Category Archives: Silent Films

Silent Chicago: Before there was Hollywood, there was Chicago: The Chicago Silent Era (Part 1)

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Janelle Vreeland

  Before there was Hollywood, there was Chicago Dancing Annabelle Whitford The city of Chicago and the film industry have shared a connection since the days of Thomas Edison. Chicago-based dancer Annabelle Whitford was chosen as one of Edison’s first … Continue reading →

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

Posted on November 29, 2013 by Janelle Vreeland

  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: Gilbert M. Anderson and the Rise of the Western Star

Posted on November 26, 2013 by Janelle Vreeland

  G.M. Anderson and the Rise of the Western Star ‘Max Aronson’ might not be a name that you immediately recognize, but chances are very good that you would recognize his professional name. And chances are even greater that you … Continue reading →

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Silent Chicago: Charlie Chaplin at Essanay

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Janelle Vreeland

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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Saving and Restoring Historic Essanay Studios: Interview with Gary Keller at The Essanay Center

Posted on November 21, 2013 by minooallen

  Interview with Gary N. Keller at The Essanay Center Essanay Studios is currently running an Indiegogo Campaign to raise money for the preservation and revitalization of their historic film studio — the first and last remaining silent film studio. CMH … Continue reading →

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Preserving History: The Essanay Studios Indiegogo Campaign

Posted on October 28, 2013 by minooallen

Preserving History: The Restoration of Iconic Essanay Studios The Famous terracotta entrance to present-day Essanay Studios. History is such a beautiful thing. Like a giant puzzle with endless pieces, History provides us with context for concepts and events as infinite in … Continue reading →

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