Edison: The Father of Invention

The inventions of Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931) continue to touch the lives of people around the world. Although he came from a humble background, Edison was a driven and focused young man, determined to make "the world bend to his will." Filmmaker Michelle Ferrari's PBS-aired American Experience documentary—narrated by Michael Murphy—paints a portrait of a competitive figure who not only "loved the chase," but was also a genius when it came to problem-solving and self-promotion. Although he would marry twice and have six children, Edison spent most of his time with his team of researchers at his Menlo Park laboratory in New Jersey. After the Civil War, America was in a headlong rush to usher in the modern age. In rapid succession, Edison and his co-workers worked on a phonograph using tinfoil—an invention that made him a national figure—and then moved on to the electric light, a world-changing device that freed families from darkness, lengthening their days for work or pleasure. Edison was reluctant to share credit with others, and he also displayed a stubborn streak, which led him to back the wrong technology (direct current as opposed to alternating current). Although his patents and inventions made him a millionaire, Edison's passions extended far beyond just making money. Edison pioneered the art of trademark recognition, and would become the very image of the modern inventor (even though much of his work was built on foundations laid by others). Edison took a late-in-life interest in developing motion pictures, churning out short subjects in his "Black Maria" NJ facility. Combining archival footage and stills with scholarly interviews, the documentary also touches on Edison's enduring friendship with Henry Ford. At his death in 1931, the "Wizard of Menlo Park" was hailed as a "miracle man"—not much of an exaggeration. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)