What Happened on 23rd Street

(1901)

1:19 minutes

Documentary / Silent

What Happened on twenty-third Street, New York City in 1901

The corner of 23rd Street and 6th Avenue was renowned for its gusty breezes that might allow a man to catch a glimpse of a woman 's stockings. In this staged scene we see Alfred Abadie, an Edison cameraman, and Florence Georgie strolling along when Georgie has a Marilyn Monroe type moment.  There is a pinnacle blowing hot air and while women cross it, their clothes are a bit messed up from it. Then it shows a young man accompanying a young lady, while having a very serious conversation with her. They make their way right in front of the pinnacle, which blows the young woman’s skirt all the way up. All the men around are enjoying this, while she is embarrassed.

This 1901 film short could be where the inspiration for another famous scene came from.  See the more modern version in the trailer for 'The Seven Year Itch ' with the incomparable Marilyn Monroe.