Jean Darling, RIP -- September 9, 2015

Photoplay, July, 1929

I was sad to learn of the death of Jean Darling, one of the few survivors of Hal Roach's silent Our Gang movies.  She had an interesting career after, having a role in the original production of Carousel, writing mysteries, and performing on the radio in Ireland. 

Some Views of Metro's Gigantic New Studio -- September 8, 2015

Metro Pictures Corporation took control of the studio of the Federal Feature Films Corporation in Rocky Glen, Pennsylvania, "midway between Scranton and Wilkes Barre."  It was described in the 11-September-1915 Motography as "the largest motion picture studio in the world." 

"This floor was originally built for dancing."

The greenhouse studio was huge. 

Interior and exterior views of the studio.

Moving Picture World, 11-September-1915.
 

Moving Picture World carried a photo of the interior of the studio.  The curtains diffused the light streaming through the glass roof.  The same photo appeared in Motography. 

Rocky Glen Park operated as an amusement park under various names until 1980. 

Modern Times -- September 7, 2015

Motion Picture Herald, 07-March-1936

In honor of Labor Day, I am writing about Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times, one of the most famous movies about labor.  I have a new blu ray from Criterion, but I haven't been able to get the television long enough to watch it.  When I do, I'll write more about the movie. 

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Some scenes seem familiar to us today. 

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I eat at my desk every day. 

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I have never done this at work, but I understand how he feels. 

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I wish I could be this graceful. 

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The scene with the red flag was funny, but many people found it controversial.  I remember a school friend's mother who thought Chaplin was a communist. 

Wise Guys Prefer Brunettes -- September 6, 2015

Film Daily, 20-September-1926

Helene Chadwick had been leading lady in a variety of movies when producer Hal Roach cast her in the short "Wise Guys Prefer Brunettes."  The title is a parody of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.  Her costar, Jimmy Finlayson, worked for Roach for many years. 
For a short time, Helene Chadwick was married to director Wild Bill Wellman. 

A note at the bottom of this ad says that it is a cornerblock provided to theaters to use in newspaper advertising.

Raquel Welch 75 -- September 5, 2015

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Actress Raquel Welch was born 75 years ago today, on 05-September-1940.  She made a big impression on men of my generation, many of whom had the poster of her in the hide bikini from One Million Years BC hanging in their rooms. 



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Despite strenuous efforts by producers to exploit her wonderful looks, she has remained classy throughout her career. 

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Hammer's One Million Years BC and the accompanying poster made many people aware of her. 

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The original Bedazzled with Peter Cooke and Dudley Moore also brought her attention. 

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My favorite movies with her were Richard Lester's Three Musketeers and Four Musketeers. 

News of the Week September 4, 1915 -- September 4, 2015

The 04-September-1915 Motography featured "News of the Week as Shown in Films," with items from current newsreels.

"Sand bags used in stability test on S. S. Christopher Columbus, at Chicago, Ill.  Copyright 1915 by Pathe News."  SS Christopher Columbus was a unique whaleback excursion boat.  After SS Eastland, a conventional excursion boat, capsized on 24-July-1915, many passenger ships were tested for stability.  Columbus showed no problems. 

"Trapshooters hold big meeting in Chicago at Grant Park.  Copyright 1915 Hearst-Selig News Pictorial."   The annual meeting of the Interstate Association opened at Grant Park on 16-August-1915. 

"Raising the steamship Eastland in the Chicago River.  1915 by Universal Animated Weekly."  SS Eastland was a tour boat in Chicago which rolled over while docked on 24-July-1915.  At least 844 passengers and crew died. 

"Loading floating mines for test in Boston Harbor.  Copyright 1915 by Pathe News."  Naval mines were used extensively during World War One. 

"Officers of the 'Wyoming' wind trophy presented by Vincent Astor.  Copyright 1915 Hearst-Selig News Pictorial."   USS Wyoming was a dreadnaught.  This must have been in Newport, Rhode Island. 

"Farewell services on steps of St. Paul's Cathedral on departure for front.   Copyright 1915 by Universal Animated Weekly."  These men were on their way to the Western Front. 

Profane Primer for Lip-Reading Movie Fans -- September 2, 2015

Photoplay, September, 1915

100 years ago, the September, 1915 Photoplay carried an item entitled "Profane Primer for Lip-Reading Movie Fans."  There really were issues that came up once in a while when lip reading fans noted what actors were really saying.  I know what "H---!" and "D---!" represent, but what are "X___!!" and "L___!"?