Wilbur Wright's Aeroplane

We do not hesitate to say that in our opinion the Wright Brothers' Aeroplane is the most remarkable and most interesting, if not the most thrilling film that we have ever seen or could wish to see. Two sciences, yet in their infancy, cinematography and aeronautics, here unite to startle the eyes of the world with events which are only forerunners of their future twin achievements. There are few who are not interested in aeronautics; there are still fewer Americans who are not proud that the highest honors for results accomplished fall to American- born young men. Two weeks ago we advised exhibitors to bill this subject as a feature. We repeat the advice and also suggest that they advertise it in their local newspapers, so that it will draw to the shows a class of people who are not regular frequenters. Pathe's photographer has done himself credit in handling a difficult subject to perfection. The camera has been swung up and down and around its axis to keep the swiftly flying monster of the air always in the field of view. Now skimming close to the surface of the earth, like a seagull over the waves, now 700 feet in the air like an eagle, it soars over the three captive balloons, then swoops down, growing larger and larger to the eye, till it circles the field again and finally alights as gracefully as a bird. The world is indeed indebted to the Messrs. Pathe for the excellent film they have made of so difficult and rare a subject. - The Moving Picture World, May 1, 1909