785 Motion picture broadcasting and recorded sound division, Motion pictures Images: LOC's Public Domain Archive Public Domain Search

785 media by topic ∙ page 1 of 8

Motorized gramophone motion picture

Mounted on card. Originally housed in Joseph Sanders Collection Box 5. Emile Berliner 1851 – 1929 was a German-born American inventor and businessman. He is best known for his development of the flat disc reco... More

Sandow / - vaudeville film motion picture

10777 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright (under title Souvenir strip of the Edison Kinetoscope): W.K.L. Dickson; 18May1894; 10777. Performer: Eugen Sandow. Camera, William Heise. Duration: 0:40 at 16 fps. Accordin... More

May Irwin kiss / motion picture

From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: An osculatory performance by May Irwin and John Rice. The most popular subject ever shown. From Edison films catalog: By May Irwin and John Rice. They get ready to kiss, begin t... More

Interrupted lovers / motion picture

From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: Another instance where "the course of true love never runs smooth." From Edison films catalog: The watchful father disturbs a dream of bliss, and the bucolic lover is taught a l... More

Procession of floats / motion picture

"Taken at San Francisco, Cal., at the Golden Jubilee. In the foreground are seen crowds of people, all being very close to the camera. The first float is drawn by four white horses and is at least twenty feet l... More

The magician / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress colle...

"The scene opens on a theatrical stage. The magician enters from the wings, and making a bow to the audience, removes his coat and hat, and they disappear mysteriously into the air. He then takes a white handke... More

Esquimaux village / motion picture

"The first of three camera positions shows a low building resembling an igloo beside a small pool, and an ice floe. Dark-complexioned people dressed as Eskimos run up and down alongside the pool, and a dog pull... More

The unappreciated joke / motion picture

"Scene, interior of a street-car. A stout man enters and sits down alongside of a friend and proceeds to read a comic paper. He shows a joke in the paper to his friend, and they both laugh heartily. The friend ... More

Logging in Maine / motion picture

The subject is the movement of cut timber from the forest to the mill. The few scenes that make up the film are loggers performing the various operations necessary to prevent logs from jamming together. The men... More

The sculptor's nightmare / motion picture

At a political club, the members debate whose bust will replace that of Theodore Roosevelt. Unable to agree, each goes to a sculptor's studio and bribes him to sculpt a bust of the individual favorite. Instead,... More

Patents booklet motion picture, Emile Berliner radio broadcasting coll...

"H'oenshein" ? handwritten on front cover. Pencil notations p.1, p. 5 , p. 15. Informally-bound booklet of various gramophone patents, diagrams, and specifications, including Emile Berliner's patents: 372,786; ... More

The good sport / motion picture

A domestic comedy about a wealthy young woman whose poor inventor husband becomes rich when he perfects the first elevator that ever stopped even without a floor. LP12317 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas... More

A morning alarm / motion picture

From Maguire & Baucus catalogues: 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 pranci... More

The Astor tramp / motion picture

"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. Length 100 feet, complete with words of ... More

Uncle Josh's nightmare / motion picture

"On a set of a man's bedroom, a woman can be seen helping a middle-aged man to retire. As soon as he falls asleep, an apparition appears at the edge of the room. The man begins to grapple with the vision and fe... More

Congress of nations / motion picture

"A new and sensational film, which deals in a highly up-to-date manner with the international situation. A magician steps upon the stage carrying a hoop covered with white paper. Then in quick succession the fl... More

Babies rolling eggs / motion picture

"Some small children in winter clothing face the camera in a semicircle. They throw what appear to be eggs down the incline toward the camera position. From left and right of the camera, a great number of young... More

W.S.S. Thriftettes / motion picture

A promotion for war savings stamps, reputed here to help confine Germany's Kaiser to a circus cage. Copyright: no reg. Duration: 0:33 at 18 fps. Summary from Origin of American animation 1900-1921 notes. On ree... More

Jam Session motion picture - movie film screenshot

Summary: Duke Ellington Orchestra performs "C Jam Blues." Ray Nance (violin); Rex Stewart (trumpet); Ben Webster (tenor saxophone); Joe Nanton (trombone); Barney Bigard (clarinet); Sonny Greer (drums).

The Dewey Story motion picture - movie film screenshot

Summary: "The story of the career of Governor Thomas E. Dewey. Includes scenes taken from his private and political life and concludes with his nomination for president in 1948"--Summary from title card. Made f... More

E. Berliner's gramophone motion picture

Advertisement of Berliner's gramophone contains girl sitting while playing gramophone. Verso contains handwritten list of band music and recitations, July 29, 1895.

Patents booklet motion picture, Emile Berliner radio broadcasting coll...

European rest cure / motion picture

"On the gangplank of one of the large ocean liners leaving New York is shown an old gentleman kissing his wife and daughter good-bye before leaving on a tour abroad for a much needed rest from business cares an... More

Berliner family motion picture - Public domain historic place photogra...

Originally housed in Joseph Sanders Collection Box 5. Mounted on card. Smaller print of item 120010303.

Fisherman's Wharf / motion picture

"Shows the wharf at San Francisco, Cal., with a large fleet of fishing boats at anchor. The crews are engaged in mending nets, arranging lines, etc., all of which lend action to the view. The figures are clear ... More

Capsize of lifeboat / motion picture

"Daily practise [sic] of life boat crew, showing boat being upset purposely by the men. As these boats are self-righting and self-bailing, the scene is particularly interesting. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. ... More

Cuban ambush / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress colle...

"From the upper windows of a ruined mill the Cubans fire at a scouting party of Spaniards, who return the volley. Fine smoke effects. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 46695 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thoma... More

An artist's dream / motion picture

"The scene opens in the interior of an artist's studio. Mephisto appears mysteriously and signals the pictures to come to life. They step down from the frames and walk forward, admiring their costumes. Mephisto... More

Champs de Mars / motion picture - Exposition Universelle International...

"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. 135 feet"--Edison films catalog, no. 105. D16382 U... More

Delivering newspapers / motion picture

The film shows a group of about fifty pre-adolescent boys running and crowding around a one-horse paneled newspaper van that pulls up in the foreground of the picture. On the side of the van is a sign reading "... More

Street car chivalry / motion picture

"Scene shows interior of crowded street-car. A young lady enters and every man in the car offers her his seat. Presently an elderly stout lady with arm full of bundles enters. All male passengers immediately bu... More

Policy and pie / motion picture

The Captain gets a life insurance policy and gives it to his wife. In gratitude she makes him a pie. The Katzenjammer Kids play a trick on the Captain and sneak toads into his pie so that he would think his wif... More

Stewart-Warner Refrigerator Sales Film

Summary: Greater advertising and promotional plans for Stewart-Warner's 1928 refrigerators.

Fears of Children motion picture

Public domain photograph of movie actress, film scene, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Scrap book motion picture - Public domain document scan of drawing

Scrapbook was probably compiled by Emile Berliner. Only excerpts have been digitized. Pages are empty except for 3. Article on cloud telegraphy is loose. Scrapbook is empty except for 3 pages relating to the Un... More

Scrap book motion picture - Public domain document scan of drawing

Bucking broncho / motion picture

From Raff & Gammon price list: An out-of-door scene. The men and horse of this subject are from "Buffalo Bill's Wild West." 15.00. From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: A cowboy riding an unruly "bronco." From Ediso... More

The burning stable / motion picture

From Maguire & Baucus catalogues: Shows a barn actually in flames, from which four horses and a burning wagon are rescued by firemen and stable hands. The scene is exciting, full of action from beginning to end... More

Shooting the chutes / motion picture

"A lively scene on the famous water chutes at Coney Island"--Maguire & Baucus catalogue. Copyright: no reg. Camera, William Heise. Duration: 0:23 at 30 fps. Filmed June 18-23, 1896, at Bergen Beach, Coney Islan... More

Hotel Del Monte / motion picture

"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. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. "Southern Pa... More

Stanford University, California / motion picture

"Taken at the above University, noted the world over, being the personal gift of the late Senator Leland Stanford. The view shows an immense arch in the background through which are seen coming groups of studen... More

Roosevelt's Rough Riders / motion picture

"A charge full of cowboy enthusiasm by Troop "I," the famous regiment, at Tampa, before its departure for the front"--Biograph picture catalogue. H32832 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: American Mutoscope & Bio... More

Sleighing scene / motion picture

"A view taken on the West Side Drive in Central Park. Shows a continuous stream of handsome rigs and turnouts passing in both directions. Pedestrians watch the gay carnival. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 7346... More

Colored troops disembarking / motion picture

"The steamer "Mascotte" has reached her dock at Port Tampa, and the 2d Battalion of Colored Infantry is going ashore. Tide is very high, and the gang plank is extra steep; and it is laughable to see the extreme... More

Charleston chain-gang / motion picture

"This picture shows the prisoners after completing their day's work of cleaning up the grounds of the Charleston Exposition, taking their positions along the long chain which secures the whole band of prisoners... More

Mary & Gretel / motion picture - movie film screenshot

"Alice in Wonderland meets the Garden of Eden in this surreal fable of a drunk rabbit, bowling dwarfs, and the two bewildered girls of the title"--Origins of American animation 1900-1921 notes. "Mary & Gretel e... More

Ridin' Wild motion picture - movie film screenshot

Sound: This moving image content is silent, and was created without sound or a soundtrack. Summary: Like many Easterners who suffer from consumption, "The White Plague," Jim Warren goes to Arizona for the curat... More

The Wizard's Apprentice motion picture

Summary: "Joseph Schenck/William Cameron Menzies classical musical production of music by Dukas"--Summary from J. Fred MacDonald and Associates film inventory. The wizard's apprentice tries his hand at the blac... More

Communism motion picture - movie film screenshot

Summary: Presents a brief history of Communism, its totalitarian characteristics, and how communists operate in the United States.

Ellis in Freedomland motion picture

Summary: "theatrical-length promotional film for Westinghouse electric appliances and the 1952 sales special called Freedomland-because these appliance freed women from the drudgery of housework just as Lincoln... More

Patents booklet motion picture, Emile Berliner radio broadcasting coll...

[Men boxing] / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress colle...

Experimental film made with the Edison-Dickson-Heise experimental horizontal-feed kinetograph camera and viewer, using 3/4-inch wide film. Camera, W.K.L. Dickson and William Heise. Duration: about 0:20 (looped ... More

[Dickson greeting] / motion picture

Experimental film made with the Edison-Dickson-Heise experimental horizontal-feed kinetograph camera and viewer, using 3/4-inch wide film. Appearing: W.K.L. Dickson. Camera, William Heise. Duration: about 0:20 ... More

Maniac chase / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress colle...

From Edison films catalog: The picture opens with the interior of a cell in an insane asylum. The inmate, who imagines himself to be Napoleon the Great, is seated at a table dressed in the costume of that world... More

A morning bath / motion picture

An African American mother is shown giving her struggling child a bath. She thrusts him, kicking and struggling, into a tub of foaming suds. 60142 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison; 31Oct1896; 6... More

Admiral cigarette / motion picture

In front of a large backdrop with the words "Admiral Cigarette" are four people in costume: Uncle Sam, a clergyman, an Indian, and a businessman. To their left is a very large Admiral Cigarette box, that breaks... More

Giant coal dumper / motion picture

"Erie Railroad Series: The following subjects present novel and interesting views along the line of the Erie, such as do not always come within the observation of the general tourist. We are indebted to the cou... More

Launching, no. 2 / motion picture

"The camera was changed after the former subject had been photographed [i.e., Launch of Japanese man-of-war "Chitosa"] and the ship [Chitose] is seen nearly head-on, bow first, still floating backward into the ... More

Union Iron Works / motion picture

"Here was built the peerless battleship "Oregon." The scene is taken at lunch hour, and shows a great throng of employees leaving the shop. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog, no. 94, March 1900, p. 21. "Southern P... More

Tenderloin at night / motion picture

A man walks into a bar in the Tenderloin, where he is greeted enthusiastically by the patrons. The bartender brings a round of drinks for everyone. While one of the women distracts the newcomer, one of the men ... More

An historic feat / motion picture

"Gen. Franklin Bell's famous mule pack train swimming the Agno River in Northern Luzon. This is one of the most notable incidents of the Philippine War. The picture has made a decided sensation wherever it has ... More

Boys diving, Honolulu / motion picture

A large group of small boys stand on a pier, sillhouetted against the sky. In the distance, six large clipper ships can be seen at anchor. The boys jump and dive into the water, apparently to retrieve coins tha... More

Uncle Josh at the moving picture show /

"Here we present a side-splitter. Uncle Josh occupies a box at a vaudeville theatre, and a moving picture show is going on. First there appears upon the screen a dancer. Uncle Josh jumps to the stage and endeav... More

Mental Hospital motion picture - movie film screenshot

Summary: Documents the case of a mental patient who is treated for schizophrenia (paranoid type) at the Oklahoma State Hospital. Summarizes the treatment of a patient from admission to the hospital to the time ... More

The Hitch-Hiker motion picture - movie film screenshot

Summary: While vacationing in Mexico, two men offer a ride to a hitchhiker who, after revealing himself as a homicidal maniac, forces the men to help him elude the police. Credits: Cast: Edmond O'Brien, Frank L... More

Patents booklet motion picture, Emile Berliner radio broadcasting coll...

Gramophone litigation motion picture

Hardcover. Title taken from spine. Contains compiled material on Victor Talking Machine Co. and U.S. Gramophone Co. vs. American Graphophone Co.; American Graphophone Co. v. National Gramophone Co. and Frank Se... More

European rest cure / motion picture

Freight train / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress coll...

"The long train is just coming out of the tunnel. An engine and a header, nineteen freight cars, a caboose and a pusher engine creep slowly round the curve and up the steep grade. Fine smoke effects. Magnificen... More

Microphonic contacts motion picture

Emile Berliner 1851 – 1929 was a German-born American inventor and businessman. He is best known for his development of the flat disc record and the Gramophone. Berliner worked in the telegraph industry experim... More

Adventure in Telezonia motion picture

Summary: "In trying to find his lost dog, Bobby uses the telephone incorrectly. Handy, a marionette, offers to help and brings Bobby to the fanciful land of Telezonia where the marionette inhabitants try to fin... More

[Claremont Theatre, N.Y.] / motion picture

Shows the entrance to the Claremont Theatre in New York City at 135th St. and Broadway where Edison is showing Gertrude McCoy and Bigelow Cooper in On the stroke of twelve. Large numbers of men, women and child... More

Patents booklet motion picture, Emile Berliner radio broadcasting coll...

[Men boxing] / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress colle...

Seminary girls / motion picture

"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. 50 foot strip"--Edison films catalog. 248... More

The mystic swing / motion picture

From Edison films catalog: The professor shows his power to Mephisto by mysteriously placing a young lady in a swing. Mephisto then shows his power by making the young lady disappear from the swing, to the surp... More

A dull razor / motion picture - Public domain portrait drawing

From Edison films catalog: This picture shows an old gentleman seated at his shaving table. The razor is evidently giving him a great deal of trouble, as he catches hold of the brush and with a great show of im... More

Annie Oakley / motion picture - movie film screenshot

Annie Oakley, the "Little Sure Shot" of the "Wild West," in an exhibition of rifle shooting. Copyright: no reg. Performer: Annie Oakley. Camera, William Heise. Duration: 0:21 at 30 fps. Summary from sources in ... More

A perilous proceeding / motion picture

The film follows a group of approximately ten men who are suspended on the cable of a large crane atop a building under construction. As the men are lifted over the site and gradually lowered, they wave to the ... More

Arnold Genthe - Scene in Chinatown / motion picture

This film was shot in an alley of San Francisco's Chinatown on Saturday, September 15, 1900, at midday. The topography of the site (sloping down to the far street), the width of the alley, the location of utili... More

[The centaurs--excerpts] / motion picture

A half human-half horse boy and girl meet and fall in love. They have a baby and go home to their parents for a happy reunion. Copyright: no reg. Additional animators, John McCay, John Fitzsimmons. Main and end... More

Trained cavalry horses / motion picture

From Edison films catalog: Shows the wonderful intelligence of these Troop F, 6th U.S. Cavalry, horses. At a command they lie down promptly, and at another order scramble to their feet. 50 feet. $7.50. 38235 U.... More

Glenroy Bros. motion picture - Drawing. Public domain image.

From Raff & Gammon price list: Farcical pugilists in costume. 15.00. Copyright: no reg. Performers: Glenroy Brothers. Camera, William Heise. Duration: 0:18 at 30 fps. MAVIS 180327. Filmed October 6, 1894, in Ed... More

Passaic Falls / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress coll...

From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: A beautiful picture of the falls of the Passaic River, near Paterson, N.J. Copyright: no reg. Camera, William Heise. Duration: 0:19 at 30 fps. MAVIS 183875. Filmed ca. July 1896... More

Pillow fight / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress colle...

"A comic subject, clear, bright and characteristic. Shows four girls in their night dresses, engaged in an animated pillow fight. During the action the pillows become torn, and the feathers fly over their heads... More

Champs Elysees / motion picture

"Near the main entrance. Hundreds of carriages and characteristic Parisian buses are passing. 75 feet"--Edison films catalog. D16384 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison; 9Aug1900; D16384. Duration... More

The kiss / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress collectio...

From Edison films catalog: Nothing new, but an old thing done over again and done well. Some one has attempted to describe a kiss as "something made of nothing," but this is not one of that kind, but one of tho... More

Esquimaux leap-frog / motion picture

"The film, photographed from a single camera position, shows buildings resembling igloos on ice floes, in front of which persons clothed as Eskimos play a game of leapfrog"--Early motion pictures. This shows se... More

The Italian motion picture - movie film screenshot

Beppo, an Italian gondolier, is in love with Annette, who has another suitor, wealthy but much older. Her father gives Beppo a year to prove himself, so he emigrates to New York City, opens a shoeshine stand, a... More

Patents booklet motion picture, Emile Berliner radio broadcasting coll...

First Bell Telephone motion picture

Attached caption: "10. First Bell Telephone, June 1875." Emile Berliner 1851 – 1929 was a German-born American inventor and businessman. He is best known for his development of the flat disc record and the Gra... More

Buffalo dance / coat of arms. 19th century, Library of Congress collec...

Three Sioux Indians in full regalia perform a "buffalo dance", while two others use drums to supply a rhythm. The three dancers move around in a circle as they perform the various actions that are part of the d... More

Amy Muller / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress collect...

From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: A beautiful fantastic toe dance. A good subject colored. Copyright: no reg. Performer: Amy Muller. Camera, William Heise. Duration: 0:18 at 30 fps. MAVIS 180344; Amy Muller. Fil... More

Fisherman's luck / motion picture

"Two German anglers are fishing, with odd results. One gets a bite, and pulls in a length of stovepipe. The other is so astonished that he falls overboard. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 52618 U.S. Copyright O... More

The ball game / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress coll...

Photographed from one camera position behind home plate, the film shows a baseball game in progress. The Reading pitcher has just let a Newark batter walk to first. He gets up on his toes, ready to head for sec... More

Shall we prepare? / motion picture

Two sequences of TR: Sequence 1: views of TR walking onto the porch of Sagamore Hill, Oyster Bay, N.Y., facing the camera, and then speaking on military preparedness during WWI; Sequence 2: views of TR sitting ... More

Decision for Chemistry motion picture

Summary: "Decision for Chemistry: Monsanto film uses little boy deciding what career he wants to follow from a reading of the contents of freight trains--much good b&w train and engineer footage--segues to cons... More