Eileen Bowser chronicles the history of the American film business from the days of storefront nickelodeons to the premiere of D. W. Griffith's <i>The Birth of a Nation</i>. The effect of the surroundings--the size of the hall; whether the film was shown alone or along with vaudeville entertainment; and the size, quality, and relevance of the musical background--are all examined for their impact on the filmgoing experience.