During the early decades of motion pictures, film exhibitors experimented with having entertainers sit next to the screen to provide commentary and dialogue. This work shows that the narrators ("benshi") became an integral part of motion picture history, creating the narrative art of "setsumei".

Setting the stage - "Benshi" who performed "Setsumei", "Benshi" in other countries, why Japan?
introduction of motion pictures into Japan and the birth of "Benshi"
laying the foundation - the early development of "Benshi" and "Setsumei" - the Denkikan and Somei Saburo, Russo-Japanese war, theatre milieu
the period of experimentation, 1908-1914
the "Benshi" themselves - training, background, remuneration, lifestyle and preparation
governmental attempts to control the "Benshi" - examinations and licensing, censorship
the pure film movement's attack on the "Benshi" - need to reform Japanese cinema, attacking Kowairo "Benshi", attacking foreign film "Benshi"
period of unification, 1917-1925 - elimination of "Maesetsu", elimination of Kowairo "Setsumei"
the art of "Setsumei"
the talkie revolution and demise of the "Benshi" - talkies, "Benshi" strike back
forgotten but not dead.