Paddy Chayefsky 100 -- January 29, 2023

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Paddy Chayefsky was born 100 years ago today, on 29-January-1923. He wrote plays, movies, novels and scripts for radio and television. He had a high batting average. 

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Genuine Edison Films -- January 28, 2023

The Phonoscope, January, 1923

125 years ago this month, the Edison Manufacturing Company offered films in 50, 100 and 150-foot lengths. Potential customers were warned that Edison intended to enforce its patents. "We are protected by broad U. S. patents and all films of other make are infringements."

William Gillette Personally Appearing in His Famous Success -- January 27, 2023

Washington Times, 28-January-1923

William Gillette played Sherlock Holmes more than 1300 times. He wrote the play. He retired several times, after long farewell tours, and then made triumphant returns. His last farewell tour ran from 1929 to 1932.

The following week the National Theater was going to present Lionel Atwill in The Comedian by Sasha Guitry. Atwill went on to become a popular character actor in talking films.

Baby Peggy and Big Peggy -- January 26, 2023

Los Angeles Evening Post-Record, 15-January-1923

Baby Peggy Montgomery was Century's biggest comedy star. She made a personal appearance to sell dolls made by a disabled artist, Peggy Wheeler. "Big Peggy" made and sold dollars so she could be independent. Her "dream is to be able to establish a 'Welcomeland' someday, where helpless young folks can become helpful again."

Oscar Micheaux -- The Virgin of Seminole -- January 25, 2023

Vicksburg Evening Post, 22-January-1923

Oscar Micheaux was a pioneer in producing what were known as race films. 100 years ago this month, his films The Symbol of the Unconquered and The Virgin of Seminole were showing on different nights at the Princess Theater in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Mistress of the World was a 1919 German film.

Vicksburg Evening Post, 27-January-1923

Sherlock Holmes -- Supported by Roland Young, Carol Dempster and An All Star Cast -- January 24, 2023

Alexandria Gazette, 18-January-1923

John Barrymore played Sherlock Holmes in a loose adaption of William Gillette's play. I didn't enjoy the movie much, but Barrymore certainly looked like Holmes. I like the illustration.

Randolph Scott 125 -- January 23, 2023

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I was taken aback when I realized that I have not yet mentioned Randolph Scott in this blog. They didn't show many of his movies on tv when I was growing up, but I read about him in books and magazines. My daughter always quotes the scene from Blazing Saddles. Randolph Scott was born 125 years ago today, on 23-January-1898. Scott was a veteran of World War One. He was good in westerns and non-westerns.

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