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Preserving Jacksonville's Silent Film Legacy

Author: wpnorman

William Wellman’s Wings: A Loving Tribute to Our Veterans

November 9, 2017 by wpnorman Leave a Comment

By Mitch Hemann Just when the silent era was beginning to wind down, and “talkies” were about to become all the rage, William Wellman’s big budget war picture Wings (1927) flew into movie houses across the country, dazzling audiences wherever it landed. It is a stunning masterwork of cinema that is regarded even today as … [Read more…]

Posted in: Blog, Silent Film Screenings, Silent Film Stars, Silent Sundays Tagged: Clara Bow, Silent Film, William Wellman, Wings

Babe’s Busy Week: How a Baseball Legend Turned a Small Part Into a Big Deal

August 18, 2017 by wpnorman 1 Comment

By Mitch Hemann Harold Lloyd’s final silent film, Speedy (1928), is arguably some of his finest work. In this delightful comedy, Lloyd plays a hapless, bespectacled fellow who loves baseball almost as much as he loves his girlfriend, Jane (Ann Christy). Much to Jane’s dismay, his passion for the game prevents him from keeping a … [Read more…]

Posted in: Blog, Silent Film Screenings, Silent Film Stars, Silent Sundays Tagged: Babe Ruth, Harold Lloyd, Lou Gehrig, Silent Film, Speedy

Q&A With Archaeologist and Author Jeff Gardner

August 15, 2017 by wpnorman 1 Comment

By Mitch Hemann Jeff Gardner is an archaeologist living in Jacksonville’s historic Springfield neighborhood. Recently retired, he’s been able to pursue many passion projects. One such project is a book he’s preparing on a long forgotten star of the silent era who lived right here in Jacksonville. Jeff will be presenting his research along with … [Read more…]

Posted in: Blog, Interviews, Silent Film Stars Tagged: Charles Weston, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Historical Society, Jeff Gardner, Silent Film

Georges Méliès: The Magician In The Movie House

July 6, 2017 by wpnorman Leave a Comment

By Mitch Hemann Marie-Georges-Jean Méliès was born on December 8, 1861, in Paris France. His father, Jean-Louis-Stanislas Méliès, was a shoe maker, and by the time Georges came along he had a successful business and amassed a bit of wealth. From the start, Georges had a very active imagination and was quite creative. His father, … [Read more…]

Posted in: Blog, Silent Sundays Tagged: A Trip to the Moon, Georges Melies, Silent Film

Rudolph Valentino: Fighting Mad

May 6, 2017 by wpnorman 5 Comments

By Mitch Hemann By the 1920s, Hollywood had seen many stars. Funny men like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton made us laugh, starlets like Mary Pickford and Lillian Gish drove men crazy, and debonair gentlemen like Douglas Fairbanks made women swoon. But nobody was prepared for Valentino. Born on May 6, 1895 in Castellaneta Italy, … [Read more…]

Posted in: Blog, Silent Film Stars, Uncategorized Tagged: Rudolph Valentino, Silent Film, Stolen Moments, The Sheik

Keystone Teddy: America’s Best Friend

April 28, 2017 by wpnorman 2 Comments

By Mitch Hemann Since the earliest days of motion pictures, producers have used animals for their innate ability to add humor, action, and a whole lot of heart to their stories. Among these fuzzy performers, dogs have been some of the most memorable stars and have entertained audiences for more than a century. Names like … [Read more…]

Posted in: Blog, Silent Film Stars, Silent Sundays Tagged: Keystone comedies, Mack Sennett, Teddy at the Throttle, Teddy the dog

The Duality of Brigitte Helm

March 17, 2017 by wpnorman 2 Comments

By Mitch Hemann “There can be no understanding between the hand and the brain unless the heart acts as mediator.” Arguably one of the most recognizable and beloved vamps of the silent era, Brigitte Helm’s life was complicated both on and off screen, and there’s no greater example of the complexities of this illusive and … [Read more…]

Posted in: Blog, Silent Film Stars Tagged: Brigitte Helm, Fritz Lang, German Expressionism, Metropolis, Silent Film

The Iconic Mr. Nobody: An Analysis of Silent Film Legend Bert Williams

January 26, 2017 by wpnorman 1 Comment

By Cher Davis As a Black actress in today’s entertainment industry, I have often felt duty-bound to pay homage to those individuals who have, throughout history, paved the way for ongoing generations of Black performers to be recognized for their talent, not for the color of their skin. One such individual is Egbert Austin Williams, … [Read more…]

Posted in: Blog, Silent Film Stars Tagged: African American Silent Film Stars, Bert Williams, Early African American Actors, Ebony Film Company, George Walker, Norman Studios

The Rise and Fall of Ebony Films

January 17, 2017 by wpnorman 2 Comments

By Mitch Hemann The story of the Ebony Film Corporation is one that was plagued with trouble throughout its short lifespan. Nevertheless, they produced a handful of films that even today are deemed important for their contribution to the discussion of race relations. Located in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood on the corner of California and … [Read more…]

Posted in: Blog, Silent Film Stars Tagged: A Reckless Rover, Ebony Films, Fritz Pollard, Luther Pollard, Race Film, Silent Film, Two Knights of Vaudeville

James Weldon Johnson Writes Photoplays in Jacksonville

January 9, 2017 by wpnorman Leave a Comment

By Barbara Wingo James Weldon Johnson, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, was one of the most exceptional and important figures of the first half of the twentieth century.  As historian John Hope Franklin wrote:  “It is difficult to imagine the Harlem Renaissance without James Weldon Johnson.  It is impossible to understand the place of African … [Read more…]

Posted in: Blog Tagged: Along This Way, Grace Nail Johnson, Harlem Renaissance, Jacksonville Film History, James Weldon Johnson
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Recent Posts

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  • TAMIKA LAMISON, LAYON GRAY TO SPEAK AT JUNETEENTH SCREENING OF “THE FLYING ACE” AT TAMPA THEATRE
  • Films and Posters: The Norman Studios Story at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
  • Norman Studios at the Florida Chautauqua Assembly
  • Regeneration: Black Cinema, 1898-1971: The Race Films Gallery

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