MPT Presents

Smile for the Dead

In 1860's Boston, William H. Mumler became famous and wealthy for taking “spirit photographs” - portraits in which a subject’s dead relatives would magically appear. Mumler was later arrested and placed on trial for defrauding the public. Filmmaker Hamilton Ward embarks on an investigation into the mystery of Mumler's work. Were the photos faked or could they be real?

Smile for the Dead

54m 4s

In 1860's Boston, William H. Mumler became famous and wealthy for taking “spirit photographs” - portraits in which a subject’s dead relatives would magically appear. Mumler was later arrested and placed on trial for defrauding the public. Filmmaker Hamilton Ward embarks on an investigation into the mystery of Mumler's work. Were the photos faked or could they be real?

PBS PASSPORT

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA+ and PBS Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.