Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Retired Teacher Uncovers Great-Grandfather's Silent Film Legacy

4/13/2026

43 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Bill McFarland, a retired teacher, found a trunk from his great-grandfather, William DeLyle Frisbee, who showed silent films in rural Pennsylvania.
McFarland delivered the film to the Library of Congress, where it was restored and digitized.
Georges Méliès is portrayed as a magician battling an automaton in Gugusse and the Automaton (1897).
The discovery deepened McFarland's understanding of his great-grandfather's life as a traveling entertainer.

1 of 1

Story summary

Bill McFarland, a retired teacher, found a trunk from his great-grandfather, William DeLyle Frisbee, who showed silent films in rural Pennsylvania.
McFarland delivered the film to the Library of Congress, where it was restored and digitized.
Georges Méliès is portrayed as a magician battling an automaton in Gugusse and the Automaton (1897).
The discovery deepened McFarland's understanding of his great-grandfather's life as a traveling entertainer.