The Only Clip of Mark Twain Ever Recorded
Take a rare glimpse into history with one of the few surviving motion pictures of legendary American author and humorist Mark Twain. Filmed in 1909 by inventor Thomas Edison, this remarkable footage captures Twain just one year before his death, offering a unique look at one of America's most influential literary figures in motion. Preserved by the Library of Congress as part of its Inventing Entertainment Collection, the film provides an extraordinary window into the early days of cinema and the life of a cultural icon.
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One of history's rarest moving images: Mark Twain on film, recorded by Thomas Edison in 1909, only a year before the legendary writer passed away
— History Nerd (@_HistoryNerd) July 8, 2026
Source: Library of Congress – Inventing Entertainment Collection pic.twitter.com/Mqy399y9s1