelons from a melon patch, and are pursued.


The White Caps
1905 · 12m · US
Two members of a vigilante group known as 'The White Caps' post a warning sign on a man's home. When the man comes home, he tears down the sign, and then proceeds to abuse his wife both verbally and physically. As soon as she can get away from him, the wife leaves home with her child to find a place of refuge. When the vigilantes find out about this, they arm themselves with rifles and immediately go to confront the abusive husband.


The Little Train Robbery
1905 · 10m · US
In this parody of 1903's "Great Train Robbery", also made by Edwin S. Porter, young bandits rob the passengers of a kiddie train and are chased by police officers.
The Boarding School Girls
The Boarding School Girls
1905 · 8m · US
The Young Ladies From Miss Knapp's Select School Have An Outing At Coney Island, N.Y.
Scenes and Incidents, Russo-Japanese Peace Conference, Portsmouth, N. H.
Scenes and Incidents, Russo-Japanese Peace Conference, Portsmouth, N. H.
1905 · 14m · US
If ever a film was in need of some narration this was it. Screened in four parts, lasting a total of approximately twelve minutes, it shows a bunch of old boys, some in full military regalia, others in top hats and suits travelling by boat from one dock to another. From there they make up part of a parade as they travel to a hotel. The men are Russian and Japanese envoys gathered by President Teddy Roosevelt to hammer out a peace deal to bring the Russo-Japanese war to an end.


The Whole Dam Family and the Dam Dog
1905 · 5m · US
A portrait of the Dam family.


I.B. Dam and the Whole Dam Family
1905 · 2m · US
One at a time, we meet eight members of the Dam family.


Coney Island at Night
1905 · 4m · US
A panorama of Coney Island, taken at night: the camera sweeps across the scene from a vantage point well above the area. It then moves in for closer views of Dreamland and Luna Park.
How Jones Lost His Roll
How Jones Lost His Roll
1905 · 8m · US
Jones is on his way home, carrying a roll of money, when he meets a neighbor who is a notorious miser. The neighbor unexpectedly invites Jones to dinner, and serves him a large meal with plenty of wine. After dinner, the neighbor suggests a way of passing the time - and soon his real intentions become clear.


The Seven Ages
1905 · 5m · US
A couple who have known each other all of their lives are shown together at different stages of life. First, as children, they play together affectionately. Soon afterwards, they are at school together, and as they grow older, they become lovers. Later on, their relationship and their lives move on to more important matters.


The Kleptomaniac
1905 · 10m · US
A well-dressed woman leaves her home and takes a carriage to a department store. While she is in the store, she steals several items, and is caught by store employees. Meanwhile, a poor woman with two small children steals a loaf of bread out of desperation, and she is quickly caught and arrested. Both women are taken to the police station and then into court, to see what penalty each of them must face.


The Strenuous Life; or, Anti-Race Suicide
1904 · 5m · US
A married couple faces the demands of what Theodore Roosevelt called 'the strenuous life'.


Scarecrow Pump
1904 · 1m · US
A pump stands outside a farmhouse, just inside a picket fence. A boy comes out of the house and dresses up the pump handle and its post as a scarecrow, so that he can play a practical joke on a drunken acquaintance when he passes by. The boy then hides and waits for him, but things do not turn out quite as he planned.


The Ex-Convict
1904 · 9m · US
A recently-released convict attempts to do right but struggles to support his wife and ailing daughter.
A Rube Couple at a County Fair
A Rube Couple at a County Fair
1904 · 8m · US
The title of this early US film is something of a con really. Another rube couple had appeared in an entertaining movie set at Coney Island the previous year, and that film had been quite entertaining (for it's day) so any audience of the time would have been forgiven for thinking this film would provide them with more comedy along the lines of the first film.


"Weary Willlie" Kisses the Bride
1904 · 2m · US
A tramp gets involved in mischief on a train.
Capture of Yegg Bank Burglars
Capture of Yegg Bank Burglars
1904 · 11m · US
A true-crime short of a bank robbery and chase and capture.


European Rest Cure
1904 · 13m · US
An over-the-hill American tourist has a terrible time on his European "rest cure" vacation.


How a French Nobleman Got a Wife Through the 'New York Herald' Personal Columns
1904 · 11m · US
A French aristocrat, who has recently arrived in America, has placed a personal advertisement in the newspaper...
Fighting the Flames, Dreamland
Fighting the Flames, Dreamland
1904 · 4m · US
Dreamland was a theme park at Coney Island, Brooklyn that opened in 1904. One of its major attractions was the stunt spectacular "Fighting the Flames," which simulated a major fire at a six-story hotel and featured a cast of 2000 including 120 firefighters, who had to rescue guests jumping from windows as well as 15 people trapped on the collapsing roof. Ironically, Dreamland itself was destroyed in 1911 in a massive fire.
Scenes in an Infant Orphan Asylum
Scenes in an Infant Orphan Asylum
1904 · 8m · US
The subject of this documentary is an orphan asylum for infants. The beginning portion includes the dining facilities for the children. A woman dresses as a nurse leads approximately two hundred small children into the eating area where they stand behind their chairs. At a given signal, each child sits down and begins eating. The remainder of the film is devoted to showing some of the infants, less than a year old, being pushed in baby carriages and bathed, and later having haircuts. All of the children wear similar attire and the nurses wear uniforms. New York City.
Inter-Collegiate Athletic Association Championships
Inter-Collegiate Athletic Association Championships
1904 · 11m · US
A location actuality filmed in Philadelphia (May 27–28, 1904) documenting the Inter-Collegiate Athletic Association’s championships: sprint and field events, crowds, and collegiate pageantry, presented with intertitle introductions.


Japanese Acrobats
1904 · 3m · US
A Japanese juggler performs some marvelous juggling feats with a boy. Lying on his back on the floor, he spins the boy with his feet and makes him turn numerous somersaults
R. F. Outcault Making a Sketch of Buster and Tige
R. F. Outcault Making a Sketch of Buster and Tige
1904 · 1m · US
Buster Brown creater R.F. Outcault sketches his creation. Part of the Buster Brown series for Edison film studio.
Animated Painting
Animated Painting
1904 · 1m · US
An artist is painting a sunrise at sea. After a few finishing touches he stands back and admires the painting. The sun immediately commences to rise. From all appearances it becomes very warm as the sun rises, and the artist is seen to throw open the window and fan himself furiously. The climax is reached when the artist rushes from the room and returns with a large tub of water and a pair of tongs. Seizing the sun as it soars in the air he plunges it into the tub, causing a great cloud of steam to rise.
Treloar and Miss Marshall, Prize Winners at the Physical Culture Show in Madison Square Garden
Treloar and Miss Marshall, Prize Winners at the Physical Culture Show in Madison Square Garden
1904 · 2m · US
Opens with a European-American woman posing on a pedestal, dressed in a white body leotard with a sash tied at her hips. Marshall continues with various feminine poses, reminiscent of classic Greek statuary, to accentuate her figure. Film cuts to Treloar posed on the bare stage without a pedestal. He wears brief leopard-skin trunks or short tunic, wrist bands, and Roman-looking laced sandals. His poses accentuate the muscular development of his upper body, particularly that of his arms, and include movements that make the muscles jump. Treloar finishes with a slight nod to the camera.


Crossing Ice Bridge at Niagara Falls
1904 · 3m · US
The severe cold of the winter of 1903-04 allowed the rapids of Niagara Falls to freeze over, allowing the brave tourists to enter the chasm and cross to the other side over the formed ice bridge.


The Great Train Robbery
1903 · 12m · US
After the train station clerk is assaulted and left bound and gagged, then the departing train and its passengers robbed, a posse goes in hot pursuit of the fleeing bandits.


The Messenger Boy's Mistake
1903 · 2m · US
"Cholly" wishes to call on his best girl and sends 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.


Uncle Tom's Cabin
1903 · 19m · US
Based on the novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe: Eliza, a slave who has a young child, pleads with Tom, another slave, to escape with her. Tom does not leave, but Eliza flees with her child. After getting some help to escape the slave traders who are looking for her, she then must try to cross the icy Ohio River if she wants to be free. Meanwhile, Tom is sold from one master to another, and his fortunes vary widely.
Rube and Mandy at Coney Island
Rube and Mandy at Coney Island
1903 · 12m · US
A country couple enters Coney Island's Steeplechase Park. They proceed to amuse themselves on the steeplechase, tightropes, plaza, mini-locomotive and chutes.


The Unappreciated Joke
1903 · 1m · US
Scene, interior of a street-car. A stout man enters and sits down alongside of a friend and proceeds to read a comic paper. He shows a joke in the paper to his friend, and the both laugh heartily. The friend leaves the car, and his absence is not noted by the stout man. An elderly matron takes the seat. Without looking up the stout man shoves the paper in front of the face of the old lady, thinking his friend is still there.


White Wings on Review
1903 · 4m · US
A fine picture of the celebrated "White Wings" or street-cleaning department of one district of Greater New York, showing over 350 men in line, and over 100 carts that are used to carry the refuse away to the dumping-wharf, marching through the streets of New York.
New York City Dumping Wharf
New York City Dumping Wharf
1903 · 2m · US
It seems as if there was no subject so mundane or seedy that it was considered unworthy of filming by Edison and his contemporaries at the turn of the century. Here the cameras - and New York City in 1903 must have been teeming with intrepid cameramen roaming the streets in search of something - anything - to film - capture the work of a few poor souls employed to spread the garbage dumped onto a massive wharf docked by the edge of the (apparently) East River.


Sorting Refuse at Incinerating Plant, New York City
1903 · 2m · US
There must have been millions of subjects for Edison's filmmakers to point there cameras at back in 1903 so why on earth they thought that the collection and disposal of New York City's rubbish would prove a suitable subject to present to their dwindling audiences is a mystery. Add to this the fact that the camera has been positioned about a dozen feet from the men and you're left with a film that's as dull as it is unmemorable.
Fireboat 'New Yorker' in Action
Fireboat 'New Yorker' in Action
1903 · 2m · US
A magnificent picture of this boat making a run and starting the water from a least a dozen nozzles at once...
Panorama of Riker's Island, N.Y.
Panorama of Riker's Island, N.Y.
1903 · 2m · US
A view of Riker's Island and its landfill, filmed from a passing boat on 9 May 1903. While heavy steam powered construction equipment construct a sea wall, nearby garbage scows are unloaded by steam shovel.


New York City 'Ghetto' Fish Market
1903 · 3m · US
A fine panoramic view of this busy market on a Friday morning. Immense throngs of people are passing along the stands and making their purchases of fish.
Panorama of Blackwell's Island
Panorama of Blackwell's Island
1903 · 3m · US
Panorama of Blackwell's Island
New York Harbor Police Boat Patrol Capturing Pirates
New York Harbor Police Boat Patrol Capturing Pirates
1903 · 3m · US
The "Patrol" is seen chasing a row-boat containing river pirates. The pirates are pulling at the oars with all their strength, but a few shots from the Police Boat weaken their nerves and they give up. When the "Patrol" comes up near them, it lowers a dory and a number of policemen make the capture. As the pirates are landed on the Police Boat a fierce fight takes place between them and the police, but the latter overcome the offenders and land them safely on the boat.
Panorama Water Front and Brooklyn Bridge from East River
Panorama Water Front and Brooklyn Bridge from East River
1903 · 3m · US
It seems Edison made a ton of these panorama films back in '03. They probably rented a boat for a couple of days, packed sandwiches and beer and floated around New York with the camera pointed at buildings. As panoramas go this one isn't as bad as some - Panorama of Riker's Island for example. What a stinker that was - Lord only knows what they were thinking of there.


Life of an American Fireman
1903 · 7m · US
Porter's sequential continuity editing links several shots to form a narrative of firemen responding to a house fire. They leave the station with their horse drawn pumper, arrive on the scene, and effect the safe rescue of a woman from the burning house. But wait, she tells them of her child yet asleep in the burning bedroom...


Electrocuting an Elephant
1903 · 1m · US
Film depicting the killing of Topsy, an elephant employed to help build Luna Park on Coney Island.


How They Do Things on the Bowery
1902 · 1m · US
Scene Bowery. Young woman drops her handkerchief while passing a Rube. He picks it up and gives it to her. She induces him to go into a side door of a saloon. Second scene, saloon. Rube and woman enter, take seats at table and order drinks. While the Rube is paying for same, woman puts knock-out drops in the Rube's glass. They drink and the Rube falls asleep. Woman takes all his valuables and leaves. Waiter wakes him up. He discovers his watch gone, fights with waiter, and is thrown out. Third scene, outside of saloon. Police patrol drawn up. They put Rube in and drive off.


Jack and the Beanstalk
1902 · 10m · US
Porter's sequential continuity editing links several shots to form a narrative of the famous fairy tale story of Jack and his magic beanstalk. Borrowing on cinematographic methods reminiscent of 'Georges Melies' , Porter uses animation, double exposure, and trick photography to illustrate the fairy's apparitions, Jack's dream, and the fast growing beanstalk.


Appointment by Telephone
1902 · 2m · US
A businessman makes a luncheon appointment with a young lady, but finds that his wife disapproves of the arrangement.


Charleston Chain-Gang
1902 · 1m · US
This picture shows the prisoners after completing their day's work of cleaning up the grounds of the Charleston Exposition, taking their positions along the long chain which secures the whole band of prisoners. They are marched past our camera to the prison, accompanied by the guards, who carry shotguns to prevent any from escaping.
Babies Rolling Eggs
Babies Rolling Eggs
1902 · 1m · US
The Washington Star of April 1st, 1900, gave the following account of the ceremony: "Over 40,000 women and children passed through the White House Gates to-day during the hours set apart for the great National show of Egg Rolling, and when the President stepped on the south front gallery at 4:15 P.M., at least 20,000 were within the grounds. The Marine Band rendered a programme of popular music. The President's children entertained at least fifty young friends during the day with a view of the egg rolling from the balcony, but none of them mingled with the great throng, preferring to view the panorama from the distance. They were much amused with the antics of the great crowd of children, who were of all colors and from every walk of life."


Fun in a Bakery Shop
1902 · 2m · US
A baker's assistant throws a handful of dough at a rat. The dough sticks to the side of a barrel and the assistant proceeds to sculpt the dough into various faces and shapes. There is some experimental use of stop motion.


Burning of Durland's Riding Academy
1902 · 3m · US
A fire has swept through Durland's Riding Academy in Manhattan. The fire has mostly died down, but firefighters are still at the scene, hosing down the smoking remains of the buildings. Many others are there as well, helping to clean up, inspecting the ruins, or just getting a look at everything.
Capture of the Biddle Brothers
Capture of the Biddle Brothers
1902 · 2m · US
The public throughout the world is acquainted with the sensational capture of the Biddle Brothers and Mrs. Soffel, who, through the aid of Mrs. Soffel, escaped from the Pittsburg jail on January 30th, 1902.


The Twentieth Century Tramp; or, Happy Hooligan and His Airship
1902 · 1m · US
A comic picture that defies description. It depicts the Twentieth Century up-to-date tramp flying over the chimney tops of New York City in the latest improved flying machine. Weary Willie has the indispensible tin can hanging from his waist and he waves his hands to his friends as he flies along. He passes over the top of the Equitable Life building and other New York sky scrapers. He flies over the East River and clears the top of the Brooklyn Bridge, and appears to be making his way toward Staten Island. When he is about in the centre of the river, his flying machine explodes, and like the unfortunate McGinty, down goes Weary William.


Panorama of Esplanade by Night
1901 · 1m · US
A most perfect picture of the Pan-American Exposition buildings, including the Electric Tower and Temple of Music, as they appear at night.
The Martyred Presidents
The Martyred Presidents
1901 · 1m · US
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.


Pan-American Exposition by Night
1901 · 1m
A great feature of the Pan-American Exposition, as unanimously conceded by all visitors, was the electric illumination of the Exposition grounds at night. After a great deal of experimenting and patience, we succeeded in securing an excellent picture of the buildings at the Pan-American as they appeared when lighted up at night.


Day at the Circus
1901 · 3m · US
We present here a series of interesting pictures and show a number of scenes just as witnessed by a visitor to the Great Forepaugh and Sells Bros. combined four-ring circus. We begin by showing the complete circus parade as it takes place in the street. The first scene shows the parade coming down a broad asphalt avenue with park in background. Entire parade shows elephants, camels, band wagons, chariots, cages of animals, and full circus paraphernalia, making a most interesting subject. The next picture shows the assembly or grand entry, and includes the entrance into the arena of the elephants, chariots, wild animals, horses, camels, etc.
Life Rescue at Long Branch
Life Rescue at Long Branch
1901 · 2m · US
Two lifeguards rescue a female bather after faltering and sinking while swimming.


Circular Panorama of Electric Tower
1901 · 2m · US
A most interesting picture at the Pan-American Exposition. The picture was taken from the north side of the Electric Tower. It presents the most perfect and diversified views of the Transportation Building, Mexican Plaza, the Stadium and the north side of the Electric Tower. (Edison Catalog, 1902)
The Reversible Divers
The Reversible Divers
1901 · 1m · US
A very short, simple trick film with some pool divers in reverse.
Sampson-Schley Controversy
Sampson-Schley Controversy
1901 · 3m · US
This subject is in three scenes, showing beautiful dissolving effects. Scene 3. The Man Behind that Teacup shows Admiral Sampson the centre of attraction of a group of old maids at an afternoon tea party.
The Esquimaux Village
The Esquimaux Village
1901 · 1m · US
One of the principal features at the Pan-American Exposition is the Alaskan or Esquimaux Village. In this most interesting exhibit...


A Trip Around the Pan-American Exposition
1901 · 12m · US
The Pan-American Exposition is encircled by an especially constructed canal, which was put in for the purpose of allowing the tourist to view the exterior of the buildings of the Pan-American Exposition with as little fatigue as possible.


The Tramp's Unexpected Skate
1901 · 1m · US
Shows a tramp asleep. Two mischievous boys appear on roller skates. One removes his skates and they strap them to the feet of "Weary Willie." They then wake him...


Another Job for the Undertaker
1901 · 1m · US
Shows a bedroom in a hotel. On the wall of the room is a conspicuous sign "Don't blow out the gas." A hayseed enters the room, accompanied by a bellboy. The boy deposits the Rube's bag and umbrella, turns a somersault, and vanishes through the door. The Rube then removes his hat and coat and places them upon the table. They immediately vanish. He then blows out the gas. The scene then instantly changes to a funeral procession, headed by Reuben's hearse, and followed by the carriages of his country friends. Strictly up-to-date picture. (Edison Catalog, 1901)
Laura Comstock's Bag-Punching Dog
Laura Comstock's Bag-Punching Dog
1901 · 2m · US
This wonderful dog "Mannie," owned by the vaudeville star, Miss Laura Comstock, is a most learned animal. He has been trained to perform all sorts of tricks, and his intelligence is, perhaps, most marked in his latest and most difficult feat, that of punching the bag. This picture depicts him in a bag punching performance which is really wonderful. His high jumps and lightning-like punches are remarkable and cause one to marvel at the amount of patience that must be necessary to teach a dog such tricks.


Love by the Light of the Moon
1901 · 1m · US
It shows a garden wall in the background. Two lovers appear and lean over the garden gate where the moon throws a shadow upon the ground. The young man invites the young lady to a settee, when the moon's face brightens into a very pronounced grin. As the pair begin love making, the moon winks one eye and then the other, and, finally, as the lovers become more interested, the moon comes down from the sky with a grin on his face as large as an old-fashioned apple pie.


President McKinley and Escort Going to the Capitol
1901 · 2m · US
Cavalry and foot-soldiers escort President McKinley.
Kansas Saloon Smashers
Kansas Saloon Smashers
1901 · 1m · US
A gilded saloon, with a fancy bar, forms the background. A nobby bartender with white coat and apron is dispensing drinks to customers. Behind him are polished plate glass mirrors. A comical Irishman enters, sets a huge pail on the bar to be filled, and while he is drinking a glass of foam beer, Mrs. Nation and her followers enter with their hatchets. One of the women jams the Irishman's stiff hat down over his eyes and another one douses him with his own pail of beer. They then wreck the saloon and smash the mirrors, bottles, cash register and bar fixtures. The bartender plays a stream of seltzer water on Mrs. Nation, and as she backs away from behind the counter, a policeman enters and hustles everybody out. Full of comedy from start to finish. (Edison Catalog)
The Old Maid Having Her Picture Taken
The Old Maid Having Her Picture Taken
1901 · 1m · US
An old maid is walking about the studio while the photographer is getting his camera ready. She first looks at a hanger, which immediately falls from the wall, not being able to stand her gaze. Then she looks at the clock, and her face causes it to fall to the floor with a crash. She then walks over to the mirror, which suddenly cracks in several places. The photographer then poses her. Just as he is to press the button the camera explodes with a great puff of smoke, completely destroying the camera and demolishing the studio. The picture finishes up with the old maid tipping back in her chair and losing her balance, displaying a large quantity of fancy lace goods. Cross-dressed Gilbert Saroni reprises the role of the old maid.
Why Mr. Nation Wants a Divorce
Why Mr. Nation Wants a Divorce
1901 · 2m · US
The scene opens in the bedroom of Mr. Nation, husband of the famous Carrie Nation, the “Kansas Saloon Smasher”. Mr. Nation suddenly arises from the bed and picks up a crying infant from the cradle, and walks it up and down the floor. He suddenly steps upon a tack, becomes infuriated, and throws the baby back into the cradle…


The Old Maid in the Horsecar
1901 · 1m · US
Gilbert Saroni impersonates an exceedingly ugly woman who coyly flirts with her fan.


Terrible Teddy, the Grizzly King
1901 · 1m · US
Our presidential hunter runs across the landscape and falls down in the snow, gets up with his rifle, and gazes upward at a treed animal which isn't in the camera's view. He fires a shot into the tree, then leaps on the ground to grab the fallen prey, a domestic cat, finishing it off with wild blows of his hunting knife while his companions, a photographer and a press agent, record the event that will be reported far and wide as a manly moment. Teddy then rides out of the forest followed by two companions afoot, never mind that they all originally arrived afoot. Perhaps it was funnier in its day than it is now, but apparently shooting cats was regarded as funny in those days. The larger point was to use a minor whimsy as a political criticism, in this case of Teddy Roosevelt's easy manipulations of the press. It was based on two frames of a political cartoon that had appeared in the paper a mere week before the film was made.


A Dull Razor
1900 · 1m · US
This picture shows an old gentleman seated at his shaving table. The razor is evidently giving him a great deal of trouble...
Faust and Marguerite
Faust and Marguerite
1900 · 1m · US
Marguerite is seated in front of the fireplace, Faust standing by her side. Mephistopheles enters and offers his sword to Faust, commanding him to behead the fair Marguerite. Faust refuses, whereupon Mephistopheles draws the sword across the throat of the lady and she suddenly disappears and Faust is seated in her place.


An Artist's Dream
1900 · 1m · US
The scene opens in the interior of an artist's studio. Mephisto appears mysteriously and signals the pictures to come to life. They step down from the frames and walk forward, admiring their costumes. Mephisto then touches the artist on the shoulder, awakening him, and disappears. The artist, after rubbing his eyes, sees the picture on his right hand side and jumps up to embrace her. After embracing her once, he makes a second attempt and she disappears. The artist now wakes up, jumps to his feet, and runs to see if the picture are still in the frames. He examines them and finding that they are still fast on the wall, realizes that the has been dreaming and seeks consolation in the bottle.
The Kiss
The Kiss
1900 · 1m · US
"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. It is very fine photographically and an exhibit is not complete without it." -Edison film catalog.


Uncle Josh's Nightmare
1900 · 2m · US
Poor Uncle Josh is trying to get to sleep, but being constantly bedevilled by a fellow in red long underwear with horns. A short early trick editing film using a stationary camera much more valuable for its historical, rather than entertainment value.
Ching Ling Foo Outdone
Ching Ling Foo Outdone
1900 · 1m · US
The magician enters upon a 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 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 Magician
The Magician
1900 · 1m · US
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 in 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.
An Animated Luncheon
An Animated Luncheon
1900 · 1m · US
The scene takes place in a fashionable cafe. A well dressed couple enter, and after a careful perusal of the menu, conclude on an order of boiled eggs and Welsh rarebit.


Dewar's Scotch Whisky
1900 · 1m
From behind a curtain three men appear on screen. The first wears a combination of tuxedo and kilt. The second wears a Scottish kilt and holds a spear and a shield. The third wears a military tunic and sword. All three attempt to dance a version of the Highland Fling. In the background a banner with the words Scotch Whisky emblazoned on it is clearly visible.
The Mystic Swing
The Mystic Swing
1900 · 1m · US
The professor shows his power to Mephisto by mysteriously placing a young lady in a swing. Mephisto then shows his power by making the young lady disappear from the swing, to the surprise of the professor. The professor makes another mystic pass and produces a second young lady then in the swing, and also a skeleton.


Uncle Josh in a Spooky Hotel
1900 · 1m · US
Uncle Josh checks into a hotel, presumably to get a better nights rest than he gets at home. Of course the way bad luck follows Josh around we know this is a forlorn hope. Sure enough, quicker than you can say "Georges Méliès" a ghost pops up to make sure Uncle Josh is denied a good nights rest.


Strange Adventure of New York Drummer
1899 · 1m · US
This commercial traveler has evidently had a wet day judging from the strange things he sees at his hotel. The hall boy shows him to his room, puts down his grips, and then disappears through the ceiling. Drummer pushes button five times for a drink, and waiter appears through the floor. Drummer turns to sit down on the bed it disappears. He fights with the waiter, is overcome, and waiter locks him in a trunk and sits on it. After a while he opens the trunk; behold, it's empty. Drummer appears mysteriously, picks up a big book, hits waiter on head, and drives him through the floor. Drummer dances in delirious glee.