Category Archives: Silent Films

Harry Langdon: King of Silent Comedy Book Giveaway (via Twitter in July)

Posted on July 3, 2017 by Annmarie Gatti

“Harry Langdon: King of Silent Comedy” Book Giveaway via Twitter Time for our next book giveaway! This time, CMH will be giving away FIVE COPIES of “Harry Langdon: King of Silent Comedy” by authors by Gabriella Oldham and Mabel Langdon, courtesy of University Press of … Continue reading →

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Two Eves of Film Comedy: Exclusive Guest Post by Author Steve Massa (Slapstick Divas)

Posted on June 29, 2017 by Guest Post

Two Eves of Film Comedy Currently in American films there are two female comedy stars – Melissa McCarthy and Amy Schumer. That seems like a bounty as often there aren’t any acknowledged funny ladies, but the truth is they’re always … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Guest Posts, Silent Films | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

The Other California Film History (Exclusive Guest Post by Author H. P. Oliver)

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Guest Post

The Other California Film History Most vintage movie fans know about southern California’s motion picture heritage and the region’s outstanding museums dedicated to preserving film history. Relatively few of those fans, however, know about the unique role northern California played … Continue reading →

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Silent Chicago: Sherlock Found – The Rediscovery and Restoration of a Piece of Film History

Posted on November 9, 2015 by Janelle Vreeland

Sherlock Found – The Rediscovery and Restoration of a Piece of Film History The year is 1916. The Chicago-based Essanay Film Manufacturing Company is, arguably, at the height of its powers. Just the year before, they had counted Charlie Chaplin … Continue reading →

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

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Janelle Vreeland

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: The World’s Most Daring Drivers (and Cameramen)

Posted on May 31, 2015 by Janelle Vreeland

The World’s Most Daring Drivers (and Cameramen) May 31 marks the 104th anniversary of the first Indy 500 race. While it may be difficult to imagine turn of the century cars taking on such an intense endurance test, it’s possible … Continue reading →

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Silent Chicago: From Frazer to Fairbanks to Flynn – Robin Hood in Film (Remakes and the Early Days of Film, 5)

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Janelle Vreeland

  From Frazer to Fairbanks to Flynn – Robin Hood in Film As recently as 2010, the character of Robin Hood appeared on the silver screen to steal from the rich, give to the poor, and chase Prince John from … Continue reading →

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Silent Chicago: Chariot Races and Copyright Infringement: A Tale of Ben Hur (Remakes and the Early Days of Film, 4)

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Janelle Vreeland

  Chariot Races and Copyright Infringement: A Tale of Ben Hur In 1907, the state of the American film industry was rather poor and was still, largely, in its infancy. D.W. Griffith had just joined the industry as an actor, … Continue reading →

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Silent Chicago: Two Orphans, Three Studios, Four Films (Remakes and the Early Days of Film, 3)

Posted on December 18, 2014 by Janelle Vreeland

  Two Orphans, Three Studios, Four Films: A Brief History of The Two Orphans From the time it was translated into English in 1874, “The Two Orphans” was a successful, well-known play in the United States. The story of orphaned … Continue reading →

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Silent Chicago: Nevermore! Eclair and Essanay Pursue ‘The Raven’ (Remakes and the Early Days of Film, 2)

Posted on December 4, 2014 by Janelle Vreeland

  Nevermore! Eclair and Essanay Pursue ‘The Raven’ As recent as 2012, Edgar Allan Poe has been portrayed in a medium which he never lived to see. His works and his life have provided ample material for film. In fact, … Continue reading →

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