The Audience of Early Films: Wider Reach and Early Challenges

The question of who could watch films in the 1890s is a fascinating one, but it is crucial to define what we mean by 'films' to grasp the extent of its audience. Depending on the method of viewing, the audience varied significantly, reflecting the technological and social changes of that era.

Kinetoscope: The Single-Viewer Format

One of the earliest forms of film viewing was through the Kinetoscope, a machine that allowed a single person to watch short, silent films. Kinetoscopes began to appear around 1888 and started to be demonstrated to the public in 1893. By 1894, Kinetoscope parlors began to emerge in major city centers, such as New York and Paris, where one could pay a fee to watch a short film lasting between 20 to 40 seconds. These parlors quickly spread across Europe in the late 1890s, a period when the device was not internationally patented, and various companies produced Kinetoscopes and film cartridges. While the Kinetoscope was a significant technological advance, it was restricted to a solitary viewing experience, limited to one or two people at a time.

The Lumière Brothers and the Introduction of Public Cinemas

However, as we define 'film' as a projected motion picture that an audience of multiple people could view simultaneously, the narrative shifts to the epoch-defining Lumière Brothers, Auguste and Louis. Their screening in 1895 at the Salon Indien du Grand Café in Paris marked a paradigm shift. It was a screening for approximately 200 people, and although the basement was modest, it was a crucial event in the history of cinema. The Lumière brothers then toured their 10 short films, each no more than 50 seconds, around the world in 1896. This marked the beginning of projecting films for a mass audience.

In 1896, the competing Vitascope also made its debut, introducing a permanent movie theater in New York City. It was during this time that films gradually became more accessible and widely available. However, the audience for early films was still predominantly restricted to those living in major urban centers with disposable income and an interest in novel entertainment. Movie screenings were often priced similarly to full vaudeville tickets, and with film being so short, the value for the viewer wasn't always significant.

Safety Concerns and Audience Dangers

Additionally, the early years of film projection came with significant safety concerns. Early projection equipment and filmstock were highly flammable and often caught fire. In fact, over 100 people died in a notorious fire at a Paris theater in 1899. This incident underlines the volatile nature of early cinematic technology and the inherent dangers associated with its use. Despite these risks, the allure of motion pictures grew steadily, paving the way for the development of modern cinema.

In conclusion, the early audience for films in the 1890s spanned from the solitary experience of the Kinetoscope to the communal viewing at public cinemas. The Lumière brothers and their technological advancements were pivotal in transitioning from a single-user experience to one that could be enjoyed by a much larger audience. Safety concerns were very real but did not halt the burgeoning industry. As we reflect on this period, it is important to recognize the rapid developments and the challenges faced during the democratization of moving pictures.