Souvenir strip of the Edison Kinetoscope, (Eugen) Sandow (aka Friedrich Muller), the modern Hercules, Edison Manufacturing Co. c1894. Courtesy, Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting, Sound Division, FEC8117
On this day, April 14th, 1894 the first Kinetoscope Parlor opened in New York City.
Developed by Thomas Edison, the Kinetoscope was the first device that allowed individuals to view motion pictures. The Holland Bros. were the first to capitalize on the "movie going" enigma. Using the space of a converted shoe store at 1155 Broadway on the corner of 27th street, they installed ten Kinetoscopes. Although not quite the 3-D movie going experience we can enjoy today, Kinetoscopes became extremely popular. While twenty-five cents for a short film today may be a deal, in the 1890s a quarter could go a bit further. The Holland Bros. were successful and in the first fifty weeks their records indicate that they made $1400.00 against their $515.00 operating costs.
Developed by Thomas Edison, the Kinetoscope was the first device that allowed individuals to view motion pictures. The Holland Bros. were the first to capitalize on the "movie going" enigma. Using the space of a converted shoe store at 1155 Broadway on the corner of 27th street, they installed ten Kinetoscopes. Although not quite the 3-D movie going experience we can enjoy today, Kinetoscopes became extremely popular. While twenty-five cents for a short film today may be a deal, in the 1890s a quarter could go a bit further. The Holland Bros. were successful and in the first fifty weeks their records indicate that they made $1400.00 against their $515.00 operating costs.
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