Coney Island at Night
(1905) American
B&W : 240 feet
Directed by Edwin S. Porter

Cast: [no cast]

Edison Manufacturing Company production; distributed by Edison Manufacturing Company. / Cinematography by Edwin S. Porter. Title animation by Edwin S. Porter. / © 29 June 1905 by Thomas A. Edison [H62761]. Released July 1905. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.37:1 format. / The production was shot at Coney Island, New York, on 3-4 June 1905. An early example of night motion picture photography. The film has been restored by the Before Hollywood Project.

Documentary: Actuality.

Synopsis: [From Edison promotional materials] An excellent panoramic view of the illumination of the numerous pleasure parks at this famous seaside resort. Starting at Luna Park a panoramic sweep of the western section of the island is made. It brings into view the enormous See-Saw at Steeplechase Park and ends at the great tower in Dreamland. When the tower was reached, the camera was slowly raised and a complete view of the illumination of the tower was made. A most novel and interesting subject perfect photographically.

Survival Status: Prints exist in the Library of Congress film archive (paper print collection) [35mm paper positive], and in the Museum of Modern Art film archive [original Edison 35mm nitrate negative].

Keywords: Animation [stop-action] - Buildings - Electricity - Night scenes - USA: New York: Coney Island

Listing updated: 15 March 2008.

References: Leyda-Before pp. 10, 82, 123; Musser-Emerge pp. 389, 600.

Home video: DVD.