gagman66

Bill, Most of the old Blackhawk films Video tapes, had color Tinted prints. This old tape of LITTLE ANNIE ROONEY, I have had since 1979! When transferring this Video the other night into my Slave-drive, I had no way of knowing exactly what the end results would like, until it was burned. Looking at this on my PC's LCD screen, is quite different than seeing it on a TV screen The end result, looks remarkably good. The film has beautiful tint's, mostly gold, but also some amber, and other colors. A very similar tinting pattern to THE WINNING OF BARBARA WORTH in-fact. Though the tint's were much to pronounced in that film. At the expense of detail, in my view. The Black-Hawk print of LITTLE ANNIE ROONEY is way better, than what TCM airs of this movie. Although, it contains the same excellent Piano score by William Perry, TCM's print is Black and White, and seems at least two generations removed from the Black-Hawk master? Even from VHS! For what ever reason, much of the picture detail, and sharpness has been lost? LITTLE ANNIE ROONEY has probably always been my favorite Mary Pickford feature, so it really breaks my heart that just as it appeared Milestone was on the verge of releasing a brand new restoration on DVD from the Mary Pickford Foundation, their Pickford series appears to have been canceled?

Cathy, No, No, I am not ignoring you! My E-mail was not working yesterday. Stuff just kept bouncing back. Just got home from my Doctor's appointment, I will be here for a little while yet. Will try to contact you again. Don't really want to blurt out the entire ending here though. Wouldn't you much rather see it for yourself?

Factotum, I have talked about this numerous times on this forum, including just recently. Not sure what the idea was last night, but the "Alternate", or more properly described "Extended Ending" that you refer to, has been run the last several times this movie was shown on TCM. I do not know whey they decided to remove it again from last nights broadcast? The earlier Thames presentation from 1987, did not included this extended footage at all. However, in 2005, when Time-Warner released FLESH AND THE DEVIL on official DVD, they included it as an Extra. When the re-mastered Thames version debuted on TCM around the same time, the alternate ending was now in-tact. Outside of the DVD, no mention was made of the fact-that it had been recently reinstated to the film? I personally very much appreciated the extra footage, and thought Barbara Kent looked very lovely in the sequence. To me it made for a fine epilogue.

drednm, As far as I know, the only version of LITTLE ANNIE ROONEY currently in print on DVD, is the Terra Entertainment release? It's a good Black and White print, but the score is dubbed in Willy-nilly from the 1928 re-issue track of D. W. Griffith's 1920 film WAY DOWN EAST? Good music, but way out of sync with the action on screen, since it is supposed to be for a completely different film! There is no Milestone, Image, or Kino version, that I am aware of?

drednm, This has never really been one of my favorite Pickford features, but it is certainly a charming, and entertaining little film. I have not seen it for awhile, so I will need to view it again, to comment a whole lot on the picture. I do have a couple different versions, one is from Laser-disc, and has a Gaylord Carter Theater Organ score. The other has a score by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra. Which one did you see? Well, I transferred that old Blackhawk version of LITTLE ANNIE ROONEY (1925), to DVD-R this afternoon, without any trouble. The results look surprisingly good, for a near 30 year old tape! Probably should have toned down the Tint's a little? Maybe by 10 percent or so? They seem to be a bit heavy? Would like to have a better recording of Bill Perry's score, because this seems rather muffled. I was really hoping that Milestone would put out a fully restored version of LITTLE ANNIE ROONEY, but they have not released any additional Pickford DVD's in well over a year?

Cathy, Rex Ingram was actually a very esteemed Director. I did not think that the Cinematography was that poor. In-fact some of the old Cameramen interviewed for Thames HOLLYWOOD, considered Ingram to be the best Director in the business! Maybe the Camera work was not up to the standard of THE CONQUERING POWER, or THE FOUR HORSEMEN OF APOCALYPSE, but there were allot of expressive close-up's, and Alice Terry certainly looked very beautiful. As for Novarro, I think this is one of his better performances, along with THE RED LILY, BEN HUR, and OLD HEIDELBERG. Louis Stone was perhaps not quite menacing enough to make a convincing Villain? More of a "Nobel Rogue" type. George Siegman's face looked like a Week-Old Pizza! He bore very little resemblance to the evil Inn-owner that terrorized poor, sweet, little Marion Davies in THE RED MILL! Nor the German Commander who tries to seduce Pola Negri, Mauritz Stiller's HOTEL IMPERIAL.

Film Fatale, Rex Ingram's SCARAMOUCHE (1923), is a good movie, though not really one of my favorites. The TCM restoration is an excellent quality print, with a solid score by Jeffrey Mark Silverman. This could be Ramon Novarro's earliest surviving film, where He is in a Starring role? Not sure? Alice Terry is very good as the Heroine, and reversing the roles with Novarro, from THE PRISONER OF ZENDA (1922), this time Louis Stone plays The Villain. This after His being cast as the lead in the earlier film.

radiotelefonia, Which version do you have? You mentioned an available DVD? I have both the GRAPEVINE, and the much better SUNRISE SILENTS version of this film, both are DVD-R format though, and neither looks anything like the TCM print does! Is there another version that I am not aware of? I know of a lady who painstakingly restored a print of this film on Her own by computer, adding a score. Unfortunately, she will not sell me a copy, or even trade? You probably know who I have reference too? Hey, I got MOON OVER ISRAEL and the other stuff, you sent me yesterday! Thanks much! But I still don't know what you wanted me to mail you in return? Let me know?

radiotelefonia, Hey, I am so glad that you brought this up! I want some answers as to what is going on with this movie? Maybe TCM programmer can address the subject? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Since "TCM France", has run the brand new restoration of Henry King's THE WHITE SISTER (1923) recently, why has it apparently never been shown here in this country? Will we be seeing this movie debut anytime soon? I sure hope so! Obviously, TCM has access to by far the very best print material of this picture anywhere! Those three stills look simply stunning!

drednm, I guess that I will need to watch this one again? I did not think much of it, on first viewing. However, maybe some of that, was due to the fact that I saw Leni's THE MAN WHO LAUGHS (1928), first? In comparison, WAX WORKS (1924), seemed rather disappointing. Maybe it is unfair to hold the earlier feature up to that same Standard? I will give it another look, when I get the chance.

calvinnme, Frustratingly enough, Silent Sunday Nights is being pre-empted yet again, because of "Guest Programmer Month"! However, there are still a few Silent's that are scattered throughout the schedule if you search. Including Harold Lloyd's HOT WATER (1924), and King Vidor's THE CROWD (1928).

ricky1, Yes, Tom Tyler made many other films. Mostly serials and B-Westerns.

hlywdkjk, OUR HOSPITALITY (1923) to me, is much better than THE GENERAL! Certainly significantly funnier! You won't see the Thames Carl Davis scored version tonight. However, the Donald Hunsburger score isn't bad at all. The Waterfall sequence is one of the most exciting in any of Buster's movies. As for COPS? Well, I don't know? The TCM version of this Keaton Two-reeler, has the Alloy Orchestra bashing and crashing away on those "Pot's and Pans" again! So maybe not the best choice there?

Jon, In defense of the Alloy Orchestra, STEAMBOAT BILL JUNIOR is actually one of their better scores! I honestly don't mind about 35-40% of this score, the other 60 to 65% is rotten though. There are a few good melodies, here and there. I personally feel that Alloy Orchestra's score to THE GENERAL which TCM just ran is far worse! Where is the Carl Davis score to THE GENERAL? Or even the Robert Israel one? Either would have been a much better choice! Incidentally, THE ART OF BUSTER KEATON Box set, has a Gaylord Carter Theater Organ score on STEAMBOAT BILL JUNIOR. Not the Bill Perry Piano score you eluded to? At least my set does? Sugerpuss, I would start out with THE NAVIGATOR (1924). A very nice print, and a fine score by Robert Israel too boot. SHERLOCK JUNIOR is a great one, but the Club Foot Orchestra score is virtually unbearable! Oh, for the Vince Giordano scored version on this picture! Thank heavens I have a copy!

Scottman, OK, looks like Alan Crosland did Direct both Don Juan, and WHEN A MAN LOVES. Very confusing. I know that Dwan Directed Fairbanks ROBIN HOOD (1922) though. Hey, any chance that you might have a good copy of King Vidor's THE SKY PILOT (1921), with Colleen Moore? I have yet to see this movie. Still waiting to hear from you on a whole bunch of other stuff, by the way. drednm, As for my dropping "THE" from the title, Robert Osborne does the same thing when TCM shows Lewis Milestone's THE GARDEN OF EDEN (1928)! In his introductions, when this has twice aired, both times He called the movie simply "GARDEN OF EDEN"! I don't know why? In-fact, I think that He has done this with allot of movies before?

Ah Phooey! As usual you are correct my friend! My mistake! Dwan was also a great Director! I remember all those fun comment's from Him, in Thames HOLLYWOOD! Anyway, I have you directly to thank for my even being able to have seen TIDE OF THE EMPIRE at all! Thanks very much! Isn't Dwan actually the guy that Directed both DON JUAN, and WHEN A MAN LOVES too? I believe so? I will have to get out my copies and check? Rather difficult to keep all these names straight. Incidentally, sticking with Barrymore, and Costello, what do you know about the highly unexpected DVD release of THE SEA BEAST (1926), which is coming out in just a couple weeks! Will it be a good quality print? I just saw THE GODLESS GIRL, by the way, and I feel that this film is a major rediscovery! It should be considered among De Mille's best works! I am still plenty curious rather this is indeed the very same version from Photo-play Productions, which will be featured on the new Archive Treasures DVD set in October? Or will it be the Partial-talkie instead? This one is clearly the original 1928 Silent release. I have a rough time believing that the producers of the DVD set, will foot the bill for the Carl Davis score? Anyway Hope to hear from you very soon.

drednm, No, I have Clarence Brown's THE TRAIL OF '98 (1928), with Delores Del Rio too! It is about the "Alaskan Gold Rush", and not the California one. That is missing about a reel of footage as well, but I believe that it's more toward the Middle of the film? Very strong supporting cast in this picture with Harry Cary, Ralph Forbs, and Karl Dane. A good movie, but I still like TIDE OF THE EMPIRE better!

drednm, Thanks for the compliment. Unfortunately, This post is an absolute mess, and if I could do it over again, I would have used all normal letters! Afraid that I do not know anything about the Joan Crawford version, and it seems rather improbable? Are you saying that the film was made twice? Once with Renee Adoree in the lead, and again with Crawford? Even stranger, when I first heard about this picture, I had been told that it was a Delores Del Rio movie! So very confusing, to say the least!

Terrific late 20's MGM Silent feature from Director Alan Crossland, starring the beautiful, and magnetic Renee Adoree. A better title might have been "OLD CALIFORNIA". As the story begins just shortly before the Great Gold Rush of 1849. French born Renee is Josephita winsome Hispanic daughter of "Don Jose' Guerrero" (George Fawcett). Patriarch of one of the wealthiest and most distinguished family's of old Spanish California, His Rancho Chico has been a revered shrine for generations. His mighty herds of Cattle graze over untold acres of land unmolested. Darling Josephita has little to do in the early going, but to bail Her irresponsible Brother Romauldo (William Collier Jr.), out of mischief. He gambles all the Money for the new herd of sheep away. Fearful of his fathers wrath, He engages his crafty Sister to help keep up appearances. Unbeknownst to them, The sly old Man is wise, but let's the matter slide. Such is his great pride in his Daughter and Son. Life has been good, and the noble family has known nothing but prosperity for the longest time. Suddenly, in January of 1848, at Sutter's Mill "Gold is discovered in the Waters! The proud Guerrero's lives are about to be turned upside down. As the Multitude of American prospectors and Fortune hunters flood into the region, the family finds their peaceful land infested with rustlers, and thieves! Their homestead is invaded their horses and livestock stolen, and even killed! Romauldo bravely confronts a gang of ruthless cut-throat's and is beaten over the head with a whip! The Guerrero's can sense that the days of Spanish rule will soon be at an end! In to the Midst of the heavy movement to the great Southwest, comes a brash young stranger. He is Dermod D' Arcy, played by the extremely handsome dimpled cheeked George Duryea. A wealthy frontiersmen/ex-cowboy, with a lightening Swift horse known as "Path-Finder". Arriving shortly before the St. Francis Day Celebration, He meet's the feisty Josephita, among the long trail of wagon's and buckboards headed to the Fiesta in town. Instantaneously "Smitten" by Her. Dermod finds a quick excuse to follow, She has inadvertently dropped her fan. He rides ahead of the Wagons and courteously returns it to Her. Later at the Fiesta Dermod's, longing for Josephita intensifies as She performs, a Spanish Dance to the delight of the crowd. The big race is at hand, and the fearless Don Jose' boldly wagers 20 thousand head of Cattle on his Horse "El Capitan" to win! Though warned by his Son that they have less than half that amount remaining, Confidently Don Jose' puts his families age old Rancho Chico on the line, hoping to upstage his old rival Don Amillo Montalvo. "Pathfinder" is a new entry, and Montalvo decides to elect him as his Champion instead of his own Animal. Making a deal with Dermod as the Horse's owner for half the pot from Don Jose'. Should the Horse turn out the victor, D' Arcy will choose between the 10, 000 herd of Cattle, and the beloved Rancho Chico Estate! As fate would have it Path Finder pulls out the competition at the very last minute! For the first time, there will be a brand new owner of the Rancho Chico outside of the Guerrero's! Don Jose' is devastated, and so are his Children! Finally Dermod, and Josephita are formally introduced. Don Amillo presents him to Her and Rumauldo, as the owner of Path Finder. To this Josephita promptly snaps, " It is same like meeting the Devil, when I am meeting you Senor!" Demod Smiles and replies unabashedly, "And it is like Meeting an Angel to Meet you Senorita"....Only Angels, are not quite so mean!" As Josephita storms off, Her Brother has some threatening words for D' Arcy. Dermod tells Don Amillo, He will take the Rancho Chico as the half of his earnings for the race. Now D'Arcy has no intention to take away the families Ranch, or their land, and has no interest in the Estate, He plans to give it back. However, He has plenty of interest in the sassy Josephita! A despondent Romauldo, fearing all has been lost, bids his Sister a hasty goodbye and rides off bound for nowhere. When He refuses to surrender his horse to a band of Marauders, In a shocking twist, He end up before long actually joining up with them! Welcomed as a guest at the Rancho Chico, D' Arcy make a strong impression on Don Jose' with his fine Spanish, unlike his daughter, and son, Don Jose' does not speak, or understand the English language. As Josephita hurls insults his way, Dermod just smiles and explains them away to her Father as complimentary. D' Arcy tells Josephita that He must see Her alone in the Garden after supper. She is reluctant to comply, but decides to show up anyway. He informs Her that He has much to discuss with the Lady concerning The new Owner of the Rancho Chico. But that will have to wait his heart is set on romance, and He shortly plants a big unexpected Smackaroo on Josephita's outraged Kisser! She is justly offended believing that the new owner is taking some serious liberties, and is just getting started at it! Angered she dashes off, and thus D' Arcy has an errand boy deliver a note forwarding all rights back to Don Jose' and his Daughter. D'Arcy is headed back on the trail to search for more gold. Josephita finds the exhausted Don Jose' napping over his desk in the middle of the day. The message touches Josephita, and She rushes to tell her Dad the good news. To her utter horror Senorita Guerrero discovers that her defeated Father has suffered a heart attack in his sleep! Her brother vanished, her Father suddenly passed away, D' Arcy departed! Josephita's world comes crashing down upon her all at once! Having reached about the Mid-point of the story , there is plenty of adventure, and romance yet to come! For starters, Josephita has no idea what has become of Her Brother, now riding with a dangerous bunch! Meanwhile D' Arcy will not give up on his dream of making the stubborn Miss Guerrero his Wife! Crossland was a very fine Director who has been almost completely forgotten today. Despite such memorable works as DON JUAN (1926), with John Barrymore, and Mary Astor, and WHEN A MAN LOVES (1927), with Barrymore, and beautiful Wife Delores Costello. This ranks with Crossland's very best efforts. Renee Adoree meantime, proves that She was in-fact a very talented performer in a demanding role unlike anything that I had witnessed her in before. I have now seen quite a few of this ladies films, and I have to say that she has definitely become one of my favorite Silent Screen Actresses. Adoree had a unique and endearing quality of "nervous sweetness" about her, that precious few other ladies of the era possessed. You just could not help but Love Her! George Duryea who was remarkable in Cecil B. De Mille's THE GODLESS GIRL (1928) opposite Lina Basquette, and Marie Prevost, is superb as the valiant D'Arcy. TIDE OF THE EMPIRE is one of the better Silent's that you probably have never seen or even heard of before? The TCM restoration is stunning! One of the best looking Silent films in existence! The movie boast's top flight Production values, stunningly photographed, with often breath-taking cinematography. However, the final Reel and a Half, is reportedly missing, and is believed to be lost? You would likely never know it though, although the original release actually had a diffrent ending than we can see here, just as the romance between Josephita, and D'Arcy really starts to grow. While essentially, a Goat-gland Hybrid, or partial talkie, there is no real dialogue. The outstanding vintage track has been cleaned up and sounds very good, with a theme song "Josephita", and some cheering, and sound effects. Perhaps there was some true dialogue among the missing footage? If so, it would have been a most-unwelcome intrusion! Serving only to slow down the rapid pace of this fast moving and highly entertaining film.

jemjb, For Griffith, I would show them THE BATTLE OF THE SEXES (1928). To be frank, Griffith is at times a bit of a tough sell, due to his heavy reliance on narrative type Title-cards, as opposed to conversational ones. I would suggest maybe you take a look at the films of Cecil B. De Mille. Really shake up your class with the likes of THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (1923), or THE KING OF KINGS (1927)! You can find excellent quality DVD editions of both films! For Harold Lloyd, WHY WORRY? (1923), GIRL SHY (1924), THE FRESHMAN (1925), or SPEEDY are excellent example of his work, and are all highly entertaining films. For Chaplin, maybe THE KID (1921), THE CIRCUS (1926), or CITY LIGHTS (1931). Unless you have access to the new 2 hour restoration of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (1923), I would scratch that one. The former versions, are missing well over half the movie! The latest version is finally coming to official DVD, on October 9th. For F. W. Murna, FAUST (1926), or SUNRISE (1927). For Keaton SHERLOCK JUNIOR, THE NAVIGATOR, or SEVEN CHANCES, I would not show them THE GENERAL, I don't think it will hold their interest? Much to slow. For Lewis Milestone try THE GARDEN OF EDEN (1928). An amazing film. For King Vidor other than "THE CROWD", try "THE BIG PARADE (1925), if you can find it! I'm trying to stick to the films that are commercially available like FLESH AND THE DEVIL (1926), with John Gilbert and Greta Garbo. A good one because a DVD Edition does exist. But really these films just barely scratch the surface of the depth of memorable works produced during the Silent Era. However, many of the very best Silent films unfortunately are pretty hard to find. Titles like Frank Borzage's SEVENTH HEAVEN, and STREET ANGEL for example, have yet to be released on official DVD. With at least 75% of all Silent Movies gone, those comparatively few that remain, need and deserve are utmost attention to see that they too, do not turn to dust! These are truly unique, at times staggering works of a once profound art form unto itself! To be cherished, not just as Nostalgia, but as historical imperative! Many people just do not realize the overall depth and quality of these precious films. Their pure entertainment factor, and artistic integrity has not wavered after nearly a full Century has passed.

What was up with the Mediocre at best, looking print of THE SEA HAWK (1940) that TCM aired last night? I don't see where this film has been restored at all? I have the Silent version of THE SEA HAWK from 1924, and it looks allot better, than the sound re-make does! Also what about the washed out Tinting toward the middle of the film? Was this badly faded Sepie-Tone perhaps? My late Mom and Dad grew up during the 40's and according to them Sepie-tone especially in Western's, was very common-place? Though, I honestly, have not seen very much of it, in films from that period? Anyway, I watched several of the Errol Flynn movies yesterday, and most of them were in much better shape than THE SEA HAWK was!

The Student Prince, or just "OLD HEIDELBERG" (1927), since that is what this movie is actually called on the opening credits, and on Carl Davis.Com is truly a great film! Ernest Lubitsch was a magnificent talent, and this may in-fact be his finest work! A film packed with Humor, emotion, and griping drama as well. Two great stars in the lead, plus the memorable Jean Hersholt, as the young prince's beloved mentor, giving perhaps the performance of his career. Why this amazing movie is still not available on commercial DVD, I just can't understand! Warner should put this out as part of a Ramon Novarro, or Norma Shearer, or even Lubitsch collection. The Thames version boast's one of Carl Davis greatest, most powerful scores as well! The movie could stand a fresh transfer, as the latest restoration was done some 20 years ago, in 1987. It is rather soft looking by today's standards. If the vast degree of improvement in sharpness and clarity made from the older Thames edition of FLESH AND THE DEVIL, to what was recently released on commercial DVD as part of the Garbo Silent's set, is any indication all while retaining Carl Davis masterful score, than much the same should be able to be done here! I just love this picture so much, and long to see it properly restored, and made available to the masses! It needs to be done! I certainly do hope that TCM, or Warner's is actually working on this project? Commenting on some of the other films being screened, the Paramount Pictures release BEGGARS OF LIFE (1928), is another great picture! It has Louise Brooks, Richard Arlen, and Wallace Berry. Directed by the great William Wellman, it is wonderful to learn that this film is being restored by George Eastman House! This fine organization did such a wonderful job on the rare Olive Thomas feature THE FLAPPER (1920), if they can duplicate those results on BEGGARS OF LIFE, it will be a momentous achievement! I have seen a COTTAGE ON DARTMOORE (1929), and have it on DVD-R. It is indeed quite remarkable! I think this has been released across the pond, in Pal format on DVD just recently? Overall a very nice line up of Silent Movies for this festival!

I suggested to TCM to please schedule this movie to air last night. The film is apparently in their archives, and has even been shown on TCM in the past? However, I have had TCM since May 1, 1999, and I have never seen it, or any other Colleen Moore features shown to date! A huge First National Star, Miss Moore was in-fact one of the biggest names in Hollywood during the 1920's! Her films are all but unknown today! The great Gary Cooper who was becoming a Star after his appearance opposite Clara Bow, in Paramount's CHILDREN OF DIVORCE (1927), is the leading man for Colleen in this picture! I had hoped that TCM would air this film when Coop was the Star of the Month, a short time back, but alas this just did not happen. Vintage reviews suggest that LILAC TIME another World War One drama, was better than William Wellman's WINGS (1927)! I have the Critics Choice version from VHS, but I am certain that the print TCM shows has is much better, probably closer to full-length, and may even have it's original Musical track? The popular standard "Jennie I Dream Of Lilac Time" emanated from this film! It was one of the Melody's of the original score. Two versions were released in 1928 to theaters one Silent, to be played with live Orchestra, and the other recorded. While many of Colleen Moore's movies are sadly now gone forever, this is not one of them! Therefore It should not only be shown, but this movie should be restored, and put out of DVD! Who else wants to see this movie dusted off, and taken out of mothballs? If you do, than any support would be greatly appreciated! Please let your voice be heard!

Outta Here, Well, I recorded THE RACKET again last night, but I really didn't need to. I got it, and THE MATING CALL (1928), when they both debuted on TCM back to back in 2004. Put together a great Double Menu disc of these two features a couple years ago! It looks truly awesome! Maybe you would like a copy? Arkadin, It's true that DVD Recorders are cheap these days. But beware, many of the cheap ones just don't work that good, or for very long either!

Arkadin, Well, I just got the UNDERWORLD disc in the mail this evening. The print seems to be much better than what I had before, with no Japanese symbols. It is multi-tinted, as well. Of course, I have only looked at the first 4 or 5 minutes so far. The Music is, well let's just say that I will probably dub in my own score later on! It has some chapter thumbs, but a very basic menu design overall. I will likely make up my own elaborate menu for this feature eventually. I'm much to busy working on other programs at the moment.