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The Whole Dam Family and the Dam Dog
Also known as [The Dam Family] : {The Whole Damm Family and the Damm Dog}
(1905) United States of America
B&W : [?] 300 or 540? feet
Directed by Edwin S. Porter
Cast: (unknown)
Edison Manufacturing Company production; distributed by Edison Manufacturing Company. / Cinematography by Edwin S. Porter. / © 31 May 1905 by Thomas A. Edison [H61456]. Released July 1905. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format. / The film submitted for copyright includes a retake of the final scene caused by the acting dog. Includes Porter’s “jumble announcements” for intertitles, and subtitles to introduce the family. The film was remade by Lubin as I.B. Dam and the Whole Dam Family (1905).
Comedy.
Synopsis: [From Edison promotional materials] The Whole Damn Family and The Damn Dog is a popular fad which has been widely advertised by lithographs and souvenir mailing cards, and has recently been made the subject of a sketch in a New York Vaudeville Theatre. The Edison Manufacturing Co., with their usual up-to-date methods, have illustrated this popular subject in a most novel and original way in Motion Pictures. The picture opens with a close view of the individual members of the family. Each goes through a very amusing performance. Mr. I.B. Damn is seized with a severe fit of sneezing. Herself relieves her mind through woman’s sole weapon. Jimmy Damn shows how a cigarette should be smoked. Miss U.B. Damn is very proud of the marcel wave in her hair. Annie Damn, in a large picture hat, tries to look very shy and demure. Lizzie Damn chews gum in a most artistic manner. Baby Damn gives a sample of his ability at crying. A family group is seated at dinner, with the Damn Dog seated at the head of the table. Mr. I.B. Damn enters and kicks the Damn Dog out of the chair. The Damn Dog waits until the soup has been served, and then returns and drags the table cloth and all the dishes on to the floor. The final scene is most amusing. Different portions of the Damn Dog’s body appear from all directions. They finally arrange themselves in shape, showing a dilapidated looking cur sitting up on his haunches. Presently his tail joins his body by piecemeal, the end having two tin cans tied to it. The tail and tin cans begin to wag in a most comical way. The picture has made the biggest kind of a hit, and is one of the best humorous pictures ever offered. Fully described and illustrated in Circular No. 258.
Survival status: Print exists in the Library of Congress film archive (paper print collection) [35mm paper positive].
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Keywords: Animals: Dogs - Animation [stop-action] - Chewing gum - Children - Dinners - Families - Fireplaces - Handkerchiefs - Matches - Smoke - Subtitles - Tobacco: Cigarettes
Listing updated: 16 March 2008.
References: Film viewing : Everson-American p. 21; Leyda-Before p. 123; Niver-First p. 92; Robinson-Palace p. 125 : Website-AFI.
Home video: DVD.
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