Capture of Trenches at Candaba
"Moving pictures" were brand-new technology in 1898, and films of the Spanish-American War gave most Americans their first “live” look at battle. But this film, of course, was only a reenactment, shot in New Jersey the following year by Thomas Edison’s company. It shows the capture of trenches at Candabar (Candaba), in the Philippines. From the Edison Films catalog: The Filipinos execute a flank movement and re-occupy the trenches, cutting off the advance guard of Americans. The rebel flag waves over the ditch and they defend their position bravely. A fierce charge by our soldiers makes them give way and they scatter in all directions. The officer in command pays dearly for his desperate sortie. Just as his horse clears the embankment the officer throws up his hands and falls backward with a crash; while the riderless horse dashes off toward the American lines. Full of exciting action and excellent detail. 75 feet. $11.25.
Capture of trenches at Candaba. Produced by James White. 1899; West Orange: Thomas A. Edison, Nd. Ref print, dupe negative, master pos., paper pos. all si., b&w; 35mm.
Public Domain
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