William Friese-Greene dedicated his life to the development of motion pictures. His devotion cost him his family, his self-respect and his reputation. He died in poverty, while Thomas Edison was acclaimed in the history books as the inventor of the movies. Now a dazzling array of British film stars bring the remarkable and moving story of the unsung cinema pioneer to the screen in a tribute to celebrate the Festival of Britain.

Director: John Boulting
Writers: Ray Allister (biography Friese-Greene, Close-Up of an Inventor), Eric Ambler

cast:
Robert Donat ... William Friese-Greene
Margaret Johnston ... Edith Harrison Friese-Greene
Maria Schell ... Helena Friese-Greene
Renée Asherson ... Miss Tagg
Richard Attenborough ... Jack Carter
Robert Beatty ... Lord Beaverbrook
Martin Boddey ... Sitter in Bath Studio
Edward Chapman ... Father in Family Group
John Charlesworth ... Graham Friese-Greene
Maurice Colbourne ... Bride's Father in wedding group
Roland Culver ... 1st Company Promoter
John Howard Davies ... Maurice Friese-Greene
Michael Denison ... Reporter
Joan Dowling ... Maggie
Henry Edwards ... Butler at Fox Talbot's

Country:UK
Language:English
Release Date:21 January 1952 (UK)
Runtime:118 min
Sound Mix:Mono
Color:Color (Technicolor)