Andrew Carnegie

About This Movie

Andrew Carnegie (1914) is a rather fascinating Kinetophone short, capturing Carnegie himself as he speaks candidly about 'The Duty of the Wealthy Man.' Recorded at Edison’s Bronx studio, the atmosphere feels distinctly early 20th century, with a certain rawness characteristic of the era's technology. The pacing is reflective, allowing Carnegie's thoughts to sink in—there's a weightiness to his words that resonates even today. While the motion picture element seems lost to time, the surviving synchronized sound cylinder offers a unique glimpse into historical sentiments and rhetoric, making it a curious piece for any collector interested in early sound film and influential figures of the time.

This film represents a unique intersection of cinema and history, reflecting on themes of wealth and responsibility in a way that's rarely captured. The scarcity of the visual component adds to its allure, leaving collectors particularly drawn to the surviving sound cylinder, which is quite a rarity in itself. It’s a piece that not only showcases early sound technology but also provides insight into Carnegie’s philosophies, making it a noteworthy item for those who appreciate the nuances of film heritage.