Maldone (France, 1928) One of director Jean Grémillon’s earliest successes, Maldone sets up an internalized class conflict in the person of Olivier Maldone, who prefers a working-class existence to the comforts of his wealthy family. Summoned home at the death of his brother to assume control of the family estate, he dutifully returns, but cannot … [Read more…]
Humoresque (1920) Director Frank Borzage scored his first major hit with this Frances Marion adaptation of a story by Fannie Hurst about an impoverished Jewish violin prodigy whose success allows him to marry his sweetheart and move his family out of the ghetto. When the U.S. enters WWI, however, he joins the fight with tragic … [Read more…]
The Docks of New York (1928) is a silent drama film directed by Josef von Sternberg and starring George Bancroft, Betty Compson, and Olga Baclanova. The movie was adapted by Jules Furthman from the John Monk Saunders storyThe Dock Walloper. In 1999, the film was deemed “culturally historically, or aesthetically significant” by the United States … [Read more…]
In-person: William Wellman Jr. He will sign copies of his book, “Wild Bill Wellman: Hollywood Rebel” beginning at 6 p.m. Live musical accompaniment provided by Cliff Retallick. For a director who was also a decorated pilot in World War I, William A. Wellman’s films burn through a lot of shoe leather, from the Depression-driven tramping … [Read more…]
This pioneering aviation picture put William A. Wellman’s career in high gear after directing silents for various studios. It drew heavily on his own World War I experience as an American flyer for the Lafayette Escadrille. The technically demanding shoot was based in San Antonio, Texas, where Wellman and hundreds of army personnel and extras … [Read more…]
“Garbo’s acting, across near a century of time, can still put a tingle in your gut. Garbo makes you suspend disbelief.” — Chris Edwards, Silent Volume Ahhhh, that kiss! That legendary first kiss between Greta Garbo and John Gilbert, the one that’s reverberated across the decades as a landmark in cinematic sensuality, is contained within … [Read more…]
Don’t miss this Lon Chaney / Todd Browning Double Feature West of Zanzibar Dir. Tod Browning, 1928, 35mm, 65 min. The Unknown Dir. Tod Browning, 1927, 35mm, 50 min. –
Film School Screening of The Hoodlum Staring Mary Pickford Spoiled Amy Burke (Mary Pickford) lives with her doting grandfather, ruthless business magnate Alexander Guthrie (Ralph Lewis), in his Fifth Avenue, New York City mansion. She is initially delighted when he offers to take her with him on a trip to Europe. However, as the day approaches for their … [Read more…]
Don’t miss Valentino and Gloria Swanson in this rare Silent Romance. Beyond the Rocks was long considered lost but a nitrate print of the film was discovered in the Netherlands in 2003. The film was then restored. Don’t miss your chance to see this rare print with a live original score by Cliff Retallick
WORLDS BUILT TO ORDER: ART DIRECTORS GUILD FILM SOCIETY SERIES 2014 Panel Discussion On Production Design! Live Musical Accompaniment! THE GAUCHO (1927) Presented by the American Cinematheque and the Art Directors Guild Film Society. Sponsored by The Hollywood Reporter. Douglas Fairbanks’ remarkable swashbuckling adventure fantasy THE GAUCHO (1927) screens with a spotlight on the production … [Read more…]