AllMovie

The Camera: Early Photography and Moving Pictures series tracks the development of photography as an art form. Volumes one through seven examine the evolution of the tool, while volumes eight through ten focus on the technological contributions leading to modern filmmaking. This volume features two segments, "Movement" and "Edison & Company." The programs chronicle early filmmaking efforts, focusing on the innovations of photographers in capturing motion on film. "Movement" examines the advances of photographers, including Edward Muybridge. "Edison & Company" focuses on the accomplishments of Thomas Edison and his partners. Edison unveiled the first talking motion picture in 1913, and produced more than 2000 motion pictures that were shown around the country. Highlights include a look at Edison's Peep Show machine, the Black Maria film studio, and Kinescope. These documentary films recapture society's enthusiasm surrounding the emerging medium.