This film, titled Rube and Mandy at Coney Island, was originally a silent film from 1903, the same year the original Luna Park opened to the public. The film was a comedic short produced by the Edison Manufacturing Company and follows a country couple as they explore the park.
The first scene shows a country couple entering Steeplechase Park. They proceed to amuse themselves on the steeplechase, rope bridge, the "Down and Out" and riding the bulls. The scene then changes to a panorama of Luna Park, showing Rube and Mandy doing stunts on the rattan slide, riding on the miniature railway, shooting the chutes, riding the boats in the old mill, and visiting Professor Wormwood's Monkey theatre. They next appear on the Bowery, visiting the fortune tellers, striking the punching machine and winding up with the frankfurter man. The climax shows a bust view of Rube and Mandy eating frankfurters. Interesting for the humorous features, and the excellent views of Coney Island and Luna Park.
The audio was added into the video for ambiance and uploaded recently by YouTuber Guy Jones, making it a lot easier to imagine yourself back in 1903's Coney Island.
Originally published on June 26th, 2015
Matt Coneybeare
Editor in Chief
Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.
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