A collection of early motion picture films, focusing especially on the first films that began to reflect modern cinematic conventions. Includes works by Pathé Frères, Max Linder, the Vitagraph Company, Alice Guy Blaché, and D.W. Griffith.

Collective title from disc menu. Film titles & film credits from screen. Originally compiled for video in 1994. Special feature: program notes by Charles Musser.

Policemen's little run /[by Ferdinand Zecca ; Pathé] -- (1907) -- Troubles of a grasswidower / Pathé Frères ; [by Max Linder] -- (1908) -- Nero, or, the fall of Rome / [by Ambrosio] -- (1909) -- Onésime horloger = -- Onésime, clock-maker / Gaumont ; [Jean Durand] -- (1912) -- Winsor McCay, the famous cartoonist of the N.Y. Herald and his moving comics / photographed by Vitagraph Co. of America -- (1911) -- Making an American citizen / produced by Alice Guy Blaché -- (1912) -- Girl and her trust / Biograph Company ; [directed by D.W. Griffith] -- (1912) -- Bangville police / Keystone Film Company -- (1913).