Motion Pictures, 1894-1912: Identified from the Records of the United States Copyright Office — John Shaqi
Motion Pictures, 1894-1912: Identified from the Records of the United States Copyright OfficeWalls, Howard Lamarr
History
Motion Pictures, 1894-1912: Identified from the Records of the United States Copyright Office
Walls, Howard Lamarr
Motion pictures -- Catalogs
The first problem encountered, that of identifying the work, was the
biggest. Then, although the information in the record books was
acceptable in the light of requirements for copyright registration, it
was found all too frequently to be unsatisfactory from the standpoint of
a full description or a complete identification of the motion picture.
Lengths of films were seldom given; claimants had not always made it
clear as to whether numbers accompanying titles stood for parts, scenes,
reels, or production numbers; some films, copyrighted as separate
entities, were obviously only parts of a unified subject which the
claimant had failed to furnish; the articles in the titles were often
omitted; and, for the pre-1900 years, it was not always clear as to
whether certain titles referred to a Kineograph (thumb book), a
Mutoscope reel, or a 35mm film. There were numerous other deficiencies,
such as misspelling of names or words and omission of words other than
articles from titles.
A complete solution to the complexities and limitations existing in the
project would have required motion picture research, but such research
is beyond the scope or function of the Copyright Office, and of the
project for which I was employed. Hence, the record is passed along to
you precisely as it stands with minor additions and corrections.
Misspellings and similar minor errors have been dealt with by
corrections written within brackets. In several instances, where titles
of factual films are ambiguous as to persons, places, or things, it has
been possible to draw on first-hand knowledge to enhance their meaning
and significance. This information is also presented, within brackets,
with a view to increasing as much as possible the practical value of the
catalog. A general correlation of the films under supplied subject
headings was, as in the case of extensive research, considered beyond
the scope of the project. Such grouping has been left to those whose
special interest may require it. To facilitate such further research,
the _Claimant Index_ provides a chronological listing of titles by year
to bring them together in their significant time relationships.
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