Fans of the Norman Studios’ Silent Sundays film series are in for a musical treat. Our next screening, featuring Norma Talmadge in 1916’s “The Social Secretary,” will also feature live musical accompaniment by renowned pianist Bernie Katzman. And, for the first time, we’ll go live with Katzman’s performance streamed on Twitch.TV Known as the “PianoImproMan”, … [Read more…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
By Mitch Hemann Conrad Veidt is well known for his illustrious career on the silver screen, but the behind the scenes story of one of the silent era’s greatest villains is also deserving of the spotlight. The man was raging against the machine back when the machine was still being built. Walter Hans Conrad Veidt … [Read more…]
How well do you know America’s original It Girl? Here are 10 facts you may now know about the feisty, fabulous Clara Bow: She survived an impoverished and sometimes abusive childhood – perhaps a major factor in her drive to find stardom. But not everyone was supportive of her goals. Her own mother tried to … [Read more…]
The Norman Studios Silent Film Museum and the Hotel Indigo® Jacksonville announce the launch of Silent Sundays, a monthly silent film screening, on Sunday, July 13, 4pm. The debut event features A Florida Enchantment, considered one of the most controversial films of its day. Shot in 1914 in Jacksonville and St. Augustine by Vitagraph Films, … [Read more…]