Peter Friedman Buffalo Nickel Photoplay, Inc. Lyrics

Anyone can get lucky in America. I remind myself of this every day.

The first nickel I ever earned
I keep in a little silver frame
It's how I gave my company a name,
Reminding me how very far I came!
I was a maker of the silhouettes
Who made a small improvement--
A little book of silhouettes
That simulated movement!
Well, people seemed to like it
Soon the money's going clink!
And I'm Buffalo Nickel Photoplay, Inc.!
I got from silhouettes to photos
I invent a small projector
And soon, I'm making movies
And they're calling me director!
An industry is dawning
And I'm standing on the brink--
Mister Buffalo Nickel Photoplay, Inc.!
Life shines from the shadow screen,
Comical, yet infinitely true
People love to see what people do
Here where everyone is someone new!
Such tales from the shadow screen!
Little men who never get the breaks
Fighting on till something fin'lly takes--
What a lovely movie it all makes!
Well, business is booming
I'm happy to say
I just made a contract
To film for Pathe;
A series of chapters
Which end in suspense
Each week, see what's next
For another five cents!
And I am waking every morning
Filled with such anticipation!
I frame the sea
I frame the sky
And this is my vacation!
I shake your hand
I kiss your hand
I buy you all a drink!
And maybe if you chance to see
A movie that was made by me
Remember when my name goes by
(That's ASH-K-E-N-A-Z-Y)
The baron, now American
Who happened once to think
Of silhouette and flicker book
And movies as they're meant to look
And Buffalo Nickel...
Buffalo Nickel Photoplay, Inc.!

Action!

(The BARON and THE LITTLE GIRL roll offstage on the dolly, continuing to film the movie. THE VACATIONERS enter to be
"filmed", and MOTHER and FATHER rush out of their way and exit. THE LITTLE BOY remains onstage as the film cast exits in fast
motion. HOUDINI enters.)