Watch Linotype

Linotype is a fascinating documentary that chronicles the history of the linotype machine, a pre-digital printing technology that was invented in the late 19th century and revolutionized the newspaper industry. The film explores the linotype's impact on typography and publishing, and the people who dedicated their lives to producing type for printing.

Directed by Doug Wilson, Linotype is a nostalgic journey into the past, when the craft of printing was an art that required skilled craftsmen using machines that were both marvels of engineering and works of art in their own right. The film also offers a window into the social and cultural changes that were taking place during the machine's heyday, and how it played a role in shaping the way we view the world around us.

The linotype machine was invented by German watchmaker Ottmar Mergenthaler in the late 19th century. Prior to this, typography was a laborious and time-consuming process that required typesetters to arrange lead type by hand, letter by letter. This was a slow and error-prone process, and it often took days or even weeks to produce a single page of text. The linotype machine was a game-changer, as it allowed typesetters to quickly and efficiently produce large volumes of type for printing.

Linotype takes us on a fascinating journey through the history of the linotype, from its inception to its widespread adoption in the printing industry. We learn about the mechanical intricacies of the machine, and how it was operated by skilled typesetters who could produce up to 14 lines of type per minute.

The documentary also delves into the social and cultural impact of the linotype machine. With the ability to produce printed material quickly and cheaply, newspapers and other publications were able to rapidly increase their circulation and reach a wider audience. This led to significant changes in the way news and information were disseminated, and helped to shape the way we view and understand the world around us.

The film also features interviews with some of the last remaining linotype operators, who reflect on their years spent working with the machine and the camaraderie that existed among typesetters. They speak of the sense of pride they felt in producing beautifully crafted type, and how they mourned the loss of this once great craft.

Linotype is not only a celebration of a bygone era of printing, but also serves as a reminder of the rich history and cultural impact of the linotype machine. This is a must-see for anyone interested in typography, printing, or the social and cultural history of the 20th century.

Overall, Linotype is a captivating and thought-provoking documentary that explores the history and legacy of one of the greatest inventions of the modern era. It is a tribute to the generations of typesetters and printers who dedicated their lives to producing beautiful, high-quality printing, and a nostalgia-inducing reminder of just how much technology has changed in a relatively short period of time.