Category Archives: Uncategorized

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”

LITTLE ANNIE ROONEY is one of the best known and most frequently seen of Mary Pickford’s movies. This is because for years the title has been in the public domain and there are numerous poor quality editions that have been issued over the years. Now thanks to The Mary Pickford Foundation and Flicker Alley, weContinue reading “LITTLE ANNIE ROONEY (1925): Finally A High Quality Edition”

..not THE WOMAN EATER as Columbia’s poster art at the time proclaimed. That’s a very important distinction as the film is about much more than just a woman eating tree. The movie is actually a misogynistic fable about the male attitude toward women in general and George Coulouris’ attitude in particular. The story involves aContinue reading “WOMANEATER (1957)…”