James H. White

"Mammy is washing her little pickaninny. She thrusts him, kicking and struggling, into a tub full of foaming suds." - from the Edison Catalog (imdb)

An early film, which is pretty much summed up by its title.

A short from the early days of cinema.

Shows all the prominent buildings on this thoroughfare, ending with a close view of the base of the Eiffel Tower, with the Trocadero Palace in the background. (imdb)

Showing the entire height of this wonderful structure from the base of the dome and return, with the great Paris Exposition in the background, looking down Champs de Mars. A most realistic picture. (imdb)

A marvelously clear picture taken from the top of the elevator of the Eiffel Tower during going up and coming down of the car... (imdb)

A woman and a young girl each carry containers of bird feed, and they toss occasional handfuls to the chickens and doves in the farmyard. Most of the chickens stay nearby, but the doves occasionally fly off and then return to eat more.

A number of young ladies, in their night robes, are having a frolic, and are interrupted by a teacher. One girl makes herself *very* conspicuous by crawling under a bed. (imdb)

This panoramic scene is taken from a Seine steamboat and gives a rapid view of the banks of the river... (imdb)

In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, normal routines are resuming after a snowstorm. Along a city street, pedestrians watch as a vehicle passes by. But then they see something unexpected, as two sleigh drivers have decided to have a little fun on the snowy street. (imdb)

Shows a life boat coming through the breakers. The surf is high and the stout boat is tossed about like a cork. (imdb)

A side splitting subject, showing the mistaken tramp's arrival at the Wm. Waldorf Astor mansion and being discovered comfortably asleep in bed, by the lady of the house. (imdb)

This was another very brief Edison film that I discovered on the Internet Archive site. Supposedly the first movie western, Cripple Creek Bar-Room Scene has no horses, no guns, and no fistfights.(imdb)

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

Nothing can exceed the stubborn resistance shown by the Gordon Highlanders, as we see them steadily advancing in the face of a murderous fire of the Boers, who are making their guns speak with rapid volleys. One by one the gunners fall beside their guns, and as the smoke clears for an instant the Highlanders are seen gaining nearer and nearer the disputed ground. Finally a grand charge is made, the siege is carried, and amid cheers they plant the colors on the spot they have so dearly earned.

This picture opens with the young cadets climbing the rigging and going through the sail drill on board the famous historic ship "Constellation." Loosing sail to buntline, making sail, shortening sail and furling; also loose sail to bowline. This picture is absolutely perfect photographically; also very thrilling, and makes a most interesting subject. (imdb)

A crew of railroad workmen are busy along the tracks of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. When the Black Diamond Express appears in the distance, they begin to pull back from the rails to clear the way. As the train approaches their work site, some of them begin to wave at it. (imdb)

James White, the Edison Company's main filmmaker at the time, realized a burst of creativity during his visit to the 1900 Paris Exposition. It's uncertain who his cameraman was for this journey, but historian Charles Musser suggests that it might've been Alfred C. Abadie. In their Paris Exposition films, they introduced tilting (see 'Panorama of Eiffel Tower') and, although panning and panoramas had already been around for a while, they introduced some novel functions for them.

While our photographers were crossing the Atlantic Ocean a most wonderful and sensational picture was secured, showing a storm at sea. The picture was secured by lashing the camera to the after bridge of the Kaiserine Maria Theresa, of the North German Lloyd Line, during one of its roughest voyages. The most wonderful storm picture ever photographed. Taken at great risk. (Edison Films)

"Train is first seen rounding a curve nearly a mile away. Approaches at the rate of 70 miles an hour, blowing a warning whistle to a gang of track repairers." (imdb)

This shows the Fire Department leaving headquarters for an early morning fire. (imdb)

A street scene showing parade of the entire Buffalo Police Department, 16 men abreast, with military band. (imdb)

From the upper windows of a ruined mill Cubans are firing at a scouting party of Spaniards, who return the volley. Fine smoke effects. (imdb)

The camera shows a view of the American Falls and Goat Island. (imdb)

Grandpa sits nodding in his armchair in the kitchen, where a sout, jolly washerwoman is washing clothes... (imdb)

Shows a party of tourists at this famous resort; located in Monterey, Cal., on the Southern Pacific Railroad. The magnificence of its surroundings is clearly shown. (imdb)

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. (imdb)

A file of Spanish soldiers line up the Cubans against a blank wall and fire a volley. The flash of rifles and drifting smoke make a very striking picture. (Edison Catalog)

"Shows a large flock of sheep being driven from the cars to the slaughter house." (imdb)

"A burning wagon is dragged from the barn by the firemen, and four horses are rescued from the flames by the stablemen. Thick volumes of smoke pour from the doors and windows." - from the Edison Catalog (imdb)

Taken at Fingal, Cal., where the world-renowned 'Sunset Limited' trains pass each other. (imdb)

Two men have a contest to see which one can be the first to eat a large slice of watermelon. (imdb)

"A battalion of New York's famous mounted police at inspection. They approach at break-neck gallop." - from the Edison Catalog (imdb)

Stationary camera on a railroad yard.

The title pretty much tells you all you'll need to know about this Edison picture that clocks in at just 26-seconds. (imdb)

"Beautiful water effects at Haines' Falls, a most picturesque and charming mountain cataract. The wild and rugged surroundings are very impressive. (imdb)

This is a great historical event. Our cameras were stationed in the center of the Esplanade looking toward the Main Approach to the Pan-American Exposition... (imdb)

"The famous parade ground of Metropolitan fashion. Exquisitely gowned women, club men, actresses, millionaires pass by on their afternoon stroll." - from the Edison Catalog (imdb)

Mr. Jones seduces the cook, but is discovered by Mrs. Jones. (imdb)

The President is seen on the reviewing stand at the Stadium, escorted by President Milburn, of the Pan-American Exposition... (imdb)

The S.S. Australia departs from San Francisco Bay, carrying American soldiers to the Philippines. (imdb)

Edison working in his lab, mixing chemicals.

Edison Co. - Shot in Herald Square; New York City, NY

Probably part of the "Alaska and Yellowstone National Park Series" in the "Northern Pacific Railway Series" (Edison films catalog):

From Edison films catalog: The water breaks over the rocks, and is dashed into silvery spray, high into the air. Exceptionally fine water effects.

"In front of each bare headed woman is a flat rock, used as a wash board. Stream of water near by. Naked Mexican child is playing in the foreground."

This picture ... centers about some guard ropes moving about, perhaps in the wind, perhaps as the platform the movie is taken from rolls about, while in the background, a procession of ships goes by. (imdb)

"A panoramic view of the 'Raleigh,' as she lies at anchor off 27th Street, North River, April 17, 1899. Captain Coghlan stands among a group of officers near the bridge. The 'Raleigh' fired the first gun at Manila, and is the first boat of the Pacific Squadron visiting New York. All the details of the famous battleship are clearly shown as the launch from which the picture was taken moves rapidly around her." (Edison Catalog)

Street scene of LA in 1898.

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

Near the center of this scene we see the regimental surgeon directing the movements of the Ambulance Corps... (imdb)

Reenactment of a South African battle. (imdb)

This is the lady whose graceful interpretations of the poetry of motion has made this dance so popular of recent years. (imdb)

Artist draws Thomas Edison. (imdb)

A train speeds toward the camera as several onlookers wave at it. (imdb)

A lady watering the garden with a hose, a mischievous boy stops the flow of water until she looks for the cause, when he permits the water to flow, resulting in the lady taking an unexpected bath. The father then appears and chastises the youthful culprit. One of the best films ever made. (imdb)

"The 'Laughing Waters' of Longfellow's 'Hiawatha.' A beautiful view of this picturesque and celebrated waterfall." (imdb)

This twenty-five second film is from Edison's "Southern Pacific Company" series. What we see is a Japanese ship as it is floating into a harbor in Southern California. (imdb)

In this movie, dancer Ella Lola performs a Turkish variation of a "danse Du Ventre", the oriental belly dance. In her dance she shakes, twists and turns around in a very energetic dance. The elements of Turkish folklore can be felt despite the lack of sound as the differences from this and other belly dances are very notorious when her traditional Turkish dress swings in a marvelous way as she dances. (imdb)

"On the way to San[ta] Monica, Cal., the train approaches, runs through and emerges from a tunnel. Train passes in opposite direction. Camera is at front end of train, giving a very novel view." (imdb)

I do believe I have stumbled upon the very first exploitation picture ever made; and no it wasn't by David Friedman or Kroger Babb or K. Gordon Murray or anyone like that. Thomas Edison, the pioneer of moving pictures themselves, also gave us the first exploitation movie! Running a scant 2 mins 2 secs the movie offers us a look inside what is supposed to be a brothel in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco. (imdb)

Here we have a mixed company of Gordon Highlanders, Irish Fusilliers and English Lancers, as a group of prisoners taken to the rear by a troop of Boer Cavalry. The expression on their faces show who is the victor, and who is the vanquished. You can read in the dust and smoke-begrimed countenance of the prisoners, the story of their stubborn resistance to superior numbers before the surrender: while the Boers give expression to their feelings, by cheering and waving their hats in triumph. (imdb)

This picture shows thousands of people leaving their seats in the grand stand and going across the parade grounds toward Paris. A very sharp and clear picture. (imdb)

A Thomas Edison film showing a torpedo being shot. (imdb)

The picture opens with a crowd of Swiss boys and girls dressed in native costumes, marching down the street in this very unique and picturesque village. Each happy and smiling face is clearly shown as they pass the camera. The scene ends by the boys and girls congregating in the square and dancing to the strains of an accordion played by one of the happy villagers. (imdb)

Short clip of passing troops at the Dewey Arch. (imdb)

The only picture extant showing this wonderful performance of a horse diving from a staging 40 feet in height into the water. Scenes secured at the Shoot the Chutes pond at Coney Island, and depicts a truly wonderful feat. (imdb)

Here we present to the audience a subject taken near Mt. Golden, on which will thoroughly please all who are lovers of scenery. One minute you are running straight to the mountain of rock, and then when you expect to be dashed into it, suddenly turn and skirt the very side of this mountain over trestles, bridges, and finally stop where in front of you can be seen Mt. Hector at a distance of about twelve miles. (imdb)

Another film of Annabelle Moore. (imdb)

his picture was taken from the stationary platform, showing the rapidly moving board walk on the outer edge (imdb)

The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Fire Department responds to an alarm on a December morning. (imdb)

Colonel Funston goes swimming in the Baglag River.

"A double-decked trolley car, crowded with passengers, approaches and passes the camera. Carriages, pedestrians and bicyclists add to the action of the scene." (imdb)

A short from Edison Manufacturing Company also called Chinese Procession No. 12.

A documentary short from Edison Manufacturing Company.

The first scene is taken from the pond of the chutes, and shows a number of boats laden with gay Coney Island pleasure-seekers coming down into the water in rapid succession. The next scene is taken from the top of the incline, showing the boats being loaded, starting away, running down the chutes and dashing into the water. The next and most wonderful picture was secured by placing the camera in the boat, making a panoramic view of the chutes while running down and dashing into the water. (imdb)

The hen house occupies the entire left foreground of the picture, running back to the nearby road. The main foreground is filled with tall grass swept by the wind, the naturalness of which effect is remarkable. A thief appears 'round the corner, carrying a tattered sack. He suspiciously approaches the window, from which two fowl are handed to him by a black confederat, who himself suddenly appears at the window, falling out head first but clinging tenaciously to a fluttering white bird.

Men on field. Boxing. Both wear numbers on back. Large round-hose swings. Several men apparently refereeing. One with striped pants. Possible at west point. Mountain visible in background of large field.

A parade of soldiers.

Two carts, one with a boat on it, are being pushed out of a garage.

The famous Seal Rocks at Golden Gate Park are here shown. Sea lions in their wild state are lying on the rocks and swimming and diving in the water.

The crew of seven dressed in cork jackets, push the boat through the surf; they clamber in and row out to the wreck. 50 ft.

Shows steamer plunging head-on through the heavy seas. Huge waves break over the bow and wash the deck, almost carrying away the look-out.

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.

Magnificent action is displayed by this troop of Mexican cavalry. They approach at full speed, with drawn sabres, wheel rapidly, and charge in the opposite direction.

In [Admiral] Dewey land parade.

A decided shady game. Shows a novel way of filling a bobtail flush. Game breaks up in a general scrimmage. The barkeeper cools off the fighters by the judicious use of a siphon of vichy.

Here's a comedy... by the Merriam-Webster definition of such things. An elderly man dressed in dirty-looking work clothes leans in shyly to kiss the skinny girl, dressed in an awful-looking ensemble.

Some men are playing a game on the beach, while some ladies with their backs to the cameras watch. A donkey cart ambles by.

A short look at Surf Ave., Coney Island.

Eight mounted cowboys pursue an escaped steer, riding at furious speed. Fine exhibition of lasso throwing. Mexican International.

Taken on 'Lucky' Baldwin's ranch, Santa Anita, Cal. Shows an engine and five cars approaching from a distance.

On Saturday morning, August 20, 1898, six grim battleships of Admiral Sampson's Squadron sailed into New York Harbor and up the Hudson to receive a welcome from the people and to fire a salute of victory in sight of the tomb of the great soldier-hero of another war [Ulysses Grant].

Shows steam fire engine in action. Men scale ladders and play streams of water on a burning building. Very realistic.

The Suburban is run at Sheepshead Bay track, Coney Island. Several views of the great race are given. The parade to the post, the start, the finish showing Ben Brush winning, Simms up, with the others strung out, tearing down the stretch in the dust, under whip and spur. Then the weighing out, jockeys saluting, dismounting, and un-saddling.

Shows canal running through the suburban village of Santa Anita. Men and women pole their flat-bottom boats along, loaded down with garden produce.

The fashionable set is parading in the park, after church. The concourse is composed of all nationalities, including several groups of pretty senoritas.

Interesting types of Mexicans watch the arrivals by the train. Sombreros, serapes and mantillas give the scene a very distinctive foreign appearance.

Magnificent view of hurricane at sea. Vessel rises at one moment, riding the wave mountains, and then dips into the trough of the sea. A photographically perfect picture.

Photographed February-March, 1898 in Canton, China.

Chinese passengers make their way down the wharf. Two chair bearers are soliciting fares, but without any success.

It's a traveling shot from behind the railings. As the camera moves slowly along the harbor, we have a fine view of the rail. In the distance we spot harbor crafts until we come to the piece de la resistance, a bunch of folks standing around.

Here is another view on the Bund, with The Garden on the left, with its high arched conservatory. As in the former scene, the peculiar wheelbarrows prove to be the central attraction. Evidently some tourists are enjoying the novel vehicle, as shown by the hilarity of the party that passes by in front of our artists. A barrow is often loaded with three or four passengers, although but one man propels it.

Shows a party of English people in their chairs. This is the only safe way of getting about in Canton, as the streets are indescribably filthy.