Sandow is a series of three 1894 silent short actuality films directed by William K. L. Dickson for Edison Studios. The films show Sandow flexing his muscles in his underwear. At the time, Eugen Sandow was a star with Florenz Ziegfeld Jr's shows. He was as well known for his appearance as for his feats of strength.
After some experimental films including the "Athlete with Wand" film shot earlier in 1894 at Edison's Black Maria Studios, this film was intended for distribution for paying audiences. Sandow was the first known 'star' to appear in a film. The audiences were likely fascinated by the possibility of viewing details of human movement as much as they were by Sandow's appealing appearance.
As stated, three films were shot for Edison by WKL Dickson, Sandow No. 1, Sandow No. 2, and Sandow No. 3. Later, in 1896, after Dickson had co-founded Biograph Studios, he shot a remake simply titled "Sandow." So, with these films, we have the first movie star and the first set of sequels featuring said star. We also have reboot from a competing studio.
After some experimental films including the "Athlete with Wand" film shot earlier in 1894 at Edison's Black Maria Studios, this film was intended for distribution for paying audiences. Sandow was the first known 'star' to appear in a film. The audiences were likely fascinated by the possibility of viewing details of human movement as much as they were by Sandow's appealing appearance.
As stated, three films were shot for Edison by WKL Dickson, Sandow No. 1, Sandow No. 2, and Sandow No. 3. Later, in 1896, after Dickson had co-founded Biograph Studios, he shot a remake simply titled "Sandow." So, with these films, we have the first movie star and the first set of sequels featuring said star. We also have reboot from a competing studio.