Captains Of Industry 37-xx-xx (19) The story of George Eastman

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – “Captains Of Industry: The Story of George Eastman”

Episode Theme:
This episode explores the life, inventions, and impact of George Eastman, the American inventor and entrepreneur, best known for founding Kodak and revolutionizing photography. Through dramatized vignettes, the show highlights Eastman's journey from amateur photographer to a major industrialist, his invention of roll film and the portable camera, the naming of Kodak, the company's impact on the world, and his lasting philanthropic legacy.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. George Eastman's Early Photography Challenges

• Setting: Young George, burdened with heavy photographic equipment, experiments with new materials.
• Eastman aims to make photography "easy for anyone," which drives his invention of flexible, paper roll film.
• Quote:
  • “That's my next job. A small camera that will fit in your pocket... I wanted to invent a flexible plate that anyone can use, and I'm sure I've got it in this paper roll film.”
    (Eastman, 00:27 – 00:40)

2. Comic Mishap & Early Invention Defense

• Humorous scene as Eastman and a friend are confronted by “Uncle Nat” for allegedly photographing a private tryst.
• Eastman demonstrates the resilience and simplicity of his paper roll film, even in the face of sabotage.
• Quote (Eastman demonstrating roll film):
  • “I don't take pictures on glass plates. No? No. I take pictures on a paper roll like this.”
    (Eastman, 01:49 – 01:56)

3. Pitching the Roll Film to Investors

• George meets Colonel Alva Strong, persuading him that roll film can revolutionize amateur photography.

• Details the cumbersome glass plate system vs. the ease and economy of roll film.

• Quote (Eastman describing the gadget):

  • “This little frame here… it's a roll holder of my own design. It’s a lightweight frame that fits the back of any standard camera… there are 24 exposures to the roll. It would take a dray to carry 24 glass plates.”
    (Eastman, 03:39 – 04:07)

• Colonel Strong becomes the first major investor, signaling the dawn of Eastman's growth into industry.

• Timestamps:

  • Pitch begins: 02:46
  • Investment offered: 04:22
  • Amount: “You can count me in for $5,000...” (Colonel Strong, 04:29)

4. The Birth of the ‘Kodak’ Brand

• The team debates a name for their new camera: short, strong, and trademarkable.
• Eastman is drawn to the letter "K" for its strength, ultimately inventing “Kodak.”
• Memorable Moment (Name creation):
  • "Kodak. Kodak. How does that sound?"
    (Eastman, 06:01)
  • "That's it. You've got it. It's strong. It hits you right in the face."
    (Colleague, 06:05)

5. Expansion and International Success

• Eastman’s products become a global sensation—factories emerge worldwide.
• The motion picture industry and global events like World War I consume enormous quantities of film.
• “The magic carpet of the amateur photographer.” (Narrator, 04:48)

6. Kodak’s Role in World War I: Innovation in Aerial Photography

• Eastman’s company develops automatic aerial cameras for military use.

• Quote (Eastman explaining the camera):

  • “It's a one man affair operated by the pilot from the cockpit... the main advantage over other cameras is that your pilot can devote his entire attention to the handling of his plane.”
    (Eastman, 07:09)

• Dramatic scene of wartime reconnaissance demonstrates equipment’s value.

• Quote (Field Test):

  • “That new Eastman aerial Camera certainly does the work. Just look at those prints. The best and sharpest I've ever seen.”
    (Officer, 09:47)

7. Breakthrough in Color Photography

• In 1928, Eastman hosts luminaries like Thomas Edison, General Pershing, and Major General Harvard for a demonstration of color film (“Kodo color”).

• Thomas Edison Praises:

  • “I worked on color photography myself, but made a failure of it. Anybody can use it now with this new film of yours.”
    (Edison, 10:29)

• Eastman confidently predicts the end of black-and-white motion pictures.

• Quote:

  • "I predict that the black and white motion picture will eventually be a thing of the past."
    (Eastman, 11:13)

8. Eastman the Philanthropist

• Eastman’s charitable giving exceeded $50 million, including endowments for schools and research.
• Quote (Eastman):
  • “It's much more fun to give money than to will it. That's why I give it.”
    (Narrator, 11:31)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The Vision:

  • “Someday I'll make a camera and film so small I can take a picture and not be annoyed by fellas like you.” (Eastman, 02:19)

• The Pitch:

  • “Suppose, Colonel, the roll on which you can take a half a dozen or more perfect pictures costs you no more than the price of two or three glass plates...” (Eastman, 03:15)

• Kodak Name Invention:

  • “Kodak. Yes, I like that word. We'll make it one of the best known words in the world.” (Eastman, 06:05–06:11)

• Innovation in War:

  • “That new Eastman aerial Camera certainly does the work. Just look at those prints. The best and sharpest I've ever seen. Why, they even show up camouflaged.” (Major, 09:47)

• On Color Film’s Impact:

  • “This process, George, will give everyone a new appreciation of photography. Pictures in natural color.” (Edison, 10:46)

• Eastman’s Philanthropic Philosophy:

  • “It's much more fun to give money than to will it. That's why I give it.” (Narrator quoting Eastman, 11:31)

---

Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:02–02:36 – Eastman’s early days & invention of roll film
• 02:46–04:48 – Seeking investment; roll film's game-changing potential
• 05:13–06:20 – Creating the Kodak brand
• 06:20–07:47 – Global expansion; Kodak in the motion picture industry and World War
• 07:47–09:47 – Dramatic wartime field test of aerial cameras
• 10:07–11:13 – 1928 color film demo with Edison and dignitaries
• 11:31–12:09 – Eastman’s legacy and major philanthropic contributions

---

Tone and Style

The episode blends warmth and humor (notably in the playful “Uncle Nat” scene), pride in American ingenuity, and respectful admiration for Eastman’s character and vision. The dramatized dialogue evokes the excitement and wonder of technological progress in the Golden Age of Radio.

---

For listeners seeking a lively retelling of George Eastman’s transformation of photography, his business acumen, innovation during wartime, and deep social contributions, this episode provides a vivid, engaging journey—seasoned with period charm and historical insight.

Transcript

[A]

The story of George Eastman, one of America's most successful captains of industry. Born in 1854 in Waterville, New York, we first meet the future inventor of the Kodak as an amateur photographer trudging along a country lane with his heavy camera and tripod and cumbersome glass plate case, and assisted by a young friend.

[B]

Why come way out here to Mackinac, George, when there's lots of things in Rochester to photograph?

[C]

Well, I'd like to try my new plate on the Mackinac Bridge. I wanted to invent a flexible plate that anyone can use, and I'm sure I've got it in this paper roll film.

[B]

These old glass plates are sure heavy, to say nothing of that big camera.

[C]

Yeah, well, that's my next job. A small camera that will fit in your pocket. All right, Bob. We'll just set up at this end of the bridge.

[B]

Look at the view from here, George.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

I'm glad it's Sunday. Nobody around. I'll get the camera ready.

[B]

Is that all you have to do? Just put that paper roll in the back of your camera and it's ready.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

It's simple, isn't it?

[D]

There you are.

[C]

Hey, now, that's one exposure made. Now, I turn this little key here, and I'm ready for another one. Don't have to fool. Wet plates and all that.

[B]

Hey, George, look. Sitting on that rock under the bridge.

[C]

Oh, it's a man and woman. I didn't see them sparking. Huh?

[B]

Yeah. Oh, they see us. They're coming over. For the love of Mike, it's my Uncle Nat.

[C]

Yeah? Who's the girl?

[B]

Why, it's Tilly Mayberry.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

Oh. She's supposed to be engaged to Joe Davis. If Joe knew this. Hey, you.

[E]

Whatcha doing?

[C]

Huh?

[E]

Whatcha doing there?

[B]

Nothing, Uncle Nat. Making pictures. Pictures, huh?

[E]

That's what I thought. Spying on me, huh? Making pictures of me and Tilly.

[B]

Now, wait a minute.

[A]

I. I oughta.

[E]

I'll fix that camera.

[B]

Hey, look out, George.

[E]

That'll teach you. You won't print no picture now.

[C]

Oh, yes, I will. I don't take pictures on glass plates. No? No. I take pictures on a paper roll like this. Give me that paper. No, you don't.

[B]

You better stay, and if you know what's good for you, you'll pay for the camera right now. Or I'll show the pictures to Joe Davis. How much, George?

[C]

Well, a hundred dollars is what the camera cost.

[A]

What?

[B]

You're getting off at cost, Uncle Nat.

[E]

Oh, well, here. There's 75. I'll owe you 25.

[C]

Now, give me that picture roll.

[E]

There ought to be a law against fellas like you sneaking up on people.

[C]

Well, there won't be. And someday I'll make a camera and film so small I can take a picture and not be annoyed by fellas like you.

[A]

When next we meet our young inventor, we find him in his first conflict with capital, in the person of Colonel Alva Strong, an acquaintance who later became his close friend and business partner.

[C]

I've been trying to find something, Colonel Strong, to take the place of glass plates, and I'm certain I found it.

[D]

In this rule impractical, George.

[C]

Well, you're an amateur photographer yourself, Colonel. Now, look, with the old wet plate system, an amateur was lucky if he got one good negative out of three exposures. I suppose he could take a dozen pictures without reloading his camera each time. And be sure his prints would all be perfect. Look, like these.

[D]

Well, these were taken on that paper roll plate you've been telling me about.

[B]

Ah, everyone.

[C]

And suppose, Colonel, the roll of which you can take a half a dozen or more perfect pictures costs you no more than the price of two or three glass plates, out of which you might get one good print.

[D]

Well, that sounds interesting. But suppose all this.

[A]

What of it?

[C]

Well, it would revolutionize photography, wouldn't it?

[D]

The development of this roll would raise.

[A]

Some difficult technical problems.

[D]

You'd have to have a specially made camera eventually.

[C]

Yes, but you see, this little frame here, it's a roll holder of my own design. It's a lightweight frame that fits the back of any standard camera. You fasten your roll to these spools here, you see, and turn them with this key on the outside, and you're ready to photograph.

[D]

And that little gadget takes the place of a glass plate holder?

[C]

Yes, and it's interchangeable with a plate holder. Now, there's no possibility of breakage. And there are 24 exposures to the roll. It would take a dray to carry 24 glass plates.

[D]

Well, you've applied for patents, George. Yes, I have.

[C]

And the patents cover processes as well as apparatus for making the continuous strip of negative.

[D]

I suppose you'll form a company to back this.

[C]

Well, I'll have to, as I haven't the necessary capital myself.

[D]

Well, how would 2000 do as a starter?

[C]

2000? You mean. You mean you're interested?

[D]

I'm very much interested, George. I begin to see the possibilities. As a matter of fact, you can count me in for 5,000, doll.

[A]

And such was the origin of roll film. The magic Carpet of the amateur photographer. With the marketing of his film, Eastman realized that a light, portable film camera would find a market in every home. In 1888, Eastman made his model camera. A small sized box which could be held in the hand. And so we find our young inventor in conference with his associates in their Rochester plant.

[C]

Now, we must have a name for our camera that can't be misspelled or mispronounced by anyone. Are there any suggestions?

[D]

It ought to be a strong word, George, that could be registered as a trademark. Something that everyone will remember.

[A]

And it should be a name that anyone will associate only with our product.

[C]

I see. Now, wait a minute. Now take the first letter in camera C. That's really a K Sound. The letter K attracts me. It's firm and unyielding. It's unlike any other letter. And it's easy to pronounce and it looks strong.

[D]

Well, then why not two K's to begin and end the word.

[C]

And it's got to be short too. Something like, well, let me see. K, Doc. K. Duke. Kodak. Kodak. Kodak. How does that sound?

[D]

That's it. You've got it. It's strong. It hits you right in the face.

[C]

Your final K did the trick. Kodak. Kodak. Yes, I like that word. We'll make it one of the best.

[A]

Known words in the world.

[C]

A new word for the dictionary.

[A]

The Kodak and Kodak stories began to appear everywhere. It became a craze which spread over the country like wildfire. It became international almost overnight. Eastman Kodaks and Eastman Films were sold in Europe, Asia, Africa. Factories to handle the European and Far Eastern trade were erected in England and Australia. Then came the motion picture industry, which consumed millions of feet of film yearly. And then the World War.

[F]

Mr. Eastman, aerial photography plays a very great part in this war, as you no doubt realize. We of the Navy Department understand you have an aerial camera very much superior to those in use at the present time.

[C]

Well, we've perfected an automatic camera, Captain Dubose, that will make 50 exposures in quick succession.

[F]

Is this camera complicated?

[C]

No, it's a one man affair operated by the pilot from the cockpit. Now, our camera uses the air pressure generated by the plane itself. And the main advantage over other cameras is that your pilot can devote his entire attention to the handling of his plane. When he's ready to photograph, he merely pulls the lever. You see, the camera is fastened to the fuselage.

[G]

Okay, Joe, our sector is number 31. There's a crouch battery in there somewhere giving our trenches the devil the brass hats want us to photograph the sector and locate that battery.

[D]

I don't know about this new Eastman Kodak gadget Kang, Skipper.

[G]

Supposed to be tops in aerial photography. We're the only ones equipped with it so far. We're making a sort of test.

[A]

We?

[D]

I thought it was a one man camera. I suppose I'm going along just for the ride.

[G]

Yeah, you're going along just in case, fella. To keep the dogs off if Piney gets to crowding us while we're upstairs. Well, we don't come back without those sky pictures, see?

[D]

Yeah, I get it. Okay, let's.

[H]

How many you got, Skipper? Almost finished. Hey, look out for Archie. That last one busted right under our tail. Can't you get up a little higher? Since when's Archie got your goat, fella? We're making pictures. Can't get what I want if I go higher. Okay, Skipper, do your snatches and let's get out of here. I'm going down. Get a few closer. Looks like we're going to get by with it. Oh, ly gentleman ashore.

[D]

Lousy.

[H]

Hey, look out. Cloud coming on our tail. Okay. Only three? Absolutely. You get your picture.

[F]

Well, sir.

[G]

There you are, Major. We got a complete set of photographs of Sector 31. Here's the concealed battery.

[C]

And look at this.

[G]

Another battery that we had no knowledge of.

[E]

Camouflaged.

[G]

This second battery is the one that's giving us the business.

[D]

That new Eastman aerial Camera certainly does the work. Just look at those prints. The best and sharpest I've ever seen. Why, they even show up camouflaged.

[A]

In the summer of 1928, a small group of scientists and friends, including Thomas Edison, General Pershing and Major General Harvard, gathered one evening after dinner in the conservatory of George Eastman's home in Rochester. With deep interest, all watched a motion picture real unwind before their eyes as it came to end and the lights went on.

[E]

Fine, George, fine. I worked on color photography myself, but made a failure of it. Anybody can use it now with this new film of yours, eh, General Percy?

[F]

Yes, Edison?

[G]

I consider Mr. Eastman's new color process.

[F]

As important as motion pictures themselves.

[E]

It simply reflects what can be done in organized research. This process, George, will give everyone a new appreciation of photography. Pictures in natural color.

[C]

Well, it's very simple. The entire secret of color photography as you've just seen it in what I call Kodo color, lies in the film itself.

[E]

You're to be congratulated, George. I consider it the greatest development in photography to date.

[C]

And I predict that the black and white motion picture will eventually be a thing of the past.

[A]

Aside from his inventions in film and cameras, George Eastman's gifts to education exceeded $50 million. They included endowments for the Eastman School of Music, technical universities and research laboratories. To use his own words, George Eastman once said, it's much more fun to give money than to will it. That's why I give it. And so the lad who began life as an amateur photographer became in later years, one of the world's most famous invent, a great manufacturer and an outstanding philanthropist. George Eastman, captain of industry.

[H]

Captain.