A group of what looks like twenty boys splash in a roped-off area of the ocean at Coney Island, then wander back to shore and out of camera range. They all wear the same style bathing suit.
I spent some time musing about the title of this one-minute film shot by Billy Bitzer. Every movie is a chance to peer into a different place or life and this one offers us not only the boys, but the people who titled the movie to consider. Nowadays societal norms seem to insist that we be either specific or generalized in an entirely different way than 114 years ago. We might be impelled to consult with each individual about gender identity and maturity.
However, back when this movie was shot, being an orphan was considered a shame. It meant there was no family who loved you. Instead, you were a burden on the charity of the general population. So why specify that these are orphans?
Why, to point out that they look and act just like every other youngster: to include them.