1997

When Upstage, originally known as The Mask of Comedy, opened in 1926, it was praised for its behind the scenes look at the life of traveling vaudevillians. “The troupers are shown in their dressing rooms, in the restaurant, and even at the railroad station. You sense the tediousness of the existence … [Read more...] about Upstage

Born Gladys Mary Smith in 1892 in Canada, Mary Pickford began her career when she was only five years old. By the time she was eight, she was already an experienced actress and financially supporting her mother, brother, and sister. It was David Belasco who gave her the stage name Mary Pickford when … [Read more...] about Poor Little Rich Girl

When MGM producer Irving Thalberg agreed to give The Merry Widow to director Erich von Stroheim, he knew the director’s famed extravagance and continental experience would serve the rich, frothy story well. He made one stipulation: that both the Maxim’s nightclub and waltz scenes were to be retained … [Read more...] about The Merry Widow

Generally considered to be one of the greatest comedians of the silent era and certainly one of its biggest box-office draws, Harold Lloyd was also one of the most prolific. He appeared in more than 165 shorts between 1915 and 1921, and, from 1921 to 1928, he produced and starred in eleven … [Read more...] about Doctor Jack