Tom Mix Dares Perils and an Audible Mackinaw -- December 16, 2014

Moving Picture World, 07-June-1919

Tom Mix was the biggest cowboy star in silent movies. He and his horse Tony had many adventures in Fox films. The caption makes fun of Tom's sweater.  I say you'd have to be confident in your masculinity to wear it. 

Renfax Demonstrations -- December 15, 2014

Motography, 26-September-1914

The Renfax Film Company made one of the many early attempts at producing motion pictures with synchronized sound. I haven't found many details yet, but they seem to have sold a device that would synchronize a motion picture projector with a phonograph. I know from experience that this is very hard to do. "...the Renfax pictures being a combination of an electric attachment synchronizing a phonographic reproduction of the voice and orchestration with a motion picture film." 

Essanay Signs Charles Chaplin -- December 14, 2014

Moving Picture World, 26-December-2014

100 years ago, on December 14, 2014, Essanay announced that they had signed comedian Charley Chaplin who had "in a remarkably short time ... created for himself a unique position in the film world." 

Mack Sennett of Keystone could not or would not pay Chaplin what Chaplin thought he was worth. 

Essanay President George K Spoor made the announcement in New York, based on information from his partner Gilbert M (Broncho Billy) Anderson in Niles, California.  "The name of the director under whom he (Chaplin) will work has not been announced, but it is assumed he will be under the general director of Mr. Anderson at the Niles studio, situated near San Francisco." 

News of the Week 12-December-1914 -- December 13, 2014

The 12-December-1914 Motography featured "News of the Week as Shown in Films," with items from current newsreels.

"Jeff Coolidge's 95-yeard run for a Harvard touchdown.  Copyrighted 1914 by Universal Animated Weekly."  Harvard beat Yale 15-5 at the Yale Bowl on 21-November-1914. 

"New type of boat invented by John Hays Hammond, which can be controlled by wireless from shore.  Copyrighted 1914 by Hearst-Selig News Pictorial."  John Hays Hammond, Jr was a pioneer in developing radio control.

"Annual Rugby footbal contest between Leland Stanford and California universities.  Copyrighted 1914 by Hearst-Selig News Pictorial."  In the 1914 Big Game, Stanford beat Cal 36-8 at Stanford.  The schools played rugby from 1906-1914.  This was the last Big Game till 1919, when they started playing American football again. 

"Indians unloading equipment to encamp in France.  Copyrighted 1914 by Universal Animated Weekly."  The British brought soldiers from India, but they did not do well in the European winter climate. 

"Jackies aboard a German warship pulling in anchor chain.  Copyrighted 1914 by Universal Animated Weekly."  "Jackies," from Jack Tar, was a common term for sailors. 

"Underwangen, in East Prussia, lasid waste by Russian shells.  Copyrighted 1914 by Hearst-Selig News Pictorial."  Early in the war, the Russians threatened East Prussia. 

Douglas Fairbanks 75 Years -- December 12, 2014

Moving Picture World, 16-December-1916

75 years ago today, on 12-December-1939, one of the greatest silent stars, died of a heart attack at the age of 56.  It seems strange that a man known for his fitness and athleticism would die of a heart attack at  a relatively young age. 

I need to write more about him on this blog. 

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News of the Week for 12-December-1914 will appear in this blog tomorrow. 

Chaplin Signs With Essanay -- December 11, 2014

Motography, 26-December-1914

Mack Sennett would not pay Charlie Chaplin what Chaplin thought he was worth when his Keystone contract was up after one year.  Partners George Spoor and Broncho Billy Anderson paid him "what is alleged to be the largest salary ever paid a motion picture actor."  It says that Chaplin would begin working in the Essanay Chicago studios within a week. 

Dorothy Lamour 100 -- December 10, 2014

www.listal.com

Beautiful, sexy, funny movie star Dorothy Lamour was born 100 years ago today, on 10-December-1914.  She first became famous for playing "sarong roles" in movies like The Hurricane.  Later she spoofed many of these roles in Paramount's Road pictures with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. 

www.listal.com