| Photographed November 8, 14, and 15, 1906. American Mutoscope and Biograph Company. Location: 12th Street and Broadway & Studio Producer: Fred A. Dobson ON THE HIGHEST ROOF IN NEW YORK WITH THE BIOGRAPH Following ''The Tunnel Workers'' we offer a new sensational production in which the action takes place largely on the dizzy heights of the uppermost girder of a twenty-story skyscraper in the heart of New York. The building is said to be the highest in the city, and overlooks Union Square. In the distance are to be seen the Flatiron Building, the Times building and other modern marvels. - Excerpt from the Biograph Bulletin No. 88, December 8, 1906. PART 1 The first of three parts, this portion of film is almost entirely an actuality as it opens with a breathtaking panoramic shot of lower Manhattan overlooking Union Square Park. Park Avenue South comes into view just at the top in the distance [0:46]. The scene cuts to bricklayers busily plying their trade, a riveting team sew the buildings frame together, (the city's low skyline in this shot allows for an amazing view of the East River in the distance), iron workers pull a beam into place. The three minute work day is over and four crew members ride a crane hook for the camera and their union pride. Part 2: www.youtube.com Recommended reading: Celluloid Skyline / New York and the Movies - James Sanders 01/01/12 - 32792 |
