The Lumiere Brothers: Crash Course Film History #3

Summary

This script from Crash Course Film History debunks the myth that Thomas Edison and William Dickson were solely responsible for modern film technology. It highlights the significant contributions of the Lumière Brothers, who invented the cinématographe, an all-in-one camera, developer, and projector. The script narrates the first public screenings, the communal experience of movie-going, and the early days of film as 'actualités' or snapshots of everyday life. It also touches on the technological advancements and business aspects of the burgeoning film industry.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The script corrects the common misconception that Thomas Edison and his employee William Dickson were solely responsible for the development of modern film technology.
• 👥 It highlights the significant contributions of the Lumière Brothers, Auguste and Louis, who invented the cinématographe, an all-in-one motion picture device for capturing, developing, and projecting films.
• 📹 The Lumière Brothers improved upon Edison's kinetograph by creating a portable, lightweight camera that could also develop the film it shot, eliminating the need for a separate lab.
• 🌟 The script emphasizes the importance of the first public screenings of films by the Lumière Brothers on December 28, 1895, at the Grand Café in Paris, which marked a turning point in film history.
• 🏆 The Lumière Brothers were not only inventors but also savvy businessmen who secured international patents for their technology and capitalized on the potential of public film screenings.
• 📽 The script discusses the technical innovation of the Maltese Cross, or Geneva Drive, used in motion picture cameras and projectors, which is still in use today in a modified form.
• 🎞 The Lumière films, known as 'actualités,' were short, silent, black-and-white documentaries capturing everyday life, differing from Edison's focus on stage performances.
• 💡 The script suggests that the communal experience of watching films in a theater, with shared reactions and emotions, is a significant aspect of the movie-going culture.
• 📈 The financial success of the Lumière Brothers' first screenings is noted, showing the early potential of the film industry as a profitable venture.
• 🔄 The script mentions other inventors like Woodville Latham, who contributed to film technology with the Latham Loop, and Thomas Edison, who adapted and commercialized the Vitascope.
• 🌐 The potential of film as a medium for mass communication and its ability to bring the world closer together through shared visual experiences is highlighted.

Q & A

Who were the Lumière Brothers and what is their significance in film history?

The Lumière Brothers, Auguste and Louis, were French inventors who invented the cinématographe, an all-in-one motion picture device that could make, develop, and project films. They are significant because they revolutionized film technology and are often credited with the first successful public screening of films.

What was the kinetograph and the kinetoscope, and who developed them?

The kinetograph was a motion picture camera, and the kinetoscope was a single-viewer exhibition device used to watch films recorded by the kinetograph. These were developed by Thomas Edison and his employee, William Dickson.

How did the Lumière Brothers improve upon Edison's motion picture devices?

The Lumière Brothers improved upon Edison's devices by creating a lightweight, portable camera that could also develop the film it shot. They also designed it to be reconfigured into a projection machine, allowing for the developed film to be projected onto a wall or screen for audiences to view.

What was the Maltese Cross and how is it related to film technology?

The Maltese Cross, also known as the Geneva Drive, was a stop-and-go mechanism perfected by Oskar Messter for motion picture cameras. It was named after the medal and was first used in mechanical watches. This device is still used in most projectors today.

What was unique about the Lumière Brothers' approach to film screenings?

The Lumière Brothers held private screenings for distinguished guests before their public unveiling, creating hype and interest. They also focused on presenting a large number of films with superior image quality, which set them apart from others and contributed to the success of their public screenings.

What was the first film screened by the Lumière Brothers and how did it affect the audience?

The first film screened by the Lumière Brothers was 'The Train Arrives at La Ciotat Station.' It is said that the audience was so unfamiliar with the realistic projection that they ran screaming from the theater, fearing the train would come through the wall.

Why have some historians questioned the story of the audience running away from the Lumière Brothers' first film screening?

Historians have questioned this story because projection devices like the magic lantern had been used for centuries, and most of the audience would likely have been aware of kinetoscope films. It is more likely that the audience reacted with delight at the quality of the images rather than fear.

What were the characteristics of the films produced by the Lumière Brothers?

The Lumière Brothers' films were silent, black-and-white, and consisted of uninterrupted shots that lasted less than a minute. They focused on capturing everyday life, known as 'actualités,' rather than staged performances.

How did the financial success of the Lumière Brothers' film screenings compare to Edison's kinetoscope?

The Lumière Brothers' first screening was financially successful, earning 35 francs at 1 franc per person. Within a month, they were making 7,000 francs per week. In contrast, Edison's kinetoscope, which only allowed for single viewers, did not have the same potential for large-scale public screenings and revenue.

What was the Latham Loop and how did it contribute to film projection?

The Latham Loop was a device patented by Woodville Latham that allowed for a different way to feed film into a projector. It used a pair of small, loose loops of film held in place with extra sprockets, which protected the film from damage due to vibrations and tension.

Why did the Lumière Brothers eventually leave the movie business?

The Lumière Brothers left the movie business in 1905 because they did not see a future for film. They believed that the short Vaudeville performances and actualités would only entertain audiences for a limited time.