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.
“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)
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.
"Firemen in working uniform, rubber coats, helmets, and boots. Thrilling rescue from burning building. Smoke effects are fine." - from the Edison Catalog
In very bad weather and a stormy sea, a small boat manned by two men is trying to leave the harbor of La Ciotat, while several people are watching them from the nearby pier.
A young woman takes off several layers of clothing.
They get ready to kiss, begin to kiss, and kiss in a way that brings down the house every time.
Britain's first drama (i.e. non documentary) film.
Husband comes home late and wakes the wife. Based on a popular stage play.
A servant persuades a cellist to play and his errant wife returns.
A series of short black and white films from director William K.L. Dickson which chronicle the adventures of Rip Van Winkle.
A newlywed couple in front of their wedding-bed after their wedding. The woman undresses in front of her husband. A French erotic short film considered to be one of the first erotic films made.
Based on a real event that occurred between two deputies, in Chapultepec Park.
An officer calls his sailors to the deck. They assemble around the canon while the officer scans the horizon. They all turn in the direction of the camera to look in the distance. At the same time the ship is hit! This scene is a filmed reconstruction of the 1897 Greek-Turkish war.
Three people playing cards.
A woman arrives home after the ball. Her servant helps her undress and bathe.
Three military men, seen inside a fortification, are firing on an unseen enemy force. The call for reinforcements but ladders appear signalling the enemy is about to overrun this position.
A man peeping through a keyhole at an attractive young woman gets his comeuppance. This film, presumed lost, is often mistaken for Ferdinand Zecca's "What Is Seen Through a Keyhole" (1901).
As the only survivor of a battle, a cavalryman heroically defends his flag.
