Edison's Miracle of Light on American Experience

Edison's Miracle of Light on American Experience

  

In September 1878, when Thomas Edison announced his intention to harness Niagara Falls and produce a safe, electric light system, gas stocks plummeted on Wall Street. It was said that soon, only the rich could afford candles.

While "the Wizard of Menlo Park" and his staff would, in time, develop all the components needed for an electrical system -- bulbs, sockets, switches, wires, junction boxes, power meters, voltage regulators -- Edison himself became caught in a web of personal, patent, and corporate battles. In the end, Thomas Edison revolutionized the world, yet lost control of the industry that he founded.

Produced by Rocky Collins. Peter Coyote narrates.

Rhode Island PBS premieres Edison's Miracle of Light January 29 at 8 p.m.