THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY
DIRECTED, WRITTEN & PRODUCED BY EDWIN S. PORTER
EDISON MANUFACTURING COMPANY
INFORMATION FROM IMDb
Plot Summary
Among the earliest existing films in American cinema - notable as the first film that presented a narrative story to tell - it depicts a group of cowboy outlaws who hold up a train and rob the passengers. They are then pursued by a Sheriff's posse. Several scenes have color included - all hand tinted.
Written by garykmcd
Cast
A.C. Abadie ... Sheriff (uncredited)
Gilbert M. 'Broncho Billy' Anderson ... Bandit / Shot Passenger / Tenderfoot Dancer (uncredited)
George Barnes ... (uncredited)
Justus D. Barnes ... Bandit Who Fires at Camera (uncredited)
Walter Cameron ... Sheriff (uncredited)
John Manus Dougherty Sr. ... Fourth Bandit (uncredited)
Donald Gallaher ... Little Boy (uncredited)
Shadrack E. Graham ... Child (uncredited)
Frank Hanaway ... Bandit (uncredited)
Adam Charles Hayman ... Bandit (uncredited)
Morgan Jones ... (uncredited)
Robert Milasch ... Trainman / Bandit (uncredited)
Marie Murray ... Dance-Hall Dancer (uncredited)
Mary Snow ... Little Girl (uncredited)
Directed
Edwin S. Porter ... (uncredited)
Writing Credits
Scott Marble ... (story) (uncredited)
Edwin S. Porter ... (uncredited)
Cinematography
Blair Smith
Edwin S. Porter ... (uncredited)
Trivia
The final shot of a gun being fired toward the camera had a profound effect on audiences. As cinema was in its infancy, many people who saw the film thought that they were actually about to be shot.
The original camera negative still exists in excellent condition. The Library of Congress, who holds it, can still make new prints.
The film uses simple editing techniques (each scene is a single shot) and the story is mostly linear (with only a few "meanwhile" moments) but it represents a significant step in movie making, being one of the first "narrative" movies.
The film was originally distributed with a note saying that the famous shot of the bandit firing his gun at the camera could be placed either at the beginning or at the end of the film. All known prints put it at the end.
This was Tom London's film debut. He was cast in the role of the locomotive engineer, his real-life job.
The earliest American film listed in "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die", edited by Steven Schneider.
Goofs
Continuity
When the bandits rob the train and drive away with the engine it is on the right rail-track. When they stop to proceed on horseback the train is on the left.
After the bandits have robbed the passengers they run towards the rear of the train instead of towards the front, where their getaway locomotive is waiting. In the next shot, they are seen running towards the locomotive.
Miscellaneous
Looking closely, you can see that every time a gun is used, it is pointed away from the person/camera. This might be regarded as a revealing mistake, but this is done for 2 reasons. The first being that film was in its early stages, so they didn't think the audience could see the tilted guns. Reason 2 being that blank cartridges for pistols weren't invented/widely used at the time, so they had to use real bullets.
Revealing mistakes
Obvious dummy is thrown from the train.
When the telegraph operator revives with his hands tied behind his back, he uses one of his hands to help him stand up and then quickly puts the hand behind his back again.
When the guard riding with the money in the baggage car
is shot he throws his arms straight up in the air and falls to the floor with them extended.
He was shot more then once, but while laying on the floor he holds his right arm up off the floor
while his attackers search his body. Once they get up, he crosses his right arm across his face.
Filming Locations
New Jersey, USA
Dover, New Jersey, USA
Essex County Park, New Jersey, USA
Orange Mountains, New Jersey, USA
New York, USA
West Orange, New Jersey, USA
Watch this 12 minute movie (FASCINATING)
[extendedmedia]
[/extendedmedia]