Believes Chaplin is Greatest Film Actor -- December 18, 2024

Moving Picture World, 06-December-1924

A Harvard professor of fine arts, Chandler R Post, gave a speech in which he said that Charlie Chaplin and Lon Chaney were the greatest film actors. He also said that "only a small percentage of the photoplays produced now really were artistic." 

Moving Picture World, 06-December-1924

We saw recently that Chaplin had gone to Mexico to marry actress Lita Grey, who was 15 and pregnant. They had two children, but the marriage was not a success.

Film Daily, 31-December-1924

The movie career of Charlie's older half-brother Sydney was on and off. He took time to handle Charlie's business matters and became an aviation entrepreneur. Syd was good at performing in drag, so Charley's Aunt was a good vehicle for him. "Enough to make a cat laugh." I don't think I have ever come across that expression. 

Film Daily, 02-December-1924

The Christie Film Company produced Charley's Aunt.

Moving Picture World, 13-December-1924

The Record-Breaking Peter Pan -- December 17, 2024

Photoplay, December, 1924

James M Barrie, who wrote the novel and the play Peter Pan, chose Betty Bronson to play Peter in the 1924 movie, which was directed by Herbert Brenon. When I saw various versions of Peter Pan while I was growing up, I was always confused by the way he was referred to as a boy but was usually played by a woman.

Film Daily, 11-December-1924

Paramount promoted the heck out of the movie.

Moving Picture World, 27-December-1924

Happy New Year from the Marx Brothers -- December 16, 2024

Variety, 31-December-1924

The Four Marx Brothers (Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo) who were performing on Broadway in a popular revue, I'll Say She Is, wished people in the industry a happy new year.

Kodaks Make Fine Xmas Gifts -- December 15, 2024

Hartford Courant, 10-December-1924

Christmas is coming. 

George Eastman's Kodak cameras allowed many people to take up photography. The Ciné-Kodak was a 16mm camera for home movies. Filmo was a 16mm Bell & Howell product.

Langdon, as Usual, Does Highly Amusing Work -- December 14, 2024

Moving Picture World, 27-December-1924

Harry Langdon played a street sweeper in "Feet of Mud." The film includes some racist stereotypes in Chinatown.

Moving Picture World, 06-December-1924

The Greatest Thomson Western to Date -- December 13, 2024

Moving Picture World, 13-December-1924

Fred Thomson (no relation) had a diverse career. While attending the Princeton Theological Seminary, he earned the Amateur Athletic Union's All-Around Champion trophy in 1910, 1911 and 1913. After being ordained as a Presbyterian minister, he joined the Army and served as a chaplain during World War One. He went into the movie business after he married director and screenwriter Frances Marion. In time, he became a major western star. Sadly, he died of Tetanus in 1928. 

Quemado was released as That Devil Quemado. Del Andrews directed.

Film Daily, 14-December-1924

Buddy Roosevelt starred in a series of silent westerns and played small parts in many talkies. Buffalo Bill also starred in a series of silent and early sound westerns. In December 2024, they both toured theaters and made personal appearances.

Tying Lincoln to One of Henry's Cars -- December 12, 2024

Moving Picture World, 06-December-1924

The Liberty Theater in Terra Haute cooperated with the local Lincoln dealer to tie the car in with the movie The Dramatic Life of Abraham Lincoln by Al and Ray Rockett.

Motion Picture News, 01-September-1923