When seen today, "Life of an American Fireman" would seem a bit dull. After all, it's a very early silent film and folks today seem to have little interest in wuch movies. However, historically speaking AND quality-wise, this is a top-notch production!
The film is a fictionalization of firemen responding to a fire, saving potential victims and putting out the blaze. To do this, the filmmakers employ some unusual techniques for the day....edits, the use of indoor sets (at the Edison studio in East Orange, NJ), outdoor sets and location shooting in New York City. It's all put together very well and must have wowed audiences of the day. My only complaint, and it's a minor one, was the acting by the mother in the film...talk about overreacting!!
The film is a fictionalization of firemen responding to a fire, saving potential victims and putting out the blaze. To do this, the filmmakers employ some unusual techniques for the day....edits, the use of indoor sets (at the Edison studio in East Orange, NJ), outdoor sets and location shooting in New York City. It's all put together very well and must have wowed audiences of the day. My only complaint, and it's a minor one, was the acting by the mother in the film...talk about overreacting!!