Sunday, January 31, 2016

13 part documentary "Hollywood" 1980 is fascinating look into Silent Films

HOLLYWOOD docu-series 1980. There is no DVD or BluRay of this wonderful 13 episode glimpse into the rise & fall of Silent Films. There is only VHS tapes & Laser Disc copies that are no longer distributed. But, I found Laser Disc episodes uploaded to YouTube & binge-watched all 13 episodes. It was great.

James Mason (veteran movie actor) provided narration. All 13 episodes gave us interviews with those that lived in the Silent Film era. The insight is fascinating. What I enjoyed was the evolution of film from its' earliest incarnation up to Talking Pictures. Movie director's evolved through visual artistry & their work stands up today 2016. - F.W. Murnau's SUNRISE was revolutionary for 1927. It was restored & is visually stunning. Janet Gaynor who starred in it was interviewed.

My favorite films so far are GREED 1924, BEN-HUR 1925 and THE THIEF OF BAGDAD 1924. My favorite male comedian is Harold Lloyd who was interviewed right before he died. He is Hilarious. Sadly, when Talking Pictures changed Hollywood in 1927. Many didn't survive which included some big movie stars. The enormous suicide rates were unbelievable.

This made me appreciate movies even more because it really was the beginning.

Click photo for Amazon Video.
http://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Celebration-American-Silent-Complete/dp/6302597609

No comments: