Tag Archives: essanay studio

Silent Chicago: Bengals on the Big Screen – Bringing the Zoo to the Silent Screen

Bengals on the Big Screen – Bringing the Zoo to the Silent Screen Founded in 1868, the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, and remains a special place for Chicagoans. Its history and … Continue reading

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Silent Chicago: A Star is Born – Gloria Swanson at Essanay

  A Star is Born – Gloria Swanson at Essanay “You ought to screen wonderfully, if you don’t screen terribly,” the director challenged the young woman touring the studio. The petite young girl was not intimidated. “Try me,” she fired … Continue reading

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Silent Chicago: Charlie Chaplin at Essanay

Charlie Chaplin at Essanay A celebratory dance and a hefty paycheck signaled the start of Charlie Chaplin’s stay with the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company, but his year-and-a-half stay with the studio produced more than that. It was the start of … Continue reading

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