The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I just noticed in the tv listings that there is a new episode of "American Experience" tonight at 9:00 pm (ET) featuring the life and accomplishments of Thomas Edison. You may want to watch it or record it.

Thanks ColoradoPhonograf. I would have missed this without your notice. I now have the DVR all set to record it. American Experience makes some of the finest documentaries on the planet. I have written several letters over the years to them with subjects of interest for future documentaries. They're always extremely well done. Anyway, thanks again for the heads-up.

Doug

Gee whiz - - don't you fellows check the "Future Events" on the APS website?

http://www.antiquephono.org/events_cate ... re-events/

This has been posted for weeks...maybe years...

George P.

At first I thought that this must be a old re-run of an Edison documentary from over ten years ago. But in the credits it says this is a 2015 production! So it looks like this is new! Looking forward to seeing it.

One movie clip confirms what Edison said in an interview: Someone (Harvey Firestone, I think) is shown talking to Edison's cheek, not his ear, as Edison clearly cups his hand well in front of his ear. New meaning to "talking face to face". haha

It seemed very well done. There is a few hiccups here and there, like the tinfoil phonograph picture used for 1888 white wax cylinders, but all and all pretty interesting. There is some footage I have never seen before. It is nice that much of Edison was documented on film.

I agree that this documentary was, although not perfect, very well done. Other than a few anachronistic film clips and images inserted throughout the documentary, I have no complaints. ("If we need a photo of Edison looking angry - as during the 1888 Ezra Gilliland fallout - why not use this photo taken 20 years later? No one will notice that Triumph in the background..." And indeed, who but nerds like us WOULD notice?) The American Experience does a consistently fine job with all its productions.

The general public would be well served to see more of this type of programming, in my opinion. Edison might not be the ideal role model for human relationships, but his life demonstrates other valuable lessons that many might put to good use.

George P.

I thoroughly enjoyed the show! It did, however, leave me wanting more...perhaps a 10 part mini-series.

Best,
Fran

Thanks! I'll set the DVR tonight..!

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer