Movies & TV Shows from 1894

A man (Thomas Edison's assistant) takes a pinch of snuff and sneezes. This is one of the earliest Thomas Edison films and was the second motion picture to be copyrighted in the United States.

The first woman to appear in front of an Edison motion picture camera and possibly the first woman to appear in a motion picture within the United States. In the film, Carmencita is recorded going through a routine she had been performing at Koster & Bial's in New York since February 1890.

“A scene representing Southern plantation life before the war. A jig and a breakdown by three colored boys.”

James J. Corbett and Peter Courtney meet in a boxing exhibition.

Eugen Sandow, who claims to be the strongest man in the world, appears in the Edison Company's film studio.

William K.L. Dickson plays the violin while two men dance. This is the oldest surviving sound film where sound is recorded on the phonograph.

"Firemen in working uniform, rubber coats, helmets, and boots. Thrilling rescue from burning building. Smoke effects are fine." - from the Edison Catalog

The Glenroy Brothers perform a portion of their vaudeville act, "The Comic View of Boxing: The Tramp & the Athlete".

A group of children is playing in the garden.

A short Edison Black Maria studio film featuring famed sharpshooter Annie Oakley, known as “Little Sure Shot.” Born Phoebe Ann Oakley Mozee in Ohio in 1860, she rose to global fame performing with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. Accompanied (likely) by her husband and fellow marksman Frank Butler, Oakley’s diminutive stature belied her legendary marksmanship.

A short film made by Emile Reynaud

Sequel to Rats Killing from 1894

The famous army scout in an exhibition of rifle shooting. A fine picture of the principal, and beautiful smoke effects.

The Glenroy Brothers perform a portion of their vaudeville act, "The Comic View of Boxing: The Tramp & the Athlete", which depicts a boxer with a classic style trying to contend with an opponent who uses a very unorthodox approach.

The pursuit of Hop Lee by an irate policeman.

Sequel to Rats and Terrier No. 2

"A glove contest between trained cats. A very comical and amusing subject, and is sure to create a great laugh." (by Edison Films)

Thomas Edison's machinist, Fred Ott, holds a bird in his hand.

Three sisters dance the Mikado in this very early film from the Edison company.

An athlete demonstrating various poses.