Bluebeard

Bluebeard 1901

6.21

A young woman becomes the eighth wife of the wealthy Bluebeard, whose first seven wives have died under mysterious circumstances.

1901

The Countryman and the Cinematograph

The Countryman and the Cinematograph 1901

5.35

A satire on the way that audiences unaccustomed to the cinema didn't know how to react to the moving images on a screen - in this film, an unsophisticated (and stereotypical) country yokel is alternately baffled and terrified, in the latter case by the apparent approach of a steam train.

1901

The Big Swallow

The Big Swallow 1901

6.45

A man, objecting to being filmed, comes closer and closer to the camera lens until his mouth is all we see. Then he opens wide and swallows camera and cinematographer. He steps back, chews, and grins.

1901

Birth of the Pearl

Birth of the Pearl 1901

5.09

In this picture there is a limited amount of action in the pose. As the curtains are drawn aside the shell appears shut. It gradually opens, disclosing the model curled up in a recumbent position. She slowly arises as if awakening, and gracefully assumes the final position of the pose.

1901

Why Mr. Nation Wants a Divorce

Why Mr. Nation Wants a Divorce 1901

4.40

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…

1901

Esquimaux Village

Esquimaux Village 1901

5.00

“One of the principal features at the Pan-American Exposition is the Alaskan or Esquimaux Village. In this most interesting exhibit, scenes are enacted just as they take place in the far away frozen North. In this subject we depict a large number of Esquimaux clothed in their native costumes and seated on their sleds, which are drawn by spans of four Esquimaux dogs. They are engaged in a race and are to be seen running over the ice and snow at a high rate of speed. There is a pond in the foreground of the picture on the shores of which the home stretch of the race takes place. The picture is perfect photographically, and the figures stand out clear and sharp, throwing a most perfect reflection on the pond.” (Edison film company catalog)

1901

What Happened on Twenty-Third Street, New York City

What Happened on Twenty-Third Street, New York City 1901

5.30

A street level view from the sidewalk, looking along the length of 23rd Street. Following actuality footage of pedestrians and street traffic, the actors, a man in summer attire and a woman in an ankle-length dress, walk toward the camera.

1901

The Ghost Train

The Ghost Train 1901

4.60

Special effects film with a train double exposed on the negative, creating a ghostly image.

1901

Scrooge; or Marley's Ghost

Scrooge; or Marley's Ghost 1901

5.60

Filmed in 35mm and in black and white, this short silent film was produced by the English film pioneer R. W. Paul, and directed by Walter R. Booth and was filmed at Paul's Animatograph Works. It was released in November 1901. As was common in cinema's early days, the filmmakers chose to adapt an already well-known story, in this case A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, in the belief that the audience's familiarity with the story would result in the need for fewer intertitles. It was presented in 'Twelve Tableaux' or scenes. The film contains the first use of intertitles in a film.

1901

Buffalo Bill's Wild West Parade

Buffalo Bill's Wild West Parade 1901

3.10

The film shows a parade down Fifth Avenue, New York. In the foreground many children, both black and white, can be seen following alongside the parade. The participants in the parade include cowboys, Indians, and soldiers in the uniform of the United States Cavalry on horseback and riding horse-drawn coaches. Buffalo Bill can be seen on horseback, lifting his hat to the crowd. Filmed on 1 April 1901.

1901

History of a Crime

History of a Crime 1901

5.83

A convicted criminal dreams about his past the night before his execution.

1901

Fire!

Fire! 1901

5.80

Firefighters ring for help, and here comes the ladder cart; they hitch a horse to it. A second horse-drawn truck joins the first, and they head down the street to a house fire. Inside a man sleeps, he awakes amidst flames and throws himself back on the bed. In comes a firefighter, hosing down the blaze. He carries out the victim, down a ladder to safety. Other firefighters enter the house to save belongings, and out comes one with a baby. The saved man rejoices, but it's not over yet.

1901

The Esquimaux Village

The Esquimaux Village 1901

5.00

One of the principal features at the Pan-American Exposition is the Alaskan or Esquimaux Village. In this most interesting exhibit...

1901

Kansas Saloon Smashers

Kansas Saloon Smashers 1901

3.90

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)

1901

The Tramp's Unexpected Skate

The Tramp's Unexpected Skate 1901

4.00

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...

1901

Impossible To Get a Plunge

Impossible To Get a Plunge 1901

1

A man walks down to the water's edge, takes off his clothes and prepares to go for a swim.... only to find himself fully clothed. This happens again and again.

1901

Artistic Creation

Artistic Creation 1901

6.00

An artist draws the head of a pretty girl, takes the drawing off the paper and places it on a small table, turning the image into the head of a real woman. He then continuous drawing the lady, one body part after the other.

1901

Off to Bedlam

Off to Bedlam 1901

5.20

Four black minstrels turn into white clowns and back again when they hit or kick each other.

1901