gagman66

Film_Fatale I saw the promo for this the other night, Very exciting news, because it is all limited edition stuff offered only on this website and nowhere else? Some very good films too. I really enjoyed RAFTER ROMANCE, and Ginger Rogers is always wonderful in anything. A good set all around. So OK, if they can do this, then they can likewise give us all the Thames/Photo-play Productions Silents Series at least of the MGM titles too, right here in limited editions as well. Couldn't they? I don't see why not? The Metro/MGM set would include THE FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE, THE BIG PARADE, BEN HUR, and FLESH AND THE DEVIL (both previously released), OLD HEIDELBERG, THE CROWD, A WOMAN OF AFFAIRS, THE MYSTERIOUS LADY ( released before, but not with the Carl Davis score, include the Vivek Maddalla one as an Alternate track), and SHOW PEOPLE. (Note: TCM does not run the Davis scored version, but the vintage Axt, Mendoza one of SHOW PEOPLE.) Though Thames did it's own version of GREED, at 2 and a half hours, that was later replaced with the 4 hour reconstruction. This would be a very nice alternative, Until the Warner's DVD's. are finally ready for full release of these films. At least these movies would be accessible to the public and to collectors that way. At present most are not available at all, except in very expensive, difficult to find, and long Out Of Print Laser-disc's, and VHS releases. TCM apparently just inked a long term deal with Photo-play Productions a few months ago. So they might be able to have another series, consisting of not just MGM Silents? Stuff like the Carl Davis scored versions of THE EAGLE (1925) with Valentino, and Banky, recently restored from the original negative, and Fairbanks THE THIEF OF BAGDAD, plus THE GODLESS GIRL, among others.

*Eleanor Boardman, Just Gorgeous!* *Eleanor Boardman, Knocking Hearts Out Of The Park!*

Lynn, You surely don't think such a beautiful lady as this would tell a Fib do you??? *Eleanor Boardman, Just Gorgeous!* *Eleanor Boardman, Knocking Hearts Out Of The Park!*

CelluloidKid, Well, obviously, His birth year has been moved around allot! There was nothing wrong with Gilbert's voice whatsoever. Personally, I think it is just about as good as rival Ronald Coleman's. In His Silent films with few exceptions, Coleman was mostly a crashing bore! Gilbert, is Dynamic, while Coleman is utterly Dull! It's hard to believe that He could compete with Gilbert in any way? Coleman had none of John's Flair, or Charisma that I can see? Though He was very big and popular in Silents, Ronald's early talkies don't exactly impress me much either. After the blockbuster success of BEAU GESTE (Paramount, 1926) Coleman, who was already well known, probably became Gilbert's top rival? If He wasn't already? THE DARK ANGEL had been a huge hit for Coleman in 1925 the film is apparently lost? In addition to Henry King's THE WINNING OF BARBARA WORTH (United Artists, 1926), Coleman and Vilma Banky, made several other films togther, and were a popular duo. The Norma Talmadge feature KIKI (First National, 1926), was another big hit for Coleman that year.

All of this is in Chapter 12 of Kevin Brownlow's 13 Part Documentary Thames HOLLYWOOD produced in 1979. The piece on Gilbert is outstanding. Actually John was only 36 when He died. I have seen it reported as 39 but never 40. Far as I know 36 is correct.

ziggyelman, I have seen one or two of these. There are lots of "Art Nudes" and alleged "Art Nudes" of Silent film and so called Pre-code actresses floating around. It is not all that uncommon. Billie Dove, Bessie Love, Laura La Plante, Louise Brooks, Joan Crawford, Jean Harlow, and the list goes on and on. Some of these are real, and some of them are fakes! The Crawford's are real. not sure about the La Plante's they were supposedly taken in 1922, and she would have been still in her mid to late Teen's. Dubious at best. I know several people who feel that many of the Harlow photos are not for real either.

Here are some nice production stills from THE COSSACKS. *"Lucashka" the outcast of The Tribe!* *Lucashka, and Maryana Snuggle Close!* *Lucashka, Crashes The Betrothal to The Prince!*

Ed, Here are some nice production stills.

Ed, I'm sure I would perfer my own scoring selections performed by a 9 piece Tango Orchestra. But it is great that the film is being screened. This brings up two things? One does Warner's even have a print, or is it stored at MOMA, like HIS HOUR is? Or does Warner's actually have a print of that movie too? Yes, that is Nils Asther in the Photo? Doesn't even show Gilbert?

Kate, Marie Prevost is positively hilarious! She just completely cracks me up every time I see her. What a great Comedienne! She stole scene after scene in this film. I rather liked the movie myself. Even though the middle was a bit slow. I was fortunate that the entire thing recorded without any trouble. .

Kate, Wenday, Everyone, John Gilbert's THE COSSACKS (MGM, 1928) with Renee Adoree, Ernest Torrence, and Nils Asther one of my favorite Silent films is in New York tomorrow afternoon at the Museum Of Modern Art! I sure wish I had known about this sooner! Maybe Warner's is finally getting ready to do something with this great feature? It will be repeated on Friday, December 26, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. http://www.moma.org/calendar/films.php?id=11157&ref=calendar

Everyone, John Gilbert's THE COSSACKS (MGM, 1928) with Renee Adoree, Ernest Torrence, and Nils Asther one of my favorite Silent films is in New York tomorrow afternoon at the Museum Of Modern Art! I sure wish I had known about this sooner! Maybe Warner's is finally getting ready to do something with this great feature? It will be repeated on Friday, December 26, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. http://www.moma.org/calendar/films.php?id=11157&ref=calendar

PrinceSaliano, The only First National Silent to be restored recently is Colleen Moore's HER WILD OAT (1927), as far as I know. A restoration has started on the Constance Talmadge feature EAST IS WEST, long believed lost. Norma Talmadge KIKI (1926), and Connie's HER SISTER FROM PARIS (1925) were restored a few years back. Both films feature Ronald Coleman. I'm hoping HER WILD OAT will debut on TCM very soon. Still waiting for Warner's to begin the promised restorations of LILAC TIME, plus both SYNTHETIC SIN, and WHY BE GOOD?, as part of the Vita-phone project. According to Kevin Brownlow Clarence Brown's THE GOOSE WOMAN (Universal, 1925) with Louise Dresser, Constance Bennett, and Jack Pickford was scheduled to be restored by UCLA. They have already restored a couple of Laura La Plante features, BUTTERFLY (1924) also with Margaret Livingston, and Norman Kerry, and HER BIG NIGHT (1924) in which Laura plays a dual-role. There was one other title but I have forgotten the name? SMOULDERING FIRES was scheduled to be restored as well. Two more recently restored Universal Pictures Silents are THE HOMEMAKER (1925) with Alice Joyce, and Clive Brook, and LONESOME (1928)., with Glenn Tryon, and Barbara Kent.The definition of "restored" is sketchy at best. Some of these titles may have been transferred to Safety-stock with little more or anything else being done? Others like HER WILD OAT were digitally restored.

Film_Fatale, Actually, SUNRISE has been shown at least three times on TCM this year. During 31 days of Oscar, on Silent Sunday Nights, and a couple weeks back. SEVENTH HEAVEN has never been shown before, and it is just as great, finally out on DVD next week, so TCM should be able to run it before long. STREET ANGEL and LUCKY STAR are both very good as well. So is CITY GIRL.

Kate, I managed to catch a little of OUR MODERN MAIDENS this morning. The sequence with Anita Page wearing the Robin Hood Cap at the party (she looks so adorable in this) was completely missing? What's up with that business, and on a day in her honor too? I wonder if any other scenes were cut? I have introduced dozens of people to Colleen Moore, and they quickly fell in love with her. Much like Marion Davies. A few of them are Crazy about Colleen, and they have never even seen any of Marion's movies before. Still that is most often who people equate her too.

Film_Fatale, Huh, TCM just ran SUNRISE a couple weeks ago? Wonder if they could get this changed to a premier for another Janet Gaynor feature like Frank Borzage's SEVENTH HEAVEN, or STREET ANGEL? Or, maybe even CITY GIRL with Farrell, and Mary Duncan? As that was directed by Murna. Let's start pounding the pavement now for this to happen! I don't think we will be seeing the stunning new Murna-Foundation restoration of NOSFERATU on TCM. I believe that they renewed the contract with Photo-play Productions to broadcast their version instead? I'll try to get confirmation.

Kate, They basically only showed this one because of Oliver Hardy. OZ pretty much destroyed Larry Semon's career. This guy doesn't do much for me, although He was quite good in a supporting role in Josef' Von Sternberg's UNDERWORLD (1927). OZ has the reputation of one of the worst Silent features ever! And I personally feel that it isn't very good at all. I must say that the print was fantastic! Virtually flawless looking, and frustrated me to no end! Why oh why, can't we have 5 or 6 lovingly restored Colleen Moore features of this type of print quality, rather than awful stuff like this? We do have one Moore feature HER WILD OAT (First National, 1927), fully digitally restored in 2006 and currently touring the Art Houses, but who knows when or if we will ever see this on TCM? I hope we will very soon, but it's probably at least a few years away. Assuming they get around to it at all? I mean it doesn't take a genius to figure out that the 1925 version of THE WIZARD OF OZ, a major flop at the time, is far less worthy of an extensive restoration than say Colleen Moore's LILAC TIME with Gary Cooper! Or really in my mind any of Colleen's surviving features!

Kate, I kind of doubt that we will see THE COSSACKS anytime soon, unless they record a musical score. I wish it could air with something derivitive of my own dubbed score. That will never happen, but I sent a copy to Robert Israel a couple weeks ago. It is what I am used to, and anything else probably is bound to be somewhat anti-climatic to me after the fact. It's possiblle that a vintage recorded track does actually exist, but if so why has it never been shown on TCM? The movie does not need much restoration work at all. TCM has aired THE PHANTOM OF PARIS several times. It is a good film, and Gilbert proves that He could handle dialouge quite well. We should see BARDELYS THE MAGNIFICENT by April or May premier, and possibly MONTE CRISTO. And again where oh, where is THE BIG PARADE? TWELVE MILES OUT is one Gilbert Silent I have never seen. DESERT NIGHTS is shown from time to time, and is much better than it's reputation. I managed to catch a little of OUR MODERN MAIDENS this morning. The sequence with Anita Page wearing the Robin Hood Cap at the party, she looks so adorable in this, was completely missing! What's up with that business?

nosound, Ernst Lubitsch THE PATRIOT (Paramount, 1928) with Emil Jannings, Florence Vidor, Lewis Stone, among others, is also lost and it was nominated for Five Oscars, and even won at least one of them. Surely it's got to be in the Top 5 most sought after Silent films I would think? Another Jannings feature THE WAY OF ALL FLESH jointly earned Jannings The Academy Award as Best Actor. Of the Three films only Von Sternberg's THE LAST COMMAND remains, If the other two where as good as it is, Jannings must have had an incredible year! It's very sad, but I often feel that the event of the Oscars greatly helped to destroy Silent films. Later leading to allot of the horrendous mis-perceptions historically in many circles, that anything made prior to the first Academy Awards was mostly inconsequential and not worthy of serious study, or preservation. How frustrating is that?

> {quote:title=CineMaven wrote:}{quote} > Hi there, would anyone be able to tell me the name of a good movie book on old movie palaces. You know, the kind of theatres that were lush and opulent places to watch movies? > > I'm looking for a title and author of a book I can buy. Any help would be grateful. Thank you!! Cinemaven, I really wish that I could tell you. Unfortunately, I don't know of any books specifically devoted to the great opulent movie palaces of the 20's? By and large, this part of Hollywood and motion picture history has been sadly ignored. There are some books that reference some of the great Theaters, and may even contain a few photos, but that's about all there is. Very sad.

Johanna, Oh, OK, you are referring to a Murna feature! I will check with the folks on Nitrateville and see if they have any information about this subject?

Film_Fatale, Yes, I wrote a review of THE OYSTER PRINCESS several months ago. I agree the transfer is razor-sharp. And this is how Silent films actually looked back in the day.The Murna foundation, must have had access to a nearly flawless fine-grain master positive, struck from an original negative to achieve those type of results. An astonishing restoration. This movie is screamingly funny. Lubitsch was pretty much ahead of most anyone cinematically in 1919. The score that Kino commissioned is great too, and fits this quirky comedy to a tee! I have forgotten the name of the composer, but he's good. Star Ossi Oswalda the German Mary Pickford, is also in THE DOLL which is likewise great early Lubitsch. THE WILDCAT (1921) with a young Pola Negri, is almost as perfect a restoration as THE OYSTER PRINCESS. The entire "Lubitsch in Berlin" set is well worth having. These are some wonderful releases from Kino. The Murna Foundation also restored MADAME DUBARRY with Negri, and Emil Jannings, but it has not been released yet on DVD in the States. I'm so frustrated, as last night TCM aired a virtually perfect print of what amounts to a very poor Larry Semon feature in THE WIZARD OF OZ (1925). So Why can't we have 5 or 6 lovingly restored Colleen Moore films of this same pictorial quality? We do have one HER WILD OAT (First National, 1927), fully restored in 2006 and currently touring the Art houses, but who knows when or if we will ever see this on TCM? I doesn't take a genius to figure out that the 1925 version of THE WIZARD OF OZ, a major flop that all but destroyed Semon's career, is far less worthy of an extensive restoration than Colleen Moore's LILAC TIME! Or really in my mind any of her surviving features!

Johanna, I am not exactly sure what that translates to? However, I can tell you that Constance Talmage EAST IS WEST was found in Holland just a few weeks ago! It is already being restored. They have run into some trouble with Nitrate decomposition in spots, that will cause delays, but hopefully, they will be able to save as much of the feature as possible. It doesn't sound like you are talking about the same film here? But it could be EAST IS WEST? Constance Talmadge is a scream! Norma is very funny in KIKI as well, opposite Ronald Coleman, and Gertrude Astor.

This is a truly Sunning Portrait of vivacious Renee Adoree with a Giant Rose in her hair. My thanks to Mike for helping me find these wonderful photos! *Renee Adoree, White Chiffon, and Rambling Rose* And, here is Renee about as Beautiful as I have ever seen her. Wow, what a gorgeous lady! *Renee Adoree, Bare Shoulder* *Renee Adoree, Now That Is One Very Lovely Lady! (Help, I'm Completely Melting!)* *Renee Adoree, Over The Shoulder Glance* *Renee Adoree, Up To Mischief!* *Renee Adoree, Longing Heart!* Now we have Renee in apparent "Melisande" garb from THE BIG PARADE. Err, so am I imagining things here, or can you see right directly through her blouse in this photo? She does not appear to be wearing a brazier either? In an relative understatement, Adoree was more than just a tad "Busty" in an era where that wasn't emphasized all that much by fashion. A Buxom, and decidedly full figured young woman, I often feel that they frequently stuck her in these rather baggy looking outfits just to conceal this? Although in some sequences in THE BIG PARADE, THE BLACKBIRD, THE COSSACKS, and TIDE OF THE EMPIRE, they didn't really hide much of anything. *Renee as Melisande, "Via La' France!"* *Renee, The Same Enticing Photo Colorized.*

This is a truly Sunning Portrait of vivacious Renee Adoree with a Giant Rose in her hair. Thanks to Mike for helping me find these wonderful photos! *Renee Adoree, White Chiffon, and Rambling Rose* And, here is Renee about as Beautiful as I have ever seen her. Such an amazing batch of Photos. Wow, what a gorgeous lady! *Renee Adoree, Bare Shoulder* *Renee Adoree, Now That Is One Very Lovely Lady! (Help, I'm Melting!)* *Renee Adoree, Over The Shoulder Glance* *Renee Adoree, Up To Mischief!* *Renee Adoree, Longing Heart!* Now we have Renee in apparent "Melisande" garb from THE BIG PARADE. Err, am I imagining things here, or can you see right directly through her blouse in this photo? She does not appear to be wearing a brazier either? In a relative understatement, Adoree was more than just a tad "Busty" in an era where that wasn't emphasized all that much by fashion. A Buxom, and decidedly full-figured young woman, I often feel that they frequently stuck her in these rather baggy looking outfits just to conceal this? Although in some sequences in THE BIG PARADE, THE BLACKBIRD, THE COSSACKS, and TIDE OF THE EMPIRE, they didn't really attempt to hide much of anything. *Renee as Melisande, Via La' France!* *Renee, The Same Enticing Photo Colorized.*