Amazon.com

In the 19th century photography developed into an art form, but it was restricted to professionals because the cameras and chemicals required to take pictures were both complicated and unwieldy. A young American, George Eastman, vowed to change that, and in the process he changed the world. As dramatically portrayed in this documentary, an installment of PBS's American Experience series, Eastman persisted until he succeeded in producing the Kodak Brownie camera, which made photography possible for just about anyone. With his fanatical eye for detail, Eastman even coined the meaningless word "Kodak," as he wanted a trademark that referred only to his invention. Eastman was often hostile to his workers, prone to legal battles, and several times staved off his company's demise, yet he became one of the wealthiest men in America. The many photographs shown in this production portray the development of amateur photography, and scholars provide insight into how the ability to document ordinary lives changed society. The snapshot cameras sold by Eastman made millions happy, yet the man who made it all possible lived an isolated and lonely existence, with his peculiar personality ultimately leading him to planning his own death. This is a fascinating look at a unique American whose contributions to our lives are with us everyday. --Robert J. McNamara

• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.32 x 4.19 x 1.12 inches; 6.13 ounces
• Director ‏ : ‎ Matthew Collins (III), Rocky Collins
• Release date ‏ : ‎ July 11, 2000
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ February 9, 2007
• Actors ‏ : ‎ Marion Ross
• Studio ‏ : ‎ Pbs (Direct)