Silent Lives: Biographies of the Silent Film Era
So, is there value in such a truncated source? Yes, indeed. First of all, there’s a fairly extensive listing of reference material for the subjects. If a reader is moved to explore further, there are various points of entry provided. There are also some brief anecdotes provided from time to time garnered from interviews with the writer, or with one of the writer’s contacts.
There is also a wide variety of people recognized, not only the stars in front of the camera. For example, having been a fan of the Laurel and Hardy films for many years, I’m very familiar with the name of H. M. Walker who designed many of the comedic inter-titles for t
History of Film: Silent Era Movies and Directors
The silent era of film, spanning roughly from the late 19th century to the late s, is a fascinating period that laid the groundwork for modern cinema. This era was marked by innovation, experimentation, and the birth of some of the most iconic directors and films in history. As someone who's been writing about film for over two decades, I've always been captivated by the silent era's unique charm and historical significance.
Growing up in the Bay Area, I was surrounded by a vibrant film culture that celebrated the classics. Moving to Austin, Texas, and diving deeper into the tech scene, I've found that the silent era's influence is still palpable. Whether it's the avant-garde techniques or the timeless storytelling, there's so much to explore. Let's dive into the history of silent era movies and the directors who shaped this golden age of Lumière brothers, Auguste and Louis, are often credited with the first public screening of projected motion pictures. Their short films, such as "Workers Leaving the Lumière Factory" and "The Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat Station," were simple yet groundbreaking.
As everyone seemed to enjoy my Beginner&#;s Bookshelf of silent film books, I have decided to follow it up with a collection of my favorite biographies and autobiographies of silent film folks.
The market for these titles is fairly glutted and I can&#;t claim to have read everything but these are the books that I find to be either the most reliable or the most entertaining. I will be sure to tell you which is which.
This list is, of course, a matter of opinion. I tend to prefer books that focus on films rather than sex and I give extra points for books with unique claims that stand up to scrutiny.
I do not claim that this list is complete and will likely write a follow-up if there is a demand for it.
I Was There: The Best Silent Movie Memoirs
To me, the most important aspect of a memoir is capturing the essence of the subject&#;s personality. These are the books that I feel did just that.
Swanson on Swanson by Gloria Swanson
Gloria Swanson may be famous as Norma Desmond, a silent star who never quite realizes that she is no longer top of the heap. In real life, Swanson could not be more her opposite. Witty, intelligent and disarmingly frank, Swanson&#;s remarkable pers
Silent Players: A Biographical and Autobiographical Study of Silent Film Actors and Actresses
" From his unique perspective of friendship with many of the actors and actresses about whom he writes, silent film historian Anthony Slide creates vivid portraits of the careers and often eccentric lives of players from the American silent film industry. He profiles the era's shining stars such as Lillian Gish and Blanche Sweet; leading men including William Bakewell and Robert Harron; gifted leading ladies such as Laura La Plante and Alice Terry; ing?nues like Mary Astor and Mary Brian; and even Hollywood's most famous extra, Bess Flowers. Although each original essay is accompanied by significant documentation and an extensive bibliography, Silent Players is not simply a reference book or encyclopedic recitation of facts culled from the pages of fan magazines and trade periodicals. It contains a series of insightful portraits of the characters who symbolize an original and pioneering era in motion history and explores their unique talents and extraordinary private lives. Slide offers a potentially revisionist view of many of the stars he profiles, repudiating the status of
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