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Magic Lantern Society Welcome to the innovation of cinema Before Motion Pictures The Magic Lantern Society of the US and Canada is a group that collects preserves and shares information on the many devices that were used to entertain and educate audiences before the beginning of cinema. Often called a stereopticon show Magic lantern shows were thecombination of projected images live narration and live music that preceded the movies. They were incredibly popular 100 years ago. By the 19th century the magic lantern was used in theaters churches fraternal lodges and at home by adults and children.