William K.L. Dickson

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.

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.

William K.L. Dickson and William Heise shake hands in this early experimental film.

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.

Watched by crowds, Sir Redvers Buller, Lady Buller, the Mayor of Southampton and others walk along the gangway leading to the ship towards the camera. Sir Redvers pauses to be introduced to one of the ship's officers before embarking. According to BFI programme notes, the filmmaker William K.L. Dickson can be seen bottom left, attempting to introduce himself to General Buller as he passes. Film companies were in competition to film reportage of the Boer War and Dickson was one of those filmmakers keen to do so.

A British Mutoscope & Biograph production.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 second motion picture to be copyrighted in the United States.

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.

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.

William K.L. Dickson and William Heise shake hands in this early experimental film.

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.

Experimental film fragment made with the Edison-Dickson-Heise experimental horizontal-feed kinetograph camera and viewer, using 3/4-inch wide film.

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.

Experimental film fragment made with the Edison-Dickson-Heise experimental horizontal-feed kinetograph camera and viewer, using 3/4-inch wide film.

Early Edison short showing two men fencing.

“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)

An athlete demonstrating various poses.

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.

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.

Eugen Sandow, who claims to be the strongest man in the world, appears in the Edison Company's film studio.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Experimental film fragment made with the Edison-Dickson-Heise experimental horizontal-feed kinetograph camera and viewer, using 3/4-inch wide film.

Early Edison short showing two men fencing.

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.

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 second motion picture to be copyrighted in the United States.

"In his characterization of Capt. Dreyfus and Emile Zola."

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 for the American Mutoscope Company and is not the 1894 Edison film shot at the Black Maria.

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.

Two gamecocks fight in the Edison Company film studio. This feature was remade later in the same year, with additional detail added.

“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)

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.

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.

A short Edison Black Maria studio film featuring famed sharpshooter Annie Oakley, known as “Little Sure Shot.” Born Phoebe Ann Oakley Mozee in Ohio in 1860, she rose to global fame performing with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. Accompanied (likely) by her husband and fellow marksman Frank Butler, Oakley’s diminutive stature belied her legendary marksmanship.

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.

After launching production in London Dickson traveled to the Continent; the first stop was Paris, where this restaging of a familiar Lumière subject was made.

This scene of an African-American woman vigorously scrubbing a black baby was immensely popular with early audiences, and was featured on Biograph’s programs in London and Paris, as well as various locations in the U.S. Edison’s almost identical version, A Morning Bath, was made a few weeks after this was first shown.

The first movie audiences took particular delight in scenes of rushing, churning water. These scenes of Niagara Falls were taken in September 1896, while Dickson and Bitzer were filming McKinley and the Empire State Express.

The first movie audiences took particular delight in scenes of rushing, churning water. These scenes of Niagara Falls were taken in September 1896, while Dickson and Bitzer were filming McKinley and the Empire State Express.

Sandow and Peerless Annabelle were the first performers filmed by the new American Mutoscope Co. Annabelle reprised her Butterfly Dance and several others, among them this example of American patriotism.

The pope taking a twilight walk.

Military subjects were consistent crowd-pleasers, and this film showing a near fatal accident was especially popular.

Queen Vilhelmina greeting the crowds after the coronation.

A parade in the Vatican.

The pope resting.

Parade of guards during Queen Wilhelminas coronation.

Queen Wilhelmina arrives to the palace during her coronation.

Queen Vilhelminas coronation.

During Queen Vilhelminas coronation.

"A glove contest between trained cats. A very comical and amusing subject, and is sure to create a great laugh." (by Edison Films)

James J. Corbett and Peter Courtney meet in a boxing exhibition.

The pursuit of Hop Lee by an irate policeman.

A graceful performance of the Mikado dance, featuring three Japanese women in elaborate traditional costume. Originally noted for its striking effect when hand-colored.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Eugen Sandow, who claims to be the strongest man in the world, appears in the Edison Company's film studio.

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)

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.

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.

"Firemen in working uniform, rubber coats, helmets, and boots. Thrilling rescue from burning building. Smoke effects are fine." - from the Edison Catalog

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.

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.

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.

An athlete demonstrating various poses.

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.

Scene represents section of the interior of a Chinese Opium Den.

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. Each print consists of Annabelle's serpentine dance from 1894-1897.

Sequel to Rats Killing from 1894

Sequel to Rats and Terrier No. 2

Sequel to the Rats and Terrier series

"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."

"A company of little darkies showing off their paces to the music of the banjo."

Directed by W.K.L Dickson.

The famous army scout in an exhibition of rifle shooting. A fine picture of the principal, and beautiful smoke effects.

"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."

The boulevard in front of the Kurhaus, with pedestrians and a terrace.

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.

“A scene representing Southern plantation life before the war. A jig and a breakdown by three colored boys.”

Experimental film fragment made with the Edison-Dickson-Heise experimental horizontal-feed kinetograph camera and viewer, using 3/4-inch wide film.

Annabelle Dances in William K.L. Dickson's 1894 short film

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.

Bears that are trained.

Lost film directed by William K.L. Dickson. Presented by Edison Manufacturing Company.

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 lost film, directed by William K.L. Dickson about two men wrestling.

Lost film from 1891, directed by William K.L. Dickson and William Heise. The film stars Fred C. Devonald and James C. Duncan.

Lost film from 1891, directed by William K.L. Dickson and William Heise.

Lost film from 1891, directed by William K.L. Dickson and William Heise. The film stars James C. Duncan.

Unfound film from 1891, directed by William K.L. Dickson and William Heise. The film stars James C. Duncan.

The Glenroy Brothers perform a portion of their vaudeville act, "The Comic View of Boxing: The Tramp & the Athlete".

Lost film from 1894, directed by William K.L. Dickson.

A lively, eccentric dance by Frank Lawton, Etta Williamson and Rosa France of Charles Hoyt's "Milk White Flag". Atttractive costumes.

Reenactment of Jesus Christ with his cross.

“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)

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.

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.

Taken in 1896 on the Boulevard (upper Broadway) on the occasion of a bicycle parade in the heyday of the wheeling craze. Old-fashioned horse cars lend interest to the scene.

"A well-known character, in a dance that created considerable excitement when first introduced in America."

From Wikipedia: Sua Santità papa Leone XIII (Italian for "His Holiness Pope Leo XIII") is an 1898 short film directed by William Kennedy Dickson for the Biograph Company and is one of the first existing films shot in the Kingdom of Italy. The short film was shot in the Vatican gardens between June and July of that year (possibly on January 4), after a long wait and negotiations with the prefect of the Apostolic Chamber Francesco Salesio Della Volpe and with the intercession of the pontiff's nephew, Count Pecci. It is a montage of three different shots with the blessing of Pope Leo XIII, eighty-eight years old at the time, and was probably filmed on Kodak film.

Four men at work in a forge. The uses hammers and and anvil to beat metal.

A group of monks in procession carrying a large crucifix in Vatican City, 1898.

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 Conwy Castle (misspelled in the title) in North Wales.

Recovering from a severe illness (likely typhoid), W.K.L. Dickson received word from London that the audience's enthusiasm for the military was lessening. He sent back this celebration of the expanding empire in response, capturing the annexation ceremony of 28 May 1900. "Thanks to the Biograph, which faithfully recorded this magnificent scene," Dickson later wrote, "the people of the world who were not as fortunate as those present will see what it saw, and doubtless sing 'God Save The Queen'".

[DUPLICATE of the other 'Panoramic View of Frere Camp']

"Many spectators who have viewed this picture on the Biograph have insisted that they have experienced the pangs of seasickness. The picture was taken from the deck of one tug which was tumbling and tossing in the immense rollers, while the tug that was being photographed was similarly affected. At times the billows break over the bow of the tiny craft and almost bury it from sight in the spray. One of the biggest hits of the Biograph."

William K.L. Dickson and William Heise shake hands in this early experimental film.

An African American family eats watermelons.

"Showing the wind-up of a political discussion. Dramatis personae: A Democrat, a Republican, a Bar Maid, and a Policeman."

"Said to be the Champion High Kicker of the World."

Two men with three lordships between them.

Thomas Edison's machinist, Fred Ott, holds a bird in his hand.

Three sisters dance the Mikado in this very early film from the Edison company.

Muskoka Lake District, Canada. Beautiful picture, showing a man casting a fly, getting a strike, and landing the trout.

"A well-known oriental dancer in a dance du ventre to the music of a Turkish band."

A "gigantic demonstration of the Business Men's Republican and Sound Money Association" on 10/31/1896, opposing "Free Silver" Democrats in the upcoming election. AMB catalogue items 89 and 90.

A remarkable picture in many ways. It shows a game between two expert English teams from the go-off to the making of a goal. The photographic effects as the men splash through the water are very fine.

This 1894 film depicts a staged “war council” featuring a group of Sioux men in traditional dress, seated in deliberation as Buffalo Bill Cody addresses them.

Early short film.

Edison short.

Two Mexican men duel with knives.

Early Edison film.

Champion Lasso Thrower Vicente Oropeza (aka. Vincente Ore Passo/Bisento Orapeso/Vincenti Orapazza) shows his skills.

A series of short black and white films from director William K.L. Dickson which chronicle the adventures of Rip Van Winkle.

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.

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.

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.

British officers (Royal Engineers) supervising repair work on a bridge at Frere, spanning the Blaauw Krantz River, South Africa, during the Boer War.

An amusing picture showing a quarrel between an elderly husband and his young wife, and a joyful reconciliation.

A British Mutoscope & Biograph production.

Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.

Pelicans being released for feeding into their enclosure at London Zoological Gardens.

"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."

Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.

Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.

"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."

Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.

"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)

Showing the tapping of the furnace, and the running of the molten metal into the moulds at Elswick yard.

Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.

Signalling from a British trench during the Boer war.

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.

Single shot of a column of Gordon Highlanders marching out of their camp at Ladysmith to meet General Buller's relief column.

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.

Naval ratings pulling along naval guns during the Boer War.

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.

Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.

"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."

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.

A camera sits on top of a moving train, providing a panoramic view of Ealing (western London) as the train moves.

A camera sits on top of a moving train, providing a panoramic view of Ealing (western London) as the train moves.

"A glove contest between trained cats. A very comical and amusing subject, and is sure to create a great laugh." (by Edison Films)

The Glenroy Brothers perform a portion of their vaudeville act, "The Comic View of Boxing: The Tramp & the Athlete".

Two boxers miss their punches - until they don't.

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.

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.

"A fascinating, up-to-date dancing diversion by four pretty girls in stunning costumes."

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.

Many gondolas in Venice harbour with a fishing boat in the background

Carriages carrying Queen Wilhelmina arrive in Amsterdam

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.

Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.

Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.

Backward tracking shot of a train going from Bushey, England, near the end of its journey to Euston.

Black hooded pallbearers carry a coffin in a funeral procession in front of onlookers.

A single shot of a fleet of warships at sea, with a sunset sky superimposed from another sequence to complete the effect.

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.

A moving tour through lively turn-of-the-century Southampton.

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.

Military in Germany.

Women bathing in a german bath.

Sailors practice rescuing someone who's fallen overboard.

A London fire brigade springs into action.

The SS 'St. Louis' departs from Southampton Docks

Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.

The busy Frederick Street in Berlin.

Single panning shot of the Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta.

Phantom train ride along the French Riviera in Monte Carlo, Monaco

Windmills along the River Zaan.

Tracking shot across a bay showing a large number of fishing boats.

Sailors clamber up the rigging. Filmed at Portsmouth.

Film shot by W.K.L. Dickson at Maidenhead Junction, 1898.

Two men box while standing on their hands

Roma families eat, drink, dance, and play

Hiram Maxim shows off his machine gun.

"Sir Hiram Maxim, in person, firing at targets with one of his latest type rapid-fire guns.

Part of the 'Giant Postcards' series, a filmed entr'acte screened during the play 'De Nieuwe Prikkel' by August Reyding. Camilla and Roland take the pont across the IJ to go to the Tolhuis amusement park.

Men run a training course

Miners at the Solvay Quarries leave their drilling machine to flee from a planned blast in the rock face. Split Rock, NY.

Film by W.K.L. Dickson; Rounding a bend in the track, we behold Windsor Castle.

Young people dance the Tarantella

Showing the tapping of the furnace, and the running of the molten metal into the moulds at Elswick yard.

Short shot of the Bridge of Sighs in Venice with gondoliers

Sailors disembarking on the beach in Scheveningen, Netherlands. Shot on 68 mm Mutoscope-Biograph.

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.

"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)

Film produced by William K. Dickson’s British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.

Scene from the second act of The Prince of Wales Theatre production.

Scene from the second act of The Prince of Wales Theatre production.

Scene from the second act of The Prince of Wales Theatre production.

Dan Leno and his wife celebrating the anniversary of their wedding day.

This advertisement shows a happy woman with her bicycle. A man rides up, sweaty from exertion, for his bike is much heavier than the woman's superior Rudge and Whitworth bicycle.

A remix of Dickson's Annabelle Butterfly Dance with a modern score.

Probably the first video of a Pope: Leo XIII sits in his chair with guards and attendants, then blesses the viewers.

Imagine ten pickaninnies turned loose and on mischief bent. Farmer catches one leaving but Nine. Nine Happy Snowballs on a Swing elate. One gets knocked out then there are Eight. Eight Black Cherubs, swimming at "Eleven," Mammy catches "Rastus," that leaves Seven. Seven Jolly Coons on a Tramp play tricks. Tramp wakes up and nabs one vamoose the Six. Six Bad "Chillun" fooling 'round a Hive, Bees get busy now there's only Five. Five Inky Kids crawl thro' a hencoop door, Farmer scares one away that leaves Four. Four Smoky Kids hunting up a Tree. Gun explodes, whiz! "Skiddo" the Three. Three Black Lambs nothing else to do. Investigate a deep Well now there's Two. Two Cute Ebonites with Auntie having fun. "Mandy" gets a ducking all gone but One. One Chubby Coonlet with a toy Pop-gun. Monkeyed 'round a 'gaitor now there's None.

Members of the 'Savage South Africa' troupe at Southampton Docks. The film shows a group of Africans (Zulus) in full tribal attire at Southampton docks.

Experimental film made with the Edison-Dickson-Heise experimental horizontal-feed kinetograph camera and viewer, using 3/4-inch wide film. Film reoriented by Gordon Hendricks.

Mlle. Capitaine, the noted trapezist, performs daring feats on the flying bar. An early Edison short directed by W.K.L. Dickson, distinct from the later 1898 Edison film of the same performer.

Mlle. Capitaine, the noted trapezist, performs daring feats on the flying bar. An early Edison short directed by W.K.L. Dickson, distinct from the later 1898 Edison film of the same performer.

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. Each print consists of Annabelle's serpentine dance from 1894-1897.

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. Each print consists of Annabelle's serpentine dance from 1894-1897.

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.