Contemporary critics had a hard time describing the appeal of the on-surface simple, yet daringly radical domestic drama, The Home Maker. “A simple little tale” (Evening Journal); “Just a human story … but it’s one of the most gripping things seen on Broadway” (Evening World); “It hasn’t a villain … [Read more...] about The Home Maker
Heroes v. Villians
This feature was published in conjunction with the screening of The Black Pirate at A Day of Silents 2015 A hero is only as good as the villain he or she has to defeat and the silent era was full of dynamic rivalries. Some were so dynamic, in fact, that they called for a rematch. Douglas … [Read more...] about Heroes v. Villians
Here’s to You, Mr. Robinson
A Personal Tribute to the 2016 Silent Film Festival Award Winner David Robinson Back in the 1950s and ’60s, Liam O’Leary was one of the most significant figures in silent film preservation. Not only was he deputy curator at the British Film Institute’s National Film Archive, he was also mentor … [Read more...] about Here’s to You, Mr. Robinson
Her Wild Oat
“I was the spark that lit up Flaming Youth, and Colleen Moore was the torch.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald Charming, vivacious and talented, Colleen Moore was one of the most popular stars of the 1920s. She was a true original, yet other stars, better known today, are credited with her innovations. … [Read more...] about Her Wild Oat
Hell’s Heroes
July 1, 2002, marks the 100th birthday of William Wyler (1902–1981), whom Bette Davis called her greatest director: “It was he who helped me realize my full potential as an actress.” Laurence Olivier claimed that Wyler taught him the art of screen acting and, more than anyone, persuaded him that … [Read more...] about Hell’s Heroes
Hell Bent
When Hell Bent, starring Harry Carey as Cheyenne Harry, was released in 1918 it was among eighty-seven western features made that year, a high point in the first decade of feature-length films. In that crowded field were William S. Hart, who made nine westerns for his own production company, and Tom … [Read more...] about Hell Bent
He Who Gets Slapped
Seeking a change of pace from his already successful career as a Swedish director and actor, Victor Sjöström arrived in New York in January 1923 at the invitation of Goldwyn Pictures. Sjöström’s intention was to study American production methods and to involve himself in a film or two. The Swede … [Read more...] about He Who Gets Slapped
Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages
The 1910s were Danish cinema’s Golden Age. In this decade Denmark produced an explosion of erotic melodramas for international export, the first films written by Carl Theodor Dreyer, and movies featuring cinema’s first superstar, Asta Nielsen. The first Danish film to make an international splash … [Read more...] about Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages