Published in conjunction with the screening of Kentucky Pride at SFSFF 2023 “Can you ride?” An acting manual from 1922 warned wannabe movie stars that this would be among the first questions asked when they applied at motion picture studios. As a matter of fact, there was every chance that a … [Read more...] about Wonder Horses of the Silent Screen
A Pungent Presence: Valeska Gert in Silent Film
Published in conjunction with the screening of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at SFSFF 2023 As the projectionist changed reels, Valeska Gert held completely still, her arms raised. Through her Weimar-era piece “Pause,” the Berlin-born dancer associated her body with the material basis of film. Gert … [Read more...] about A Pungent Presence: Valeska Gert in Silent Film
Tsuru Aoki: Sketch of an Artist
Published in conjunction with the screening of The Dragon Painter at SFSFF 2023 Her career often overshadowed by her husband’s, Tsuru Aoki has a legacy of her own as one of the first Japanese actresses on film and the first to become a star. She comes from a rich acting pedigree: her uncle, … [Read more...] about Tsuru Aoki: Sketch of an Artist
Keaton and His Cameraman
This feature was published in conjunction with the screening of Three Ages at SFSFF 2023 Born in 1883 in a small town in Missouri, Elgin Lessley was the son of a Civil War veteran and a milliner. In his teens he developed a keen eye for still photography and in 1911 he became a cameraman for the … [Read more...] about Keaton and His Cameraman
Dancing in the Silents
Published in conjunction with the screening of Padlocked at SFSFF 2023 Dance and dancers have been on our screens since the very beginning. Think of the two men waltzing to the accompaniment of a violin in that early experimental Edison sound film. Performers from vaudeville, music hall, variety, … [Read more...] about Dancing in the Silents
“Glad-Eyes Brockwell”
Reprinted in conjunction with the screening of Stella Maris at SFSFF 2023 If the land of calcium and make-believe is one of unending fascination for you. If you have ever hung around a railroad station watching for the “opery house” troupe to arrive; if as a child you harbored a desire to be one … [Read more...] about “Glad-Eyes Brockwell”
Edwardian-era Eye Candy
Published in conjunction with the screening of Up in Mabel’s Room at SFSFF 2023 Playful, perky, and mischievous, these swim-ready gals were the pinup models of the World War I generation, sighed over by countless young men, no doubt some young women, and probably a few of their parents, too. As … [Read more...] about Edwardian-era Eye Candy
Through the Johnstown Flood by a Survivor
Reprinted in conjunction with the screening of The Johnstown Flood at SFSFF 2023 From 2 o’clock until 4 o’clock the water seemed to rise slowly; in fact, it was slightly falling, when at 10 minutes after 4, a great avalanche rushed upon us. I had been in my study, on the first floor, preparing … [Read more...] about Through the Johnstown Flood by a Survivor