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Introduction
This timeline shows the evolution of motion pictures from the late 19th century into the early 20th century, focusing on the content of these films. Advancements in motion picture technology naturally brought rapid changes to the types of subjects and narratives that were captured in early films. This timeline reflects significant developments that occurred during motion pictures’ first half century of existence. -
Eadweard Muybridge
Eadweard Muybridge, an English photographer, is hired to definitively prove that when a horse trots, all four of its legs are off of the ground simultaneously. Muybridge's photographs were widely published and he gave lectures throughout the US and Europe on animal locomotion. This first film inspired others to pursue the study of motion pictures. The subject of the film was basic but the capabilities of motion photography had expanded incredibly, paving the way for all films to come. -
Monkeyshines
The Monkeyshines project was a series of films created during the development and testing of the Kinetoscope, a device invented by William Dickson. The short films, titled Monkeyshines No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 were trial attempts not intended to be released for public viewing. The first of these depicts a man standing and moving his arms. The picture is blurry, scratched, and difficult to decipher. These first attempts are believed to be the first films ever to be made in the US. -
Monkeyshines No. 2 & 3
Similarly to Monkeyshines No. 1, the second film in the series also depicts a white figure making large movements with their arms. Dickson and the other inventors were testing how the Kinetoscope performed in different conditions. In this iteration, the figure is more clear, bending at the waist to intentionally incorporate visible motion for the device to capture. It is unclear whether this series was created in 1889 or 1890. -
Edison Manufacturing Company (1889-1894)
As the technology developed, the Edison Laboratory's films evolved. Both in subject and quality the films that were created advanced dramatically as the 1890's progressed. Over the course of the decade, Edison and his employees produced a catalog of short black and white films. The subjects included a woman dancing, two men boxing, an athlete posing, and even a man sneezing. These are the precursors to actualities which would emerge as the primary style of film in the late 19th century. -
The Lumière Brothers
Based on Edison's kinetoscope, the Lumière brothers invented the cinématographe which allowed for commercial projection of films. The lightweight, relatively portable device increased the potential for what could be filmed. The brothers primarily produced "actualities;" films showing one continuous scene in a documentary style. Examples of their early films show a train arriving at the station, people exiting a factory, and a baby being fed by its parents. -
L'Arroseur Arrosé
"L'Arroseur Arrosé", also known as "Tables Turned on the Gardener", stands out as the first comedy short film to be created. The film shows a gardener watering plants when a young boy approaches and mischievously tricks the gardener, leaving him soaked and furious. This silent, black and white film is only about 40 seconds long. That being said, this movie revealed the potential for film to be used as a comedic device. The possibilities for film became even wider. -
Rescued by Rover
In one of the first significant films of the 20th century, Lewin Fitzhamon directed "Rescued by Rover". The British silent short movie contained 22 total shots in five minutes which was easier to follow and used in future films. Rover is known to be the first dog to play a role in a fictional motion picture. Excluding Rover, this cast was the first of its time to be paid for their acting. The simple film bridged a gap in storytelling and techniques at the turn of the century. -
The Birth of a Nation
"The Birth of a Nation" was a breakthrough film featuring influential techniques and provocative content. DW Griffith created the first non-serial American 12-reel film. Claiming to be historically accurate, the film tells the story of two American families during the Civil War with a focus on President Lincoln and the effects of his assassination. While being the most successful motion picture of its time, "The Birth of a Nation" remains one of the most controversial American films in history. -