Before the Nickelodeon: The Early Cinema of Edwin S. Porter

This entertaining documentary takes an interesting look at Edwin S. Porter, the man who began as Thomas Edison’s mechanic but went on to be America’s first filmmaker. Porter’s contributions to moving pictures was immeasurable and with beautiful narration by silent-film star Blanche Sweet, his work is chronicled here by a treasure trove of rare footage and 16 complete features dated from 1896 through 1915. 1982/color-b&w/60 min/NR.