The magic lantern was invented in the 1600’s, probably by Christiaan Huygens, a Dutch scientist. It was the earliest form of slide projector and has a long and fascinating history. The first magic lanterns were illuminated by candles, but as technology evolved they were lit by increasingly powerful means. The […]
movie history

Hollywood: Perhaps no other place on earth evokes the same air of show-business magic and glamour. The legend of Hollywood began in the early 20th century and is an earmark of modern American society rich in history and innovation. The origin of movies and motion pictures began in the late […]
The fascinating history of the Hollywood movie industry.
The World’s First Horror Movie: Le Manoir du Diable (The Devil’s Castle) made in 1896.
Watch the first horror movie ever made:

In a little over a century, film has evolved from a technological novelty into one of the world’s most popular forms of entertainment. Here are some of film history’s most important milestones (with a focus on the history of Hollywood), from the first sound film to the first flushing toilet […]
Some Fascinating Movie Firsts:

Scene from The Great Train Robbery (1903), directed by Edwin S. Porter. From a private collection History of the motion picture, history of cinema from the 19th century to the present. Early Years, 1830–1910 Origins The illusion of motion pictures is based on the optical phenomena known as persistence of vision and the phi phenomenon. The first of […]
A Short History of the Motion Picture:

IF THE FILM is rare, highly flammable, and was made before 1951, there’s a good chance it’ll end up on George Willeman’s desk. Or more specifically, in one of his vaults. As the Nitrate Film Vault Manager at The Library of Congress’ Packard Campus for Audio-Visual Conservation, Willeman presides over more than […]