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”
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
Dueling Critiques
Reprinted in conjunction with the screening of The Iron Mask at SFSFF 2023 DOUG TALKS A LITTLE IN LOVELESS FILM Motion Picture News This is the first time in years the public in New York has gotten a chance to leap right up to the box office and get a load of Doug Fairbanks in a new picture at … [Read more...] about Dueling Critiques
A Billion-Dollar Cast
This historical reprint was published in conjunction with the screening of Foolish Wives at SFSFF 2022. Erich von Stroheim, clad in the bemedaled uniform of His Grace, Count Sergius Karamzin, and with the California sunshine bringing beads of uncountly perspiration to his brow, stood on a bench … [Read more...] about A Billion-Dollar Cast
Woman’s Place in Photoplay Production
This historical reprint was published in conjunction with the screening of the Woman with a Movie Camera program at A Day of Silents 2019 It has long been a source of wonder to me that many women have not seized upon the wonderful opportunities offered to them by the motion picture art to make … [Read more...] about Woman’s Place in Photoplay Production
What Arbuckle Says…
This historical reprint was published in conjunction with the program of Roscoe Arbuckle short films—Fatty + Buster—at A Day of Silents 2019 “I make up my own plays. I don’t write them. I make them up as I go along. By the time I’m through I have about 15,000 feet of film—and all I need is 2,000 … [Read more...] about What Arbuckle Says…
Low Comedy As a High Art
This historical reprint was published in conjunction with the screening of Kings of (Silent) Comedy at Silent Winter 2013 "THAT'S the one thing that I dread,” Buster told me sadly. “I dread the day when we won’t find another new wheeze to wrap up, when all the gags will have been sprung, when … [Read more...] about Low Comedy As a High Art
Letter from Location
This historical reprint was published in conjunction with the screening of The Signal Tower at SFSFF 2019 Northspur, Mendocino County, California 1924 letter sent to Picture-Play magazine Dear Myrtle: Well, I guess I’m “farthest North,” as they say in books; just about as deep into the … [Read more...] about Letter from Location