Direction: Edwin S. Porter

The best movies, series, and documentaries directed by Edwin S. Porter. Explore exceptional titles that showcase a unique filmmaking vision.


The Great Train Robbery (S)

1903 · Movie · 10 min. · United States

Direction Edwin S. Porter

Cast Bronco Billy Anderson · A.C. Abadie · Justus D. Barnes · Donald Gallaher

Synopsis The Great Train Robbery (S) (1903) showcases the pioneering work of director and screenwriter Edwin S. Porter, who introduced the first cinematic cowboy star, Bronco Billy Anderson. Anderson takes on multiple roles in this thrilling narrative of bandits attacking a...

6.9

6K votes

6.9

6K votes

Dream of a Rarebit Fiend (S)

1906 · Movie · 7 min. · United States

Direction Wallace McCutcheon · Edwin S. Porter

Cast Jack Brawn

Synopsis Dream of a Rarebit Fiend (S) (1906) is a cinematic adaptation of Winsor McCay's renowned films and comics from the era. The narrative revolves around the "Rarebit Fiend," who indulges excessively in rarebit, leading to vivid and extraordinary hallucinatory dreams.

6.3

359 votes

6.3

359 votes

Direction Edwin S. Porter

Cast Gladys Hulette

Synopsis Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (S) (1910) commences with Alice and her elder sister relaxing by a lake, with the sister engrossed in a book. The narrative then unfolds as Alice, captivated by a peculiar white rabbit, ventures into a fantastical...

6.0

27 votes

6.0

27 votes

Life of an American Fireman (S)

1903 · Movie · 6 min. · United States

Direction George S. Fleming · Edwin S. Porter

Cast Arthur White · Vivian Vaughan · James H. White

Synopsis Life of an American Fireman (S) (1903) showcases a pioneering use of sequential continuity editing by Edwin S. Porter, weaving together multiple shots to create a compelling narrative. The film follows the journey of firefighters as they react to a...

6.0

945 votes

6.0

945 votes

The Kleptomaniac (S)

1905 · Movie · 8 min. · United States

Direction Edwin S. Porter

Cast Aline Boyd · Phineas Nairs · Jane Stewart · George Voijere

Synopsis The Kleptomaniac (S) (1905) follows the contrasting stories of two women who find themselves on the wrong side of the law. The first is an elegantly attired woman who departs from her residence and travels to a bustling department store...

5.9

111 votes

5.9

111 votes

5.8

44 votes

Direction George S. Fleming · Edwin S. Porter

Cast Florence Georgie · A.C. Abadie

Synopsis What Happened on Twenty-third Street, New York City (S) (1901) presents a humorous and lighthearted scenario set in front of a bustling newspaper office. A powerful air shaft, driven by a blower, causes a commotion as it lifts the skirts...

5.5

204 votes

5.5

204 votes

Coney Island at Night (S)

1905 · Documentary · 4 min. · United States

Direction Edwin S. Porter

Synopsis Coney Island at Night (S) (1905) presents a sweeping panorama of Coney Island captured under the cover of darkness. The film begins with a high vantage point, offering a broad view of the area before zooming in to provide detailed...

5.4

73 votes

5.4

73 votes

Direction Edwin S. Porter · J. Searle Dawley

Cast Gitchner Hartman · William Sorelle · Bessie Schrednecky

Synopsis A Little Girl Who Did Not Believe in Santa Claus (S) (1907) centers around a kind-hearted boy who endeavors to assist a young girl who has lost her faith in the magic of Christmas due to her family's financial struggles....

5.4

38 votes

5.4

38 votes

The Ex-Convict (S)

1904 · Movie · 8 min. · United States

Direction Edwin S. Porter

Synopsis The Ex-Convict (S) (1904) follows the journey of a recently freed convict who is eager to provide for his family. Despite his best efforts, his criminal history and lack of references make it challenging for him to secure employment. His...

5.3

29 votes

5.3

29 votes

Uncle Tom's Cabin (S)

1903 · Movie · 13 min. · United States

Direction Edwin S. Porter

Synopsis Uncle Tom's Cabin (S) (1903) is a silent film adaptation of Harriet Beecher Stowe's renowned novel. The story revolves around Eliza, a slave with a young child, who implores Tom, another enslaved individual, to flee with her. Tom chooses to...

5.2

32 votes

5.2

32 votes

Jack and the Beanstalk (S)

1902 · Movie · 10 min. · United States

Direction George S. Fleming · Edwin S. Porter

Cast Thomas White

Synopsis Jack and the Beanstalk (S) (1902) is a pioneering film that brings to life one of the most beloved tales in folklore. This silent short film is notable for being one of the first cinematic interpretations of the timeless story....

5.1

29 votes

5.1

29 votes

The Miller's Daughter (S)

1905 · Movie · 13 min. · United States

Direction Wallace McCutcheon · Edwin S. Porter

Synopsis The Miller's Daughter (S) (1905) tells the tale of Hazel, the miller's beloved daughter, who finds herself at the center of a romantic triangle. A humble country lad and a charming city gentleman both vie for her affection. The miller,...

5.0

27 votes

5.0

27 votes

Direction Edwin S. Porter

Synopsis How a French Nobleman Got a Wife Through the 'New York Herald' Personal Columns (S) (1904) follows the comedic misadventures of a French aristocrat who, upon his arrival in America, takes an unconventional approach to finding a spouse. He publishes...

5.0

56 votes

5.0

56 votes

Trapeze Disrobing Act (S)

1901 · Documentary · 2 min. · United States

Direction George S. Fleming · Edwin S. Porter

Cast Charmion King

Synopsis Trapeze Disrobing Act (S) (1901) showcases a brief, silent cinematic experience featuring Charmion, a pioneering vaudeville strongwoman. The film captures her renowned trapeze disrobing performance, a daring act that challenged the norms of the Victorian era. Charmion was a fervent...

5.0

42 votes

5.0

42 votes

Direction Edwin S. Porter

Cast Charles Manley

Synopsis Uncle Josh at the Moving Picture Show (S) (1902) follows the comedic misadventures of a naive country man who mistakes the events on the movie screen for reality. In a hilarious turn of events, he leaps from his seat in...

5.0

358 votes

5.0

358 votes

The Kiss (S)

1900 · Movie · 1 min. · United States

Direction Edwin S. Porter

Cast Fred Ott

Synopsis The Kiss (S) (1900) presents a timeless scene, reimagined with finesse. While the concept of a kiss might seem familiar, this film offers a charming and heartfelt portrayal that captivates audiences. The film captures the essence of a classic, heartfelt...

4.9

233 votes

4.9

233 votes

Life of an American Policeman (S)

1905 · Movie · 14 min. · United States

Direction Wallace McCutcheon · Edwin S. Porter

Synopsis Life of an American Policeman (S) (1905) follows the daily routine of a dedicated police officer who begins his day with a hearty breakfast alongside his wife and children. After his morning meal, he meticulously prepares for his duties. As...

4.9

36 votes

4.9

36 votes

The Gay Shoe Clerk (S)

1903 · Movie · 1 min. · United States

Direction Edwin S. Porter

Cast Edward Boulden

Synopsis The Gay Shoe Clerk (S) (1903) presents a brief yet engaging scenario. A lady, while trying on shoes, accidentally reveals her ankle to the attentive shoe clerk, who is immediately captivated. The clerk, unable to resist, leans in and kisses...

4.8

386 votes

4.8

386 votes