First Posted: 4/4/2013

Attorney F. Charles Petrillo and Dr. Philip Mosley will present and discuss three historic anthracite film productions at 7 p.m. on April 19, at King’s College.

Petrillo and Mosley will present “Documenting Anthracite on the Silver Screen” at 7 p.m. on April 19 in the Burke Auditorium, McGowan School of Business, King’s College. Refreshments will be served in the Postupack Room of the Business School at 6:30 p.m.

Petrillo and Mosley will show and discuss a group of historic anthracite films (silent and talkies) that document various aspects of coal mining in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

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The films were made between 1915 and 1965 and some have never been shown publicly. As a group, they offer a unique perspective on an industry that brought thousands of immigrant workers to the area while creating great wealth for investors and laying the foundation for hundreds of anthracite communities. The films include:

The Price of Carelessness (1915). Produced by The Edison Company for the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, filmed at Truesdale Colliery, Nanticoke, Silent; The Mining and Preparation of Blue Coal (1938). Produced by Jam Handy Organization for the Glen Alden Coal Co, filmed at the Huber Colliery, Ashley, Sound and The Miners’ Story (1965).

The presenters have researched and written about anthracite culture and history for years and they have recently discovered a treasure trove of anthracite-related productions. The program will last approximately two hours and will include a question-and-answer session.

The event is free of charge.