Film History 1900s through 1940.

Film History 1900s through 1940

Memory Jog: Advent of Cinema
Visual phenomenon: “Persistence of Vision”

Memory Jog: Persistence of Vision
A series of individual still images, each showing a slightly different phase of a movement are presented to us in rapid succession with some kind of "shutter" effect between the images. The "shutter" can be a slot in a drum, a mirror surface, or images on different pages or sides of a the moving object.

Memory Jog: Eadweard Muybridge
British photographer Known for use of multiple cameras to capture motion Invented Zoopraxiscope ( ) A primitive motion picture projector machine Recreated the illusion of movement by projecting images in rapid succession onto a screen from photos printed on a rotating glass disk.

Memory Jog: Eadweard Muybridge
Multiple cameras to capture motion:

Memory Jog: The Lumière Brothers
Louis and Auguste Created a machine for both film projection and development More portable, lighter than a Kinetograph

Memory Jog: Lumière Brothers (cont.)
Often called the “founding fathers of modern film” because they held the first public screening or commercial exhibition. Ten short films with 20 showings a day. Examples: “Workers Leaving the Lumière Factory” and “Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat”

Memory Jog: Georges Méliès
Introduced idea of a storyline and plot. Méliès was a stage magician before becoming interested in film.

Memory Jog: Georges Méliès
He was very innovative in the use of camera tricks. In 1899, he was the first film-maker to use artificially arranged scenes to construct and tell a narrative story.

Memory Jog: Edison Mfg. Company
From 1894 to 1918, his studio made nearly 1,200 films. He was involved in none of them. Earliest productions were brief "actualities" showing everything from acrobats to parades to fire calls. Competition from French and British “story films” in the early 1900s rapidly changed the market .

Memory Jog: “Great Train Robbery”
Directed by Edwin S. Porter in 1903. First “True” western, although shot in New Jersey Shot out of chronological sequence Story told with only one shot Ending: Gun pointed at audience and fired at them.

Memory Jog: “Dream of Rarebit Fiend”
Created by Edwin S. Porter in 1906 Based on a popular newspaper comic strip by Winsor McCay Trick photography, more advanced subject matter within the film’s story.

Memory Jog: Nickelodeons
A small storefront theatre of dance hall converted to view films Although different, they all: Showed moving pictures Charged five-cent admission

Recap In the early 1900s, movies became a popular attraction in amusement arcades, music halls, traveling fairs, wax museums and vaudeville houses in many countries. In the early 1900s, movies became a popular attraction in amusement arcades, music halls, traveling fairs, wax museums and vaudeville houses in many countries. The photo is an actual nickelodeon from about 1904, complete with pianist up front playing along with the picture.

Recap (cont.) 1903 – Hollywood was incorporated as a municipality.
1904 – Narrative film began to become the dominant form. 1904 – The first film exchange (distribution company) in the U.S. was founded by Harry, Albert, Sam and Jack Warner. They called it The Duquesne Amusement Supply Co. It was the precursor to Warner Bros. Pictures. 1903 – Hollywood was incorporated as a municipality. 1904 – Narrative film began to become the dominant form. 1904 – The first film exchange (distribution company) in the U.S. was founded by Harry, Albert, Sam and Jack Warner. They called it The Duquesne Amusement Supply Co. It was the precursor to Warner Bros. Pictures.

What’s Happening in the World?
1901 – U.S. President William McKinley is assassinated. 1903 – The first World Series is played. 1903 – The Wright brothers successfully fly the first airplane. 1906 – Kellogg’s starts selling corn flakes. McKinley was the twenty-fifth President of the United States, and the last veteran of the American Civil War to be elected. First World Series – Boston Americans, led by pitcher Cy Young, beat the Pittsburgh Pirates five games to three.

Filmmaking Becomes BIG Business
In 1906, about 5,000 nickelodeons existed throughout the U.S. Many studios were created to keep up with the increased demand for films. Annual attendance at nickelodeons exceeded two million. By 1908, there were 8,000-10,000 nickelodeons with 200,000 customers a day. In 1906, about 5,000 nickelodeons existed throughout the U.S. Many studios were created to keep up with the increased demand for films. In 1907, daily attendance at nickelodeons exceeded two million. By 1908, there were 8,000-10,000 nickelodeons with 200,000 customers a day.

Key Development At this time, the Bell & Howell Company was founded by Chicago movie projectionist Donald Bell and camera repairman Albert Howell. Bell & Howell developed an innovative film projection system. Their company revolutionized motion picture photography and projection equipment. Also in 1907, the Bell & Howell Company was founded by Chicago movie projectionist Donald Bell and camera repairman Albert Howell. Bell & Howell developed an innovative film projection system. Their company revolutionized motion picture photography and projection equipment.

Filmmaking Moves West In 1907, the first filmmakers arrived in Los Angeles. They began to realize that Los Angeles was a good filming area with a favorable climate and a variety of natural scenery. Previously, American movies were filmed mostly in New York City and New Jersey. The other big reason they flocked west, they could get away from Thomas Edison and the Edison Trust. In 1907, the first filmmakers arrived in Los Angeles. They began to realize that Los Angeles was a good filming area with a favorable climate and a variety of natural scenery. Previously, American movies were filmed mostly in New York City and New Jersey.

An Early Monopoly Nine leading film producers or manufacturers (including Biograph that joined forces with Edison) set up the Motion Picture Patents Company (MPPC), a.k.a. "the Edison Trust." The Motion Picture Patents Company, founded in December 1908, was a trust of all the major film companies (Edison, Biograph, Vitagraph, Essanay, Selig, Lubin, Kalem, American Star, American Pathé), the leading distributor (George Kleine) and the biggest supplier of raw film, Eastman Kodak. In 1902, agents of Thomas Edison bribed a theater owner in London for a copy of A Trip to the Moon by Georges Méliès. Edison then made hundreds of copies and showed them in New York City. Méliès received no compensation. He was counting on taking the film to US and recapture the huge cost of it by showing it throughout the US when he realized it has already been showing in the US by Edison. This bankrupted Méliès. The motion picture inventors and industry leaders organized the first great film trust called the Motion Picture Patents Company, designed to bring stability to the chaotic early film years characterized by patent wars and litigation. The Motion Picture Patents Company, founded in December 1908, was a trust of all the major film companies (Edison, Biograph, Vitagraph, Essanay, Selig, Lubin, Kalem, American Star, American Pathé), the leading distributor (George Kleine) and the biggest supplier of raw film, Eastman Kodak.

The Edison Trust The MPPC or Edison Trust was an attempt to legally monopolize production in the early American film industry. These producers were granted licenses to use equipment authorized by the Trust, while everyone else was ruled to be running illegal film production operations. This was a trust of all the major film companies (Edison, Biograph, Vitagraph, Essanay, Selig, Lubin, Kalem, American Star, American Pathé), the leading distributor (George Kleine) and the biggest supplier of raw film, Eastman Kodak. These members ended their competitive feuding in favor of a cooperative system that provided industry domination. By pooling their interests, the member companies legally monopolized the business, and demanded licensing fees from all film producers, distributors, and exhibitors. A January 1909 deadline was set for all companies to comply with the license. By February, unlicensed outlaws, who referred to themselves as independents protested the trust and carried on business without submitting to the Edison monopoly. In the summer of 1909 the independent movement was in full-swing, with producers and theater owners using illegal equipment and imported film stock to create their own underground market.

The Edison Trust (cont.)
In 1910, the Edison Trust formed a subsidiary called the General Film Company to use intimidation and violence (with threats of not selling or leasing licensed equipment) against independents or any other distributors who purchased and showed motion pictures from any other company. Kodak agreed to sell film stock only to member companies. With the country experiencing a tremendous expansion in the number of nickelodeons, the Patents Company reacted to the independent movement by forming a strong-arm subsidiary known as the General Film Company to block the entry of non-licensed independents. With coercive tactics that have become legendary, General Film confiscated unlicensed equipment, discontinued product supply to theaters which showed unlicensed films, and effectively monopolized distribution with the acquisition of all U.S. film exchanges, except for the one owned by the independent William Fox who defied the Trust even after his license was revoked.

More Legal Involvement
In 1909, in a case over the 1907 version of “Ben Hur,” an American court ruled that unauthorized films infringed on copyrights. As a result, film companies legally had to begin buying screen rights to plays and books. In 1909, in a case over the 1907 version of “Ben Hur,” an American court ruled that unauthorized films infringed on copyrights. As a result, film companies began buying screen rights to plays and books.

U.S. Movie Business Grows
In 1909, there were about 9,000 movie theaters or nickelodeons in the U.S. The typical film was only a single reel long, or minutes in length. The performers were anonymous. There were about 9,000 movie theaters in the United States. The typical film was only a single reel long, or ten- to twelve minutes in length, and the performers were anonymous. Acting in a movie was looked upon as degrading compared with stage acting, so actors were never identified by name.

Early Motion Picture Production
In 1893, the world's first film production studio, the Black Maria, or the Kinetographic Theater, was built on the grounds of Edison's laboratories at West Orange, New Jersey, for the purpose of making film strips for the Kinetoscope. The first films shot at the Black Maria, a tar-paper-covered, dark studio room with a retractable roof, included segments of magic shows, plays, vaudeville performances (with dancers and strongmen), acts from Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, various boxing matches and cockfights, and scantily-clad women. Many of the early Edison moving images released after 1895, however, were non-fictional "actualities" filmed on location: views of ordinary slices of life — street scenes, the activities of police or firemen, or shots of a passing train. The Black Maria was covered in black tarpaper and had a huge window in the ceiling that opened up to let in sunlight because early films required a tremendous amount of bright light. It was built on a turntable so the window could rotate toward the sun throughout the day, supplying natural light for hundreds of Edison movie productions over its eight year lifespan. Edison’s “Black Mariah” New Jersey

Early Motion Picture Production
A fully dressed, open-air movie set. Circa This is likely the Essanay studios, either in New York or Chicago. Looking into the studio. Circa 1907

Film Stock Standardized
1909 35mm film was recognized as the international standard film gauge. It has remained the dominant film gauge since that time. 1909 35mm film was recognized as the international standard film gauge. It has remained the dominant film gauge since that time.

Artificial Light In 1909, cameraman Billy Bitzer became the first to film entirely indoors using artificial light. In 1909, cameraman Billy Bitzer became the first to film entirely indoors using artificial light. That’s Billy Bitzer in both photos. The director is the legendary D.W. Griffith.

First Movie Stunt 1910 The first official movie stuntman jumped into the Hudson River from a burning balloon. 1910 The first movie stuntman jumped into the Hudson River from a burning balloon.

An Edison Failure In 1910, Thomas Edison introduced his Kinetophone, a sound-film process which made talking films a reality. However, his attempt to combine the phonograph and motion pictures failed commercially. In 1910, Thomas Edison introduced his Kinetophone, a sound-film process which made talking films a reality. However, his attempt to combine the phonograph and motion pictures failed commercially.

1910 – The Boy Scouts are established in America. 1912 – Oreo Cookies are introduced. 1912 – The Titanic sinks. (For real, not the movie.) 1914 – World War I begins. 1910 – The Boy Scouts are established in America. 1912 – Oreo Cookies are introduced. 1914 – The Titanic sinks. (For real, not the movie.) 1914 – World War I begins.

Early Independents Carl Laemmle, Independent Motion Picture Company (IMP) Harry E. Aitken, Majestic Films Adolph Zukor, Famous Players At the time of the formation of the MPPC, Thomas Edison owned most of the major patents relating to motion pictures, including that for raw film. The MPPC vigorously enforced its patents, constantly bringing suits and receiving injunctions against independent filmmakers. Because of this, a number of filmmakers responded by building their own cameras and moving their operations to Hollywood, California, where the distance from Edison's home base of New Jersey made it more difficult for the MPPC to enforce its patents. It’s the mid-1910s and many early filmmakers are rebelling against the Edison Trust. Many of these early independents were resilient film exhibitors who ventured into production when they found their supply of film threatened. Carl Laemmle (Independent Motion Picture Company or IMP), Harry E. Aitken (Majestic Films), and Adolph Zukor (Famous Players) were among the pioneering independents who protested the Trust, and then laid the foundation for the Hollywood studios. Having entered the business through exhibition, they determined that they liked production better, and got out of the theater business as the nickelodeon boom ended around 1911.

Filmmakers Flock to the West Coast
Film companies began to move to the area we later know as Hollywood. Los Angeles will soon annex Hollywood. The Nestor Company built the first full-time studio in a district of Los Angeles known as “Hollywood.” It was the first movie studio based in Hollywood. Film companies began to move to the area we later know as Hollywood. Los Angeles will soon annex Hollywood, although it is still just a big, unsettled, humongous orchard and forest area. The Nestor Company built the first full-time studio in a district of Los Angeles known as “Hollywood.” It was the first movie studio based in Hollywood.

Filmmakers Flock to the West Coast (cont.)
Most of these film companies have moved to the West Coast to escape the watchful eye of the MPPC or “Edison Trust.” The result is that Hollywood was soon to become the motion-picture capitol of the world. Most of these film companies have moved to the West Coast to escape the watchful eye of the MPPC or “Edison Trust.” The result is that Hollywood was soon to become the motion-picture capitol of the world.

Pan-Cake Makeup Developed
1910 Max Factor creates the first makeup formulated especially for film. Max Factor creates the first makeup formulated especially for film. Created the first makeup made specifically for motion pictures, a thinner greasepaint made in 12 shades. It was in cream form and packaged in jars, as opposed to the thicker stick greasepaints used for theatre. Max Factor became intimately associated with the world of movie make-up. He created the lip gloss for the movies in 1914, and coined the term "makeup", based on the verb, "to make up" (one's face). Jean Harlow, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Judy Garland, and virtually all of the major movie actresses were regular customers of the Max Factor beauty salon, located near Hollywood Boulevard. Max Factor's name appeared on many movie credits, and Factor himself appeared in some cameos.

Independents Strike Back…
The Motion Picture Patents Company (MPPC) or “Edison Trust” tried to monopolize film distribution by setting up the General Film Company. Independent William Fox responded by making his own films and establishing The Fox Film Foundation – soon to become one of Hollywood’s foremost studios. The Motion Picture Patents Company (MPPC) or “Edison Trust” tried to monopolize film distribution by setting up the General Film Company. Independent William Fox responded by making his own films and establishing The Fox Film Foundation –soon to become one of Hollywood’s foremost studios.

…and Get Stronger… 1912 Carl Laemmle merged his IMP company with other studios to found Universal Pictures Company, which was to become the first major, long-lasting Hollywood studio The Mutual Film Corporation was formed. Jesse Lasky formed the Jesse Lasky Feature Play Company with his brother-in-law Samuel Goldwyn and Cecil B. DeMille. The independents made longer “feature” films than the short one-reelers made by the MPPC. 1912 Carl Laemmle merged his IMP company with other studios to found Universal Pictures Company, which was to become the first major, long-lasting Hollywood studio The Mutual Film Corporation was formed. Jesse Lasky formed the Jesse Lasky Feature Play Company with his brother-in-law Samuel Goldwyn and Cecil B. DeMille. The independents made longer “feature” films than the short one-reelers made by the MPPC.

…and Stronger 1912 Adolph Zukor founded an independent film studio named the Famous Players Film Corporation, with distribution arranged with a new organization named Paramount. Paramount Pictures is one of the oldest American motion picture studios. Its logo –a majestic mountain peak– still remains recognizable, making it the oldest surviving Hollywood studio film logo. 1912 Adolph Zukor founded an independent film studio named the Famous Players Film Corporation, with distribution arranged with a new organization named Paramount. Paramount Pictures is one of the oldest American motion picture studios. Its logo –a majestic mountain peak– still remains recognizable, making it the oldest surviving Hollywood studio film logo.

Slapstick Comes To Life
1912 Canadian writer and actor Mack Sennett formed the Keystone Film Company and Studio. The first Keystone Kop film from the studio, “Hoffmeyer’s Legacy” was released later that year. 1912 Canadian writer and actor Mack Sennett formed the Keystone Film Company and Studio. The first Keystone Kop film from the studio, “Hoffmeyer’s Legacy” was released later that year.

The Film Industry Begins to Change
Thomas Ince pioneered the role of film producer by devising standard production budgeting formulas and introducing a detailed shooting script. Motion pictures moved out of nickelodeons and into real theaters. Motion picture acting gained respect, due to greater attendance from the American middle class. The public singled out certain actors and actresses as special favorites. Thomas Ince pioneered the role of film producer by devising standard production budgeting formulas and introducing a detailed shooting script. Motion pictures moved out of nickelodeons and into real theaters. Motion picture acting gained respect, due to greater attendance from the American middle class. The public singled out certain actors and actresses as special favorites. Cowboy actor Bronco Billy Anderson, comedian John bunny, Rudolph Valentino, Charlie Chaplin, Florence Lawrence, et al

WWI Begins 1914 The start of World War I interrupted European motion picture production and eventually brought it to a halt. It never recovered dominance in the marketplace. The American movie industry thrived on business and viewership in the European market. 1914 The start of World War I interrupted European motion picture production and eventually brought it to a halt when there were significant shortages of power and supplies. It never recovered its dominance in the marketplace. The American movie industry thrived on business and viewership in the European market, using their profits to produce even bigger and better motion pictures.

Animation Goes Big-Time
Winsor McCay, creator of the comic “Rarebit Fiend,” unleashes Gertie the Dinosaur, the first animated cartoon in 1914. Winsor McCay created “Gertie the Dinosaur,” the first “interactive” animated cartoon and character. This was the earliest example of combined “live action” and animation. The brontosaurus appearance made Gertie the first animated cartoon star.

Charlie Chaplin Discovered
1914 Charlie Chaplin, a silent actor and pantomimist, was recruited to Keystone Studios. He went on to an amazing acting, directing and producing career in Hollywood that spanned nearly 70 years. His immortal, trademark “Little Tramp” character was invented while at Keystone and lives on today. 1914 Charlie Chaplin, a silent actor and pantomimist, was recruited to Keystone Studios. He went on to an amazing acting, directing and producing career in Hollywood that spanned nearly 70 years. His immortal, trademark “Little Tramp” character was invented while at Keystone and lives on today.

“Birth of a Nation” 1915 “Birth of a Nation,” the masterpiece by D.W. Griffith, is released. Griffith defined the art of motion pictures, pioneering film techniques still used today, including altering camera angles, using close-ups in a dramatic way, and breaking up scenes into multiple shots. 1915 “Birth of a Nation,” the masterpiece by D.W. Griffith, is released. Griffith defined the art of motion pictures, pioneering film techniques still used today, including altering camera angles, using close-ups in a dramatic way, and breaking up scenes into multiple shots. Previously, filmmakers kept the camera in one position which was generally 12 feet away from the actors and at right angles to the set.

“Birth of a Nation” (cont.)
“Birth of a Nation” premiered with a phenomenal ticket price of $2, due to its $110,000 production budget. It was highly controversial because of its racist theme. “Birth of a Nation” premiered with a phenomenal ticket price of $2, due to its $110,000 production budget. It was highly controversial because of its racist theme.

“Movie Factory” System Introduced
In 1915, producer/director Thomas Ince introduced a “factory system” – a method used to mass produce films. Different films in various stages of production would be systematically rotated through his movie studio. Ince appointed a group of supervisors, called ‘producers,’ who each had control over a certain number of movies. Sometimes, 10 or more movies were being produced in his studio at one time. Producer/Director Thomas Ince introduced a “factory system” – a method used to mass produce films. Different films in various stages of production would be systematically rotated through his movie studio. Ince appointed a group of supervisors, called ‘producers,’ who each had control over a certain number of movies. Sometimes, 10 or more movies were being produced in his studio at one time.

New Camera Technology The Bell & Howell 2709 movie camera allowed directors to film close-ups with physically moving the camera. The Bell & Howell 2709 movie camera allowed directors to film close-ups with physically moving the camera.

Edison Trust Struck Down
1915 William Fox led a successful fight against Thomas Edison’s Motion Pictures Patents Company (MPPC). A federal court declared the MPPC and its subsidiary, the General Film Company, to be an illegal restraint on trade and an illegal monopoly, and fined more than $20 million. The MPPC was soon officially dissolved and disbanded. 1915 William Fox led a successful fight against Thomas Edison’s Motion Pictures Patents Company (MPPC). A federal court declared the MPPC and its subsidiary, the General Film Company, to be an illegal restraint on trade and an illegal monopoly, and fined more than $20 million. The MPPC was soon officially dissolved and disbanded.

Movies Face More Legal Scrutiny
1915 In Mutual Film Corporation v. Industrial Commission of Ohio, the Supreme Court ruled that states may censor films, encouraging scrutiny of movies during future decades. In Mutual Film Corporation v. Industrial Commission of Ohio, the Supreme Court ruled that states may censor films, encouraging scrutiny of movies during future decades.

Technicolor Arrives on the Scene
1915 The Technicolor Motion Picture Corporation was founded in Boston. The company pioneered the development of color film processes known as Technicolor, which began to be regularly seen in Hollywood films in the 1920s and continued for many decades. The Technicolor Motion Picture Corporation was founded in Boston. The company pioneered the development of color film processes known as Technicolor, which began to be regularly seen in Hollywood films in the 1920s and continued for many decades.

Studios Get Bigger The Jesse L. Lasky Company merged with its friendly rival, Adolph Zukor’s Famous Players Film Company. The new Famous Players-Lasky Corporation consolidated its production and distribution divisions with Paramount, and audiences began seeing “Paramount Pictures.” Samuel Goldwyn established Goldwyn Company. The Jesse L. Lasky Company merged with its friendly rival, Adolph Zukor’s Famous Players Film Company. The new Famous Players-Lasky Corporation consolidated its production and distribution divisions with Paramount, and audiences began seeing “Paramount Pictures.” Samuel Goldwyn established Goldwyn Company.

The Lincoln Motion Picture Co.
The first African-American owned studio, the pioneering The Lincoln Motion Picture Company, was founded in 1917. The first African-American owned studio, the pioneering The Lincoln Motion Picture Company, was founded in 1917.

Warner Brothers The four Warner Brothers: Jack, Albert, Harry and Samuel, opened their first West Coast studio in 1918. The four Warner Brothers: Jack, Albert, Harry and Samuel, opened their first West Coast studio in 1918.

United Artists In an attempt to control their own work, Douglas Fairbanks, D.W. Griffith, Mary Pickford and Charlie Chaplin established United Artists. UA would distribute and produce their own films. U. A. Founders - Douglas Fairbanks, D. W. Griffith, Mary Pickford, and Charlie Chaplin. Already veterans of Hollywood, the four film stars began to talk of forming their own company to better control their own work as well as their futures. They were spurred on by established Hollywood producers and distributors making moves to tighten their control on star salaries and creative control, a process which would evolve into the rigid studio system.

Hollywoodland The Hollywood sign (originally HOLLYWOODLAND) was built for $21,000 in the early 1920s. The Hollywood sign (originally HOLLYWOODLAND) was built for $21,000 in the early 1920s

1917 – The U.S. enters World War I. 1919 – Initiation of the National Park Service. 1920 – 19th Amendment gives women the right to vote. 1920 – The first radio station KDKA in Pittsburgh begins transmitting. 1917 – The U.S. enters World War I. 1919 – Initiation of the National Park Service. 1920 – 19th Amendment gives women the right to vote. 1920 – The first radio station KDKA in Pittsburgh begins transmitting.

New Editing Technique Appears
1922 Russian filmmaker Lev Kuleshov experimented with montage, a new editing technique pioneered by Russian filmmakers. Montage uses rapid editing, special effects and/or music to present compressed narrative information. Montage is a technique in film editing that can refer to: a montage sequence, a segment which uses rapid editing, special effects and music to present compressed narrative information

Nervous Hollywood In response to many sensational crime and made up stories about Hollywood stars, plus the public’s concern over movie content, Hollywood censored itself by creating the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA). The “Hays Office” as it would be called, a film review board was created to serve as Hollywood’s public relations organization and to clean up the motion picture industry. Nervous Hollywood censored itself by creating the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA) - later renamed as the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), to be headed by former postmaster General Will H. Hays. The Hays Office (as it would be called), a film review board (censorship division), was created to serve as Hollywood's public relations organization, and to clean up the motion picture industry.

Walt Disney Gets His Start in KC
1922 The first Walt Disney cartoon was Little Red Riding Hood, one of his Laugh O Grams studio productions that he made at his own animation studio in Kansas City before relocating to Los Angeles shortly thereafter. The first Walt Disney cartoon was Little Red Riding Hood, one of his Laugh O Grams studio productions that he made at his own animation studio in Kansas City before relocating to Los Angeles shortly thereafter. Laugh-O-Gram Studio 41st and Forest

MGM Studios is Born 1924 The future MGM studio was formed out of the merger of three U.S. film production companies: Marcus Loew's Metro Pictures Corporation (1916), Goldwyn Pictures Corporation (1917) (known as Metro-Goldwyn), and the Louis B. Mayer Pictures Company (1918). The future MGM studio was formed out of the merger of three U.S. film production companies: Marcus Loew's Metro Pictures Corporation (1916), Goldwyn Pictures Corporation (1917) (known as Metro-Goldwyn), and the Louis B. Mayer Pictures Company (1918). MGM was destined to become the dominant studio of Hollywood's Golden Age during the 30s, under Louis B. Mayer's direction. The lion in the logo has been affectionately named, “Leo the Lion.” Actually, the original lion’s name was Slats. He appeared in the early version of the logo, which was silent. The first lion to appear –and be heard– in the logo was named Jackie.

Columbia Pictures is Born
1924 C.B.C. Film Sales Company (founded by brothers Jack and Harry Cohn, and Joseph Brandt) officially changed its name to Columbia Pictures Corporation. 1924 C.B.C. Film Sales Company (founded by brothers Jack and Harry Cohn, and Joseph Brandt) officially changed its name to Columbia Pictures Corporation.

Major Studios in Place Most of the major Hollywood motion-picture studios had been established by this time. The Big Five: Warner Brothers, Fox (later 20th Century Fox), RKO, Loew's Inc. (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)), Paramount (from Famous Players-Lasky)), The Little Three: United Artists, Universal and Columbia. All of these studios used Thomas H. Ince's efficient and profitable filmmaking "factory system." Most of the major Hollywood motion-picture studios had been established by this time. The Big Five: Warner Brothers, Fox (later 20th Century Fox), RKO, Loew's Inc. (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)), Paramount (from Famous Players-Lasky)), The Little Three (United Artists, Universal and Columbia). All of these studios used Thomas H. Ince's efficient and profitable filmmaking "factory system."

1924 – The first Olympic Winter Games are held. 1927 – Babe Ruth sets home run record. 1928 – Bubble gum invented. 1917 – The U.S. enters World War I. 1919 – Initiation of the National Park Service. 1920 – 19th Amendment gives women the right to vote. 1920 – The first radio station KDKA in Pittsburgh begins transmitting.

New Sound System 1925 Western Electric and Warners Brothers agreed to develop a system to make movies with sound. 1925 Western Electric and Warners Brothers agreed to develop a system to make movies with sound.

Newer Sound System 1926 A newer and better recording system for putting synchronized sound-on-film called Movietone was developed for the Fox Film Corporation. In this system, the sound track was placed onto the actual film next to the picture frames, rather than on a separate synchronized disc as in the Vitaphone system. A newer and better recording system for putting synchronized sound-on-film called Movietone was developed by Theodore W. Case and Earl I. Sponable for William Fox of the Fox Film Corporation. In this system, the sound track was placed onto the actual film next to the picture frames, rather than on a separate synchronized disc as in the Vitaphone system.

End of Silent Era 1927 The effective end of the silent era of films came when Warner Brothers produced and debuted “The Jazz Singer,” the first widely-screened feature-length “talkie” or movie with dialogue. The effective end of the silent era of films came when Warner Brothers produced and debuted The Jazz Singer, the first widely-screened feature-length talkie or movie with dialogue. The musical, starring popular vaudevillian Al Jolson, had accompanying audio (with a sound-on-disc technology) which consisted of a few songs by Jolson and a few lines of synchronized dialogue. In his nightclub act in the film, Jolson presented the movie's first spoken ad-libbed words: "Wait a minute, wait a minute, you ain't heard nothin' yet." The film had about 350 spontaneously ad-libbed words.

AMPAS Founded 1927 The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) was founded. Its president was Douglas Fairbanks, and its first awards ceremony was held in 1929, to honor films in 1927 and 1928. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) was founded. Its president was Douglas Fairbanks, and its first awards ceremony was held in 1929, to honor films in 1927 and 1928.

Frame Rate Established
1927 Motion picture film became standardized at 24 fps. 1927 Motion picture film became standardized at 24 fps.

Mickey Mouse Debuts 1928 The first Mickey Mouse film, “Plane Crazy,” debuted. Walt Disney also introduced the first popular animated cartoons with synchronized sound later this year: “Steamboat Willie,” Mickey's first sound cartoon This was considered Mickey Mouse's screen debut performance and birthdate. The first Mickey Mouse film, Plane Crazy, was debuted on May 15, Walt Disney also introduced the first popular animated cartoons with synchronized sound later in this year: Steamboat Willie (on July 29, 1928, in limited release) and Galloping Gaucho (on August 2, 1928). Steamboat Willie - Mickey's first sound cartoon, was then re-released on November 18, 1928 with sound and premiered at the 79th Street Colony Theatre in New York - it was the first cartoon with post-produced synchronized soundtrack (of music, dialogue, and sound effects) and was considered Mickey Mouse's screen debut performance and birthdate. It was the first sound cartoon that was a major hit. The character of Mickey Mouse was modified from Disney's earlier character Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

First Oscars Presented
1929 The first Academy Awards were announced and awarded during a ceremony, with Paramount's “Wings” (1927) winning Best Picture (based on production). It was the only silent film to win an Oscar for Best Picture. The first Academy Awards were announced and awarded during a ceremony, with Paramount's Wings (1927) winning Best Picture (based on production). It was the only silent film to win an Oscar for Best Picture. A second 'Best Picture' category for artistic merit (a category dropped the next year), was awarded to Sunrise (1927). Emil Jannings and Janet Gaynor were the first Best Actor and Best Actress winners - for multiple films.

Technicolor Blooms 1929 George Eastman demonstrated his first movie in Technicolor in Rochester, NY. 1929 George Eastman demonstrated his first movie in Technicolor in Rochester, NY.

Walt Disney Productions
1929 Walt Disney Productions was formed. Walt Disney Productions was formed.

End of the 1920s The film careers of many silent film stars ended due to their voices being unsuitable for the new medium, or due to the fact that their voices didn't match their public image. Others, however, such as Greta Garbo, and the comedy team of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy successfully adapted to sound. The film careers of many silent film stars ended due to their voices being unsuitable for the new medium, or due to the fact that their voices didn't match their public image. Others, however, such as Greta Garbo, and the comedy team of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy successfully adapted to sound.

1929 – The Great Depression begins. 1932 – Amelia Earhart flies across the Atlantic Ocean. 1938 – Orson Welles’ “The War of the Worlds” is broadcast. 1939 – World War II begins when Germany invades Poland. 1929 – The Great Depression begins. 1932 – Amelia Earhart flies across the Atlantic Ocean. 1938 – Orson Welles’ “The War of the Worlds” is broadcast. 1939 – World War II begins when Germany invades Poland.

Popular Movie Genres 1930s The most popular film genres of the time were Musicals Gangster films Newspaper movies Westerns Comedies Melodramas Horror movies The most popular film genres of the time were Musicals Gangster films Newspaper movies Westerns Comedies Melodramas Horror movies

Golden Age of Hollywood
1930s – 1940s This was the era which has been predominantly referred to as "The Golden Age of Hollywood" by film critics and historians, and considered the apex of film history. The "Golden Age" came to a close with the breakup of the studios and declining attendance from challenges brought by shopping centers and television. This was the era which has been predominantly referred to as "The Golden Age of Hollywood" by film critics and historians, and considered the apex of film history. (Some have extended the time period into the 50s). The "Golden Age" came to a close with the breakup of the studios and declining attendance from challenges brought by shopping centers and television.

Subtitles 1930 The U.S. movie industry began to dub in the dialogue of films exported to foreign markets. The movie industry began to dub in the dialogue of films exported to foreign markets.

More Cartoon Stars 1933 Warner Brothers' producer Leon Schlesinger assembled the 'gods of animation', including Tex Avery, Chuck Jones, Friz Freleng, and Bob Clampett. 1933 Warners' producer Leon Schlesinger assembled the 'gods of animation', including Tex Avery, Chuck Jones, Friz Freleng, and Bob Clampett.

“King Kong” Debuts 1933 The classic adventure-action film, “King Kong,” debuted. A "Beauty and the Beast" tale, featured the actress Fay Wray, and astonishing stop-motion special effects animation, and ended with the iconic image of Kong atop the Empire State Building. It was the first film heavily promoted and marketed on the radio. The classic adventure-action film King Kong, a "Beauty and the Beast" tale, featured the "Scream Queen" Fay Wray, and astonishing stop-motion special effects animation from Willis O'Brien, and ending with the iconic image of Kong atop the Empire State Building. It was one of the first major films to have a life-like (stop-motion) animated central character, alongside live-action. It was the first film heavily promoted and marketed on the radio. One of the first feature-length musical scores written specifically for a US 'talkie' film was Max Steiner's score for RKO's King Kong. It was the first major Hollywood film to have a thematic score rather than background music, recorded using a 46-piece orchestra. After the score was completed, all of the film's sounds were recorded onto three separate tracks, one each for sound effects, dialogue and music. For the first time in film history, RKO's sound department head Murray Spivak made a groundbreaking sound design decision - he pitched the effects to match the score, so they wouldn't be overwhelming and so they would complement each other.

Movie Theaters improve.
1933 Theaters began to open refreshment stands. 1933 Theaters began to open refreshment stands.

“Snow White” Debuts 1937 The first full-length animated feature, Disney's “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” was released. It was made for a budget of $1.5 million. “Snow White” was the top moneymaker in 1938, when it made an astronomical $8 million. The first full-length animated feature, Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, was released - made for a budget of $1.5 million. It was the top moneymaker in 1938, when it made an astronomical $8 million. It became an instant classic. [Snow White rouge on cheeks.]

1939 This year has often been called the "greatest year in film history" by film buffs, movie historians and critics, chiefly due to the inordinate number of classic films. Some of the greatest films ever made were released in 1939, including: “Gone With the Wind” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” “Ninotchka” “Stagecoach” “The Wizard of Oz” “Wuthering Heights” Other major classic films in 1939 included “Beau Geste,” “Destry Rides Again,” “Gunga Din,” “Of Mice and Men,” and many more. This year has often been called the "greatest year in film history" by film buffs, movie historians, and critics, chiefly due to the inordinate number of classic films. Some of the greatest films ever made were released in 1939, including Gone With the Wind, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Ninotchka, Stagecoach, The Wizard of Oz and Wuthering Heights. In France, both Marcel Carné's Daybreak (aka Le Jour Se Lève) and Jean Renoir's The Rules of the Game (considered by some to be the greatest film of all-time, but banned during the German occupation) were released. Other major classic films in 1939 included Beau Geste, Dark Victory, Destry Rides Again, Love Affair (later remade as An Affair to Remember), Only Angels Have Wings, Gunga Din, Midnight, Of Mice and Men, The Women, Young Mr. Lincoln, and many more.

A Future Rival Unveiled
The future rival to film – television – was formally introduced at the New York World's Fair in Queens. The Radio Corporation of America (RCA) unveiled a display of its first TV sets for sale to the American public. The future rival to film -- television -- was formally introduced at the New York World's Fair in Queens. The Radio Corporation of America (RCA) unveiled a display of its first TV sets for sale to the American public.

Film History 1900s through 1940.

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Film History 1900s through 1940.

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