In these days of special effects, green screen, 3-D, and so much more, it is easy to forget the roots of Cinema. They were soundless, save for piano accompaniment, and in black and white. Yet they had magic, mastery, and innovation, all of which can still be as fresh today, as when they captivated audiences in the early 20th Century. Take a trip back in time, and feel free to gasp with wonder.
Pandora’s Box. The marvellous Louise Brooks stars in this 1929 German film. She left America to become a star in Europe, and her trademark severe bobbed hair, and incredible beauty, were well-received by European audiences. The story is somewhat scandalous, given the time, and concerns prostitution, sugar-daddies, and very loose morals. Brooks plays Lulu, a captivating dancer, beguiling rich men with her looks. They will do almost anything to win her favours, and she will do what is asked of her, in return. Eventually, she must pay for her wild life, and disaster threatens. But she escapes, avoids being trafficked to Egypt, and becomes a woman of the streets, at a time when a killer is stalking these girls at night. As you can imagine, it does not end well for the vivacious Lulu. The film crams in so much, yet gets away with it, mainly thanks to the star. It is just impossible not to be bewitched by Louise Brooks. She plays her role with style, yet with a mixture of vivacity and vulnerability, that at times can sweep you away. You will not be ale to take your eyes off her. Here is a trailer with added music, featuring the wonderful Miss Brooks.
Nosferatu. Again from Germany, this 1922 film is the definitive vampire chiller. There has never been a more terrifying incarnation of the Dracula legend than this portrayal by Max Shrek. Unusually for the period, it also included location filming, in Baltic cities. This is not the suave, irresistible vampire that the ladies cannot resist. No, Shrek’s villain is hideous; hands like claws, eyes as black as coal, and pointed ears. Even after 91 years, he has the power to make you feel genuinely scared. Shrek plays the vampire part of Count Orlok, and he has the familiar creepy castle, as well as a following trail of rats. A young couple are caught up in his circle, and it is the wife who eventually contributes to his demise. Fantastic stuff, far better than anything that came after. Here is a trailer.
Intolerance. This epic was made in America in 1916, by one of the greatest directors of the silent age, D.W. Griffith. It is actually four films interwoven, depicting attitudes of intolerance through the ages. For its time, this cinematic style, of fades into and out of different time periods, was a little ambitious, and it shows. However, the scale is to be marvelled at, and the often difficult, and occasionally impenetrable storyline demands some effort from the viewer. Ancient Judea, Babylon, 16th century Paris, and contemporary America, make for a strange mix of settings for each story. No expense is spared, and one of the greatest stars of the silent screen, Lilian Gish, takes a leading role. The spectacular representation of the fall of Babylon, is worth the viewing alone. Here is the slightly edited version of the entire film.
October: Ten days that shook the world. The Russian director, Sergei Eisenstein, was one of the great masters of the epic film. This 1928 work tells the story of the early days of the Russian revolution, and the triumph of the Bolsheviks, over the Provisional Government in Petrograd, in 1917. The film has a documentary style, and great use of camera angles, close ups, and crowd scenes. It is also famous for the addition of experimental montages, and pivotal, telling scenes, with the camera lingering on small parts of the action. This film includes the famous ‘storming of the Winter Palace’, and is one for true film buffs, and those interested in the subject. The addition of sound and colour to later films has still never produced anything better than this striking work. Here is the whole film. (With advert breaks)
The General. Perhaps one of Buster Keaton’s better known films, made in 1926, and very much a complete work. This story is set during the American Civil war, and Keaton is the engineer on a train called ‘The General’, working for the Confederates. As he is not in the army, his true love, Annabel, believes him to be a coward. When the train is captured by Union soldiers, who also kidnap Annabel, Keaton’s character Johnnie Gray, gets the chance to show that he is as brave as the next man, by saving his beloved train, and the girl he adores. There are some great sight gags, a fair deal of slapstick, and some very impressive stunts. Buster Keaton steals the film, alongside the grand old train. Better than Chaplin, with a proper story, and not a custard pie in sight. This is what film was made for; timeless, and truly accessible to anyone, anywhere. This is a short restored trailer.
If you consider silent films to be little more than curios, or museum pieces, then you may never have seen one, let alone those on my list. I would urge you to give it a try, choose something that appeals, and travel back to the early days of the cinema that you love.
I’ve seen Nosferatu a couple of times- it’s very spooky. Not seen the others. The one with Louise Brooks looks very striking in the cinematography. It’s incredible how much charisma comes across from her with no dialogue; and yet the actors we have today largely have none, despite having their voices to add to their screen presence. I’d love to see the full film! Another silent film you could’ve mentioned is Metropolis- such a visually magnificent film.
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‘Metropolis’ has been mentioned a lot on here, and also has its own post.
Louise Brooks has fascinated me since my teens. Her perfect bob, and quite flawless looks have drawn me to her throughout my life. If you ever get the chance, her films are worth watching, especially these.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0020475/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0018737/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0018684/
Best wishes, Pete.
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Great films, Pete! Wonderful choice for a posting. Michael
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Thanks, Michael. Not many people watch silent films now, I wanted to remind everyone how good they are.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I agree, Pete! Maybe in youger age you need more action, or can life only with action. If you are getting older, silent films are famous for calming down. xx
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(1) Louise Brooks should have played the role of Pandora. (Always think outside the box.)
(2) Shrek is good, but where are Donkey and Fiona?
(3) Anyone who dislikes silent films is guilty of intolerance.
(4) Shouldn’t I be watching “Seven Days in May” instead of “October: Ten Days That Shook the World?”
(5) In general, I admit that Buster Keaton’s stunts are phenomenal.
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Nicely done on 3), David. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Great post 🙂 I love all of these titles Pete 🙂 Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂
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Thanks, John. The appreciation of silent films seems to have all but disappeared now.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Priceless. Warmest regards, Theo
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Glad you like them, Theo.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I must be honest, Pete, I have never watch a silent movie, but in my defense, I really don’t watch many movies at all.
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That’s okay, Robbie. I was just trying to introduce people to the idea of watching them. That was back in 2013, but I still stand by what I wrote then.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I have managed to sit through them all, even though some tend to run a bit long. And as far as The General, one of my favorite movies.
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Yes, they can seem long now. I love ‘The ‘General’, and I could watch Louise Brooks reading the phone book. She’s my big crush! 🙂
Thanks, Don.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Reblogged this on beetleypete and commented:
One more 2013 reblog that not many of you have seen. This time it is an appreciation of silent films, before the introduction of ‘talkies’.
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The silent film genre is one that I haven’t really seen a lot of, thanks for the recommendations Pete.
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Sorry about the missing clips, V. I keep changing them, and they keep taking them down! Hope you manage to watch some of these, they are all very good.
Cheers, Pete.
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I’m a cinephile, gotta encompass every genre. Always like your recommendations.
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I have reinstated the missing clips now, V.
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That’s wonderful Pete, will give em a look very soon.
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I have a lot of catching up to do 🙂
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Don’t know about all this dry stone walling young Winko. You have been very lax with your homework!
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Nosferatu is one of the greatest horror films ever made and you are right, it is genuinely scary, no dialogue required, thanks!
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Not doing too bad with you Tracy, you have liked quite a few now! Always glad to please…x
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Completely agree about Nosferatu; I still have nightmares! Interesting list, I shall have to delve deeper into the silent domain. xo
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Thanks for the comment. Delve away!
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