The Morning Alarm

The Morning Alarm

1896 · 1 min · ★ 4.3 · Documentary

“This shows the Fire Department leaving headquarters for an early morning fire. The scene is remarkable for its natural effect. The opening of the engine house doors, the prancing of the horses, and even the startled expression upon the faces of the spectators are all clearly depicted.” -Edison Films, 1897. 150 ft. strip, filmed December 25, 1896 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Directed by James H. White

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Frankenstein · 1910

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Frankenstein, a young medical student, trying to create the perfect human being, instead creates a misshapen monster. Made ill by what he has done, Frankenstein is comforted by his fiancée; but on his wedding night he is visited by the monster.

Mess Call

Mess Call · 1896

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Members of the New York state militia enjoy some relaxing time during a meal break.

Corner Madison and State Streets, Chicago

Corner Madison and State Streets, Chicago · 1897

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MovieDocumentary

The busiest corner in Chicago. Cable cars and street traffic of all descriptions. Hundreds of shoppers. Fine perspective view looking north toward the Masonic Temple.

Seminary Girls

Seminary Girls · 1897

From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: A most amusing and life-like scene, in which a number of young ladies clad in their night robes, are seen engaged in a midnight frolic.

Three Acrobats

Three Acrobats · 1899

The Buffoons are artists in their line. They tumble in and out of trick doors, disappear and reappear in unexpected places in most unexpected ways. Sure to amuse the children.

Fatima's Coochee-Coochee Dance

Fatima's Coochee-Coochee Dance · 1896

Fatima's Coochee-Coochee Dance

MovieDocumentary

The dancer Fatima, well-known for her dancing shows at the World's Exhibition in 1893, performs for the camera. She opens her act by twirling around a few times, and then she does the 'muscle dance' for which she had attracted considerable notoriety.

Herald Square

Herald Square · 1896

Formed by the junction of Broadway, Sixth Avenue and 35th Street. The picturesque low roofed Herald building is plainly shown; also the passing crowds and group of idlers.

Serpentine Dance - Annabelle

Serpentine Dance - Annabelle · 1897

Serpentine Dance - Annabelle

MovieDocumentary

1897 version of Annabelle Moore performing a serpentine dance.

Freight Train

Freight Train · 1898

MovieDocumentary

Another entry in Edison's "Southern Pacific Company Series", which pretty much had cameramen hanging around the train line just shooting anything they could.

Watermelon Contest

Watermelon Contest · 1900

Watermelon Contest

Four men each hold a large slice of watermelon, and have a race to see who can finish eating first. All four move quickly, but one man seems to be pulling ahead of the others. Soon the contestants begin to hinder one another's efforts.

Husking Bee

Husking Bee · 1897

MovieDocumentary

Shows a party of young people in front of a barn door, searching for the red ear, which is discovered, and the penalty exacted from one of the group who resists payment of the forfeit, thereby creating confusion and merriment. The group is animated, and is made up of real farmer boys and girls. During the progress of husking, the farmer arrives wheeling his little daughter to the sport on a barrow.

Lone Fisherman

Lone Fisherman · 1896

A fellow in a wide-brimmed hat, with a willowy stick for a rod and a baited hook, sits down on a plank hanging over a bridge above a stream. He sticks the rod under his seat and picks up his bottle to take a swig. Behind him creeps a joker who removes the large flagstone that's holding the fisherman's plank in place.

Interrupted Lovers

Interrupted Lovers · 1896

Interrupted Lovers

MovieRomanceComedy

“The watchful father disturbs a dream of bliss, and the bucolic lover is taught a lesson. He made a great hit.” (Edison film catalog)

Advance of Kansas Volunteers at Caloocan

Advance of Kansas Volunteers at Caloocan · 1899

Advance of Kansas Volunteers at Caloocan

Recreation of military maneuvers in the Philippines in the Spanish-American War.

Horses loading for Klondike, no. 9

Horses loading for Klondike, no. 9 · 1897

Horses loading for Klondike, no. 9

MovieDocumentary

The wharf is crowded with live stock, and the huge derrick slowly drops the large box or sling into the bunch. Into this cradle a horse is led, and is slowly hoisted and swung over to the deck of the steamer. This picture is taken ten minutes before sailing time.

Fishing Smacks

Fishing Smacks · 1897

MovieDocumentary

Another Edison film shot in San Francisco at the Fisherman's Wharf. Once again the camera is looking down on a group of men doing their jobs.

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