Video Parts (3)
This clip is Part 1 of a 3-part film.
BENEFACTOR, THE. [LIFE OF THOMAS A. EDISON. PART III] Part 1
Description
The original catalog description provided by the Ford Motor Company reads as follows: Men in laboratory - trying experiment with metal filament - bulb glowing, going out. “Thousands of similar experiments with failures were experienced. Many serious thoughts, but never discouraged.” Young man in laboratory, thinking - sitting at piano, spotting spool of thread. “‘Boys, carbonize this thread, for now I have it.’” Young man talking to assistants. “October twenty-first, 1879 the parts assembled. The current turned on. The birth of the first incandescent lamp.” Lamp burning. “‘Boys, now you go and get some rest. Come back early.’” Men leaving, young man comparing arc lamp and incandescent lamp. “Mr. Edison, after working continuously for four days and nights, takes a few hours rest.” Man lying down on table. “After eight hours, Mr. Edison awoke to find his lamp still burning brightly.” Assistants entering, waking man, looking at lamp. “His lamp a success, he next required a system of current distribution.” “Scientists claimed the series system then in use for arc lighting was the only system possible.” Diagram showing the series system of electrical current movement. “Mr. Edison saw that the series system was impracticable for small units, such as home lamps, etc. He, therefore, invented the multiple system, the principles of which have never been changed.” “First he decided he wanted a 110-volt dynamo, which he invented and built.” Workers building dynamo. “110 volts has been the standard since adopted in 1879. The dynamo completed Mr. Edison next established his multiple system.” Diagram comparing Edison’s multiple system to the series system. “With the incandescent lamp and the multiple system, Mr. Edison delivered to mankind a new art and science.” Man looking at series of bulbs hanging in laboratory, blowing out kerosene lamp. “Here he turned his attention to the phonograph, motion pictures, etc., and the General Electric Company was formed --” View of building. “-- which has developed Mr. Edison’s invention in its great research laboratory so that today through ‘Mazda Service’ it shines upon the whole race of man --” Men sitting around table, lamps and books on table. “-- making our homes at night as bright as day -- what a boon to humanity.” Family sitting in parlor - close-up of old record - young girl playing phonograph. “Our automobiles have Mazda eyes that they may see at night.” Cars being driven at night. “It replaces the students’ ‘Midnight Oil’ in our institutions of learning.” School building brightly lighted. “The factory day never ends.” Factory at night. “It’s the mine worker’s guiding star.” Miners attaching lamps to hats. “Through his wizardry was created a new fairyland.” Fair at night. “Our cities could not endure without it.” City at night. “It’s the midnight sun shining upon the fountainhead of freedom and democracy.” View of Capitol at night. “We enjoy our parks by day.” Panorama of park. “And equally so by night.” Park at night. “By it we see liberty enlightening the world.” Statue of Liberty at night. “That we may see Old Glory in evening dress.” United States flag at night. “And this is the man who made it all possible. Thomas A. Edison.” Edison walking on lawn at his home, sitting down in chair, reading book. “All can become benefactors in thought, word and deed. Therefore, let us think, speak and act for the benefit of our fellow men -- we will be happier in --” “The End.” [1923]
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