This is a time-lapse special effects film released in April 1901 and showing the demolition of the Star Theatre (formerly the Wallack Building) at the corner of Broadway and Thirteenth Street in New York City. According to publicity from the American Mutoscope and Biograph Company, "a specially devised electric apparatus" took single exposures every four minutes, within brief normal-speed views at the film's start and close. The full title seems inexplicable-we see only demolition-until one reads Biograph's recommendation to exhibitors that the film also be run backward to see that it would then show the "building up" of the Star Theatre. I wonder why they would want to demolish what looks to be - at that time - a pretty sturdy modern looking building?
It is also interesting to see - when the film runs at normal speed - pedestrians in 1901 sharing the city streets with streetcars. I didn't see any automobiles in this one, as this is really before the mass production of the automobile.
It is also interesting to see - when the film runs at normal speed - pedestrians in 1901 sharing the city streets with streetcars. I didn't see any automobiles in this one, as this is really before the mass production of the automobile.