ThelmaTodd
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Posts posted by ThelmaTodd
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Thanks for the "Syncopation" and "Gold Digger's" finale links.
We will have to talk about indexing these posts somehow, especially the ones where we are making a submission of picture, link or file.
If we post enough youtube links here, then we will have effectively created a "sub-TCM or sub-On Demand" feature here! Something to think about!
Thelma
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Dear modeltrains,
The metaphysics of it all is that O gaugers go to Nirvana, HO Gaugers are reborn as donkeys!
Thelma
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Hi everyone,
When I saw CineSage's post on Dolores Costello, I wanted to take this opportunity to inform that I intend to include an image of Dolores Costello along with three other film sheet music covers on the general discussion thread called "Seeking Copy of Hollywood Revue of 1929". I expect to get to this in a few hours. I have already loaded 17 titles on that site and will continue to do so.
The picture will be a cover from 1929, in connection with her film "*Glad Rag Doll*".
It's great the material they are showing on TCM.
Thelma
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*_EXHIBIT 17_*
What a picture! *The Cuckoos* was released in 1930; sheet music out in 1929. Comedy Musical featuring Wheeler and Woolsey. Also included 2 Technicolor sequences.
This film was a follow up to *Rio Rita*, For me at least, Wheeler and Woolsey were an acquired taste; over time I came to appreciate the profound cynicism and intellect behind their humor.
On the backside we have reference to a blockbuster hit of the time- "*Vagabond Lover*"(1929), featuring heart throb Rudy Vallee. A comedy musical, all talking film. This film featured many hit songs by it's superstar performer.
Vallee was most fortunate. Dropping out of Yale to join a band is seldom a plan for prosperity and security, but he was one of the rare exceptions!
*Some clips from Cuckoos from youtube:*
*Dancing The devil Away (1930)*
*I Love You So Much (1930)*
DTS Hollywood Musical Moment - *"I'm A Gypsy"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwQO8-H3ukI
DTS Hollywood Musical Moment - *"How We Love Our Alma Mater"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6Xg3EvSvP0
DTS Hollywood Musical Moment - *"All Alone Monday"*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fkHUJHyzcQ
Thelma
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*_EXHIBIT 16_*
(from my sheet music collection)
Features a female character named "Jazzbo Gans"! Musical, B & W. Film is shown as released in 1930, but the sheet music is copyright 1929. Not the first time I have noticed this; makes me wonder if the music was released ahead of the film as part of a build-up.
Thelma
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Drednm, Scottman and gagman have raised the music issue re silent films, and their posts reminded me to express certain concerns that I have had.
At a time when TCM is soliciting composers to step forward and compose music for several hundred silent films in their library, we have to be aware that music may ALREADY have been composed for these films at the time they were made! It might well take a lot of research in some cases to piece it all together, not unlike making a master restored print. It would be necessary to track down any and all commercial sheet music associated with the film as well. (Not always an easy thing to do!) Historical authenticity and respect for the film as cultural artifact would demand no less.
I think my friends are taking exception to the work of some modern composer- as well they should. The music and expression of a modern musician/composer should ALWAYS take a backseat to any historical materials available. Modern composition music is OK when there is no surviving original music.
Assuming you obtain original music- the next question that goes to authenticity is orchestration. They did everything a little differently back then, and so one would have to take considerable pains to assemble an orchestra and to provide an arrangement that makes it all sound like the 20's. A few years back, a group in the Netherlands recorded a full and accurate recreation of the music in Hal Roach films. Even for clever, talented and well financed Dutchmen, recreating the sound of a 30 piece Hollywood studio orchestra, circa 1930, was no walk in the park! It wasn't easy for them, but that is the sort of spirit one would have to bring to this kind of endeavor.
Imagine for a second, if we allowed such liberties with artifacts in the world of art and archeology! Suppose the Director of the Berlin Museum became tired of the color of Nefertiti's hat, or felt it was horribly out of style- and got out the paint spray can? Shouldn't Mona Lisa be getting a new 'do? We don't do these things in the world of art or with antiques.
Those who wish to compose for silent films need take my concerns seriously.
One of the objectives with my own involvement here is to help preserve the music as well, and to heighten awareness and appreciation for the orginal style and work of the films' creators.
Thelma
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Hi gagman,
Thanks for telling me about *Toll Of the Sea* and *Old San Francisco*! I didn't know these films were color. I did have a chance to acquire some sheet music from Old San Francisco recently, and given your information, I will make it a priority to obtain it. I am very eager to preserve the memory of any 20's film made with color.
Just one of the reasons 1920's color is important to preserve, is because the art, design and fashion sense of that time was markedly different from our own, as we recently discussed regarding the Vilma Banky graphic.
Thelma
Message was edited by: ThelmaTodd
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Hi Fred- The sheet music covers really are a form of film poster art! What I want to get to is to include sound files on what the music sounded like, so I envision film posters that come with-music!
To your knowledge Fred, has anyone ever loaded sound files to this message board? Would it be any different than the syntax used for loading pictures? I think one would have to load the sound file to a url address.
Animating this thread with vintage, authentic 1920's film music would be awesome!
I will load a few more film sheet music exhibits today!
Thelma
Message was edited by: ThelmaTodd
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DizzyVertigo, welcome to our thread!
I very much appreciated you putting in a youtube link! In the course of researching the sheet music-referenced films, I found out that even some of the so called "lost" films have snatches on youtube. I was thinking of a retro-edit, but perhaps you could help out here by posting a few more yourself. Youtube links would be a bomb, and help us all here to appreciate and remember these films much more. Any technicolor parts of these 1920's films, especially the musicals, that are on youtube would be very relevant and entertaining.
"You Were Meant for Me" became Anita Page's signature song throughout her life. Yes, she was gorgeous.
Thelma
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Thanks Fred, I am pushing hard for it- as you can see from my activity on another thread. Feel free to look at what I uploaded, and by all means join in!
Thelma
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Seeking copy of Hollywood Revuew of 1929
in General Discussions
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