The Current War: Director's Cut

In 1880, Thomas Edison unveils his invention of the electric light-bulb in New Jersey. This breakthrough technology promises to revolutionize lighting, offering a cleaner alternative to gaslight, albeit with significant infrastructure costs.

Edison travels to the White House to demonstrate his phonograph to President of the United States and investor J.P. Morgan. Despite an enticing investment offer of $150K from Morgan, Edison declines, maintaining his moral stance against using his inventions for lethal purposes.

On September 4, 1882, Edison successfully lights up the New York Stock Exchange, marking a significant milestone in his efforts to electrify Manhattan's 1st district. This demonstration illustrates the potential of his Direct Current system.

Seeking to learn more about Edison's work, businessman and inventor George Westinghouse invites Edison to dinner. However, Edison snubs the invitation and chooses to bypass Pittsburgh entirely.

In March 1886, Westinghouse conducts a demonstration of Alternating Current (AC) technology in Great Barrington. This showcase highlights the AC's ability to transmit power over greater distances with reduced costs, setting the stage for competition with Edison's DC system.

Nikola Tesla arrives in the United States and begins working with Edison. However, he quickly grows disillusioned by Edison's refusal to embrace AC technology and his dismissal of Tesla's ideas, leading Tesla to leave Edison's team.

Edison launches a campaign to discredit AC, suggesting it is dangerous and lethal. He engages in a publicity war against Westinghouse, who counters by promoting the technical merits of his AC system.

Edison's wife, Mary Stilwell, tragically passes away, adding to the emotional strain as he navigates the electric current wars. At the same time, Westinghouse also faces personal loss with the death of his friend in an electrical accident.

Tesla starts his own electric company and begins working on building electric arcs for electricity distribution. However, he encounters severe issues with investors and is eventually fired from his own company, struggling to fund his projects.

In 1890, Edison commercially sells his phonograph, demonstrating his ability to generate funds despite the ongoing battles over electric current. At the same time, he secretly assists in the creation of the electric chair, showcasing his complex moral position.

William Kemmler becomes the first person to be executed by electrocution, leading to public outrage as media coverage labels the event as 'Far Worse Than Hanging.' This incident forces Westinghouse to hire lawyers to defend AC's morality in court.

In the face of adversity, Westinghouse refuses J.P. Morgan's $5 million buyout of his company, even as he faces increasing pressure. Despite disagreement from his wife, Westinghouse decides to continue fighting for AC technology.

The rivalry culminates at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where both Edison and Westinghouse present proposals to illuminate the fair. Ultimately, Westinghouse's AC technology triumphs, dazzling fairgoers with its brilliance.

Tesla partners with Westinghouse to develop a practical AC motor, leveraging Westinghouse's funding to realize Tesla's vision. This collaboration signifies a shift in the electric current battle, with Tesla's designs proving critical.

As Edison passes away, the nation honors his contributions by dimming lights for a minute. His inventions, including the motion picture technology, leave a lasting impact on the world, even as Tesla's innovative spirit is ultimately left unrecognized.