MovieChat Forums > A Plantation Act (1926) Discussion > The First Music Video

The First Music Video

posted 16 years ago by Lemmy_Caution1
6 replies | jump to latest

If you think about it Al Jolson could be credited with doing the first music video with the Plantation Act. :-)

[–] vinidici 16 years ago

Believe it ir not (I would say "no pun intended," but I'd be lying!), Thomas Edison's studios made a "sound" film in 1894, "starring" three guys--all, presumably, Edison lab employees. One of them is playing a violin, and the other two men are waltzing together. You can see this on YouTube.

[–] Lemmy_Caution1 16 years ago

I think I remember seeing that in my film class. I suppose that counts, but what you describe doesn't seem to fit the format of a music video, with an artist appearing on film to perform one of his songs like Al Jolson does here. A music video is about the song and the performance. What you describe is a film done to show the novelty of film and sound rather being a showcase for the song or the artist. Edison's film was not created for people to enjoy the song or the performance of violinist.

[–] Kinematico 16 years ago

I am agree with Robert Ripley on this one. IMO Dickson Experimental Sound Film (Dickson was an inventor under the employ of Edison), couldn't be considered a music video but as its given title says, it's an "experimental sound film".

In the other hand, Al Jolson's "A plantation Act" it's indeed a musical short film. However most likely it's not the first "music video". I have seen some short films from the early 20's recorded using De Forest's "Phonofilm" system that features both, singers and bands performing.
Anyway "A Plantation Act" (also) features a man (Jolson) singing and performing; And that's the core of modern music videos.

You can watch Dickson Experimental Sound Film here (Dickson himself plays the violin):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBMEt1SJbhQ&feature=related

To know more about this film and the technology behind it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dickson_Experimental_Sound_Film

[–] vinidici 15 years ago

Okay, what about the Eddie Cantor musical short, filmed in 1923 by Lee DeForest? It predates Jolson's "Plantation Act" by 3 years. It's available on YouTube, too. Use their search engine to find it.

Secret Message, HERE!-->CONGRATULATIONS!!! You've discovered the Secret Message!

[–] vinidici 15 years ago

Here's the link to the Eddie Cantor short I mentioned:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Mhpw7gb1fE

Secret Message, HERE!-->CONGRATULATIONS!!! You've discovered the Secret Message!

[–] MexicaliRick 10 years ago

Why is it that I've seen this film exhibited only in sepia tone as opposed to black and white which according to the research I've done was the way in which it was produced? Somewhere along the line the sepia tint must have been added; perhaps simultaneously with the reconstruction of the sound element. The fact that this film exists at all is sufficient to sustain interest. The embellishment of added color (unless the film was originally screened that way in 1926) is an unnecessary distraction. Also, it may be an attempt to make the film more commercially viable currently although I'm certain that like minded historians would prefer to see this as well as other historically significant films restored to as original and unadulterated condition as is possible.