Motion Pictures, 1894-1912identified from the Records of the United States Copyright Office

A historical account written in the mid-20th century. This work serves as a catalog documenting the early motion picture productions that were registered for copyright during the formative years of the industry, specifically covering the period from 1894 to 1912. It highlights significant cinematic milestones and offers insights into the organizations and individuals involved in the pioneering days of film. The opening of this catalog introduces the challenges faced by early motion picture producers, who often registered their films as photographs due to the lack of specific copyright classifications for motion pictures at the time. The text outlines how Howard Lamarr Walls meticulously compiled a list of 8,506 works, providing details on titles, copyright claimants, and registration dates, primarily sourced from the Copyright Office's records. It emphasizes the importance of this record in attesting to the evolution of cinema as an art form and a historical narrative, illustrating how this catalog serves as a resource for scholars and enthusiasts interested in the origins of film.