Back to Titanic: Film Information: Behind the Scenes: Scene Facts: Opening Sequence

Today in Titanic History - with Searching

Today in
Titanic History
Tuesday, July 1, 2025

1861 - 3rd class passenger Mr Alexander A. Robins was born to Samuel Robins (labourer) and Grace Robins in St Austell, Cornwall, England, UK.

1912 - Final arguments were made on Day 35 of the British inquiry into the Titanic disaster in Westminster, London, England, UK.

1941 - Fireman / Stoker and survivor Mr William John Murdoch died in New South Wales, Australia at the age of 62.

1907 - White Star Line placed the order for the Olympic and Titanic.

Behind the Scenes: Scene Facts: Opening Sequence

Actually was written to have an Irishman painting the words "Titanic" on the stern, and crossing himself afterwards. Since most Irish workers were Protestant, NOT Catholic, this was changed to the sepia tinted scene.
That scene was shot by James Cameron. It is not, as believed by some, a real tape from her departure in 1912. James Cameron wanted to use actual footage, but at the time there was none. So he attempted to create what he thought took place. However after the movie was released, some actual footage was discovered.
A man is filming with a wooden Biograph "cinematograph" camera mounted on a tripod. This is Daniel Marvin, whose father founded the Biograph Film Studio, and who was on his honeymoon with bride, Mary. Theirs was the first filmed wedding in history. Both were on board the Titanic and Daniel died in the sinking. There were more scenes filmed involving the Marvins, but the scenes were eventually cut.
Read the scene with the Marvins in Southampton and the later one with Jack and Rose.

Film Info

Scene Facts
opening sequence
ghost ship
pay day
the woman in the picture
distant memories
boarding
lucky hand
paintings
king of the world
lunch
first glance
suicide
heart of the ocean
sketches on deck
dining in the snakepit
a real party
confrontations
flying
portrait
chased by lovejoy
the car
the iceberg
rescue
'not without you'
sinking
vertical stern
the promise
carpathia

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