Author Archives: chipkaufmann

Watching an old interview with Ingrid Pitt recently (she died in 2010), I just had to weigh in on these two films especially THE VAMPIRE LOVERS as it had quite an impact on me when I first saw it in 1970. It was October of that year. I was a freshman at the University ofContinue reading “THE VAMPIRE LOVERS / COUNTESS DRACULA: Remembering Ingrid Pitt”

I have been collecting silent films on DVD for over 20 years and it’s very gratifying to see more titles from 1910-1920 become available on the home market. Case in point is this satisfying 1916 double bill from Kino Lorber starring Douglas Fairbanks 4 years before his breakthrough film, THE MARK OF ZORRO. I hadContinue reading “THE HALF BREED / THE GOOD BAD MAN (1916): Fairbanks Double Feature Is Satisfying & Gratifying”

For years we have only known the Douglas Fairbanks of the swashbucklers which has done this true pioneer of cinema a huge disservice. Some of it can be attributed to Doug himself who embraced his new swashbuckler image and wanted nothing to do with his contemporary comedy character. That combined with the virtual disappearance ofContinue reading “A MODERN MUSKETEER: This Douglas Fairbanks Set Is Absolutely Eye Opening”

…well, not quite. The way it was meant to be seen, of course, was up on a giant screen with a live orchestra performing full throttle. Then this larger than life fantasy would be transformed into a work of art. However this Cohen Group release of the Photoplay restoration is the next best thing. JustContinue reading “THE THIEF OF BAGDAD (1924): The Way It Was Meant To Be Seen…”

Having finally read Jeffrey Vance’s marvelous biography DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, it made me realize that roughly half of his 1920s action-adventure films are available in recently restored editions. THE MARK OF ZORRO, THE THIEF OF BAGDAD, THE BLACK PIRATE, & THE IRON MASK have been given the deluxe home video treatment they deserve. What about THEContinue reading “THE GAUCHO (1927): Time For A New Restoration”

This has always been my favorite Douglas Fairbanks feature as well as one of my favorite silent films. It has everything. Comedy! Drama! Spectacle! Adventure! Pathos! And in this new restoration grand sweeping music from the John Williams of the silent film score, Carl Davis. For years this film was available in an abridged 1952Continue reading “THE IRON MASK Is The Swan Song Of The Silent Film”

The 1921 version of LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY was one of Mary Pickford’s biggest hits and it’s easy to see why. It features her in a dual role as the little lord and his mother giving her the opportunity to showcase her acting talent in two very different roles as well as letting us see theContinue reading “LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY (1921): The Ideal Introduction To Mary Pickford”

After a number of DVD releases in the first years of this century, the number of Mary Pickford films now being released has come to a virtual standstill while those early offerings are now either out-of-print or outrageously priced. As a result of that, this Blu-Ray release is most welcome not only for being Mary’sContinue reading “RAGS TO RICHES: 3 Different Stages Of “Little Mary””

I have been a big fan of Mary Pickford for years and always relish the opportunity to see one of her films in a restored condition. It is even more enjoyable when the movie happens to be one of those that she made before 1920 as they feature a younger more vibrant Mary before herContinue reading “FANCHON THE CRICKET (1915): Well Done Restoration But An Inappropriate Score”

HEART O’THE HILLS was Mary Pickford’s final film project before the formation of United Artists in 1919 and was her fourth film of that year. She had recently left Adolph Zukor and Paramount and was stretching her wings as an independent producer (they predicted she would fall flat on her face). It is one ofContinue reading “HEART O’ THE HILLS (1919): One Of Mary’s Best With A Great New Score”