William K.L. Dickson
1860 - 1935The Brilliant Biograph: Earliest Moving Images of Europe (1897-1902)
Emile Lauste, Frank Roumen
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.
The Brilliant Biograph: Earliest Moving Images of Europe (1897-1902)
Annabelle Serpentine Dance
William Heise, William K.L. Dickson
Annabelle Moore
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.
Annabelle Serpentine Dance
The Grand Canal, Venice
William K.L. Dickson
"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."
The Grand Canal, Venice
Annie Oakley
William Heise, William K.L. Dickson
Annie Oakley
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.
Annie Oakley
Captain Deasy's Daring Drive, Descent
Emile Lauste, William K.L. Dickson
Filmed on a mountain railway from Caux to Rochers de Naye, Switzerland. Originally filmed in 68mm. The film was advertised as being available in 'standard Edison gauge' (35mm) at a total length of 620ft, which included both ascent and descent. The surviving combined 35mm footage (from 68mm originals) equals 519ft. The original German title is unknown.
Captain Deasy's Daring Drive, Descent
Launch of the 'Oceanic'
William K.L. Dickson
"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)
Launch of the 'Oceanic'
Annabelle Butterfly Dance
William Heise, William K.L. Dickson
Annabelle Moore
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.
Annabelle Butterfly Dance
