The Mightiest Dramatic Spectacle of All the Ages -- November 25, 2024

Indianapolis Times, 15-November-1924

Cecil B DeMille's first production called the Ten Commandments was mostly set in present day San Francisco, but included a spectacular prologue set during Exodus. Jeanie Macpherson wrote the script.

Gloria Swanson 125 -- March 27, 2024

Cine-Mundial, November, 1921

Beautiful and formidable actress Gloria Swanson was born 125 years ago today, on 27-March-1899. I read her autobiography soon after it was published in 1981. She started at Essanay, making one film with Charlie Chaplin, moved on to work for Mack Sennett at Keystone, went on to Triangle, had a big breakthrough with Cecil B DeMille at Famous Players-Lasky, starred in a series of Paramount features during the 1920s, and wrapped up the silent era making Queen Kelly with Erich von Stroheim. She didn't make many movies during the sound era, but Sunset Boulevard, which reunited her with DeMille and Stroheim, was one of the best of all time. I remember when she appeared on a few television shows. 

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Motion Picture News, 11-June-1921

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Demonstration of Phonofilm Assures Speaking Movies/Do It in Technicolor -- January 26, 2023

Washington Evening Star, 05-January-1924

Lee De Forest, a pioneer in vacuum tubes and radio, introduced his Phonofilm sound-on-film picture process in 1923.

Demonstration of Phonofilm

Assures Speaking Movies

By the Associated Press
CLEVELAND. Ohio. January 5. -- The phonofilm, a combination of radio and motion pictures, the invention of Dr. Lee De Forest, has been demonstrated successfully, according to those who have heard and seen the talking pictures. It is his object to produce motion pictures in which the characters speak. Dr. De Forest gives this explanation of the process:

"In the studio a motion picture is taken in the usual manner, but in addition to tbe camera lens, which registers action, a microphone registers every sound made by the actor. A wire from the microphone passes through an audion amplifier to a gas-filled tube, called the photion, located in the camera. The light from this tube fluctuates in exact accordance with the amplified telephonic currents which originates from the actor's lips.

Sound Waves Photographed.

"A very line slit is located near the negative film, through which these fluctuating light rays are registered on the sensitive emulsion of the negative as fine lines which are actual photographic sound waves and, being on the same film as the picture, insure perfect synchronism at all times.

"A positive print then is made in the usual manner. In reproducing, a small attachment is placed on the standard motion picture machine. This attachment contains a small incandescent lamp, which is placed in front of the photographed sound waves on the films. This light, passing through the sound record, falls upon a photo-electric cell, its brilliancy being governed by the density of the photographed sound waves. The photo-electric cell’s electrical resistance at any instant is determined by the amount of light falling upon it.

Synchronize Sound and Sight.

"The telephonic current from the cell then is passed through the audion amplifier, where it is built up hundreds of thousands of times. Thus, the actor's words are converted into telephonic currents, amplified, photographically registered on the film and eventually transformed back again into telephonic currents, which are made audible by the loud speaker.

"As the motion picture must be projected upon a screen to be viewed, it is likewise necessary to project the sound, in order that it may appear to come from the actor's lips. This is done simply by running a lamp cord from the machine to the screen, where a loudspeaker is attached."

Motion Picture News, 05-January-1924

The use of Technicolor as an extra in feature films was growing. In Cecil B DeMille's Ten Commandments, the Biblical prologue was shot in Technicolor. 

Motion Picture News, 05-January-1924

Paramount announced that its first color film would be an adaption of Zane Grey's novel Wanderer of the Wasteland. 

Film Daily, 10-January-1924

"Do it in Technicolor."

Phyllis Haver 125 -- January 6, 2024

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Actress Phyllis Haver was born 125 years ago today, on 06-January-1899. She started in film as one of Mack Sennett's bathing beauties. Later she starred in short comedies like Buster Keaton's "The Balloonatic." Later she signed with Cecil B DeMille's ,Producers Distributing Corporation. Her most famous feature film was Chicago, the first adaption of the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins. In 1929 she married a millionaire and retired from the film industry.

Motion Picture News, 24-February-1923

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Samuel Goldwyn Allowed Use of Name -- November 26, 2023

Motion Picture News, 03-November-1923

Samuel Goldwyn was born in Warsaw, which was then part of the Russian Empire, in 1879 or 1882. When he came to the US in 1899, he was called Samuel Goldfish. He worked in the glove industry, eventually becoming a successful salesman. In 1913, he joined with Jesse Lasky, Cecil B. DeMille, and Arthur Friend to found the Jesse L Lasky Feature Play Company. In 1916, the Lasky Company merged with Adolph Zukor's Famous Players Film Company to form the Famous Players–Lasky Corporation. Goldfish was chairman of the board, but, later in 1916, he resigned after repeatedly clashing with Adolph Zukor, he resigned. Goldfish joined with brothers Edgar and Archie Selwyn to form Goldwyn Pictures. Goldfish liked the name Goldwyn, so he changed his last name in 1918. In 1924, Goldwyn Pictures merged into the Metro Company. Goldwyn left before the merger and formed Samuel Goldwyn Productions.

The original Goldwyn Company sued to prevent Goldwyn from using his name on the new company. He eventually prevailed in court and went on to a long career as an independent producer.

DeMille Filming Last Biblical Scenes -- July 26, 2023

Motion Picture News, 28-July-1923

Cecil B DeMille's first production called the Ten Commandments was mostly set in the present day, but included a spectacular prologue set during Exodus. Jeanie Macpherson wrote the script. 

Motion Picture News, 14-July-1923

Motion Picture News, 28-July-1923

The Luxurious Bebe Daniels -- July 5, 2023

Photoplay, July, 1923

Bebe Daniels, who had been Harold Lloyd's leading lady in a long series of short films for Hal Roach's Rolin studio, left to work as an ingenue in Cecil B DeMille's movies. Paramount-Artcraft had her star in a series of features that lasted for the rest of the 1920s.

Bull Dog Drummond Will Be Made by Oscar Apfel -- July 25, 2022

Moving Picture World, 22-July-1922

I am a great fan of Sapper's character Bulldog Drummond. I have read some of the books and seen many of the movies. I try to ignore the racism. The first film adaption of the character was Bulldog Drummond, directed by Oscar Apfel and filmed, for some reason, in the Netherlands. Carlyle Blackwell played Drummond. The movie is probably lost.

Oscar Apfel co-directed some of Cecil B DeMille's first movies. 

Roscoe Arbuckle in Brewster's Millions -- January 5, 2021

Motion Picture News, 15-January-1921

100 years ago, Roscoe Arbuckle starred in Paramount's Brewster's Millions. Brewster's Millions was a novel published in 1902 by George Barr McCutcheon (writing as Richard Greaves). In 1906, the popular novel became a popular play. It has been filmed many times. 

Moving Picture World, 24-January-1914

The first adaption was the second movie directed by Cecil B DeMille ("Master Playwright, Director and Author of Numerous Dramatic Successes")  and Oscar Apfel ("Acknowledged Peer of Directors and Genius of Innovators"). It starred Edward Abeles, who had played the lead in the stage production. The Jesse L Lasky Feature Play Company was an ancestor of Paramount. 

The 1921 version was the second adaption. In 1926, Bebe Daniels starred in Miss Brewster's Millions. 

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The first talkie adaption was shot in Britain in 1935. It starred Jack Buchanan. 

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Three on a Spree was another British version released in 1961. 

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In 1945, Alan Dwan directed an American version starring Dennis O'Keefe. . 

There were Hindi, Tamil and Telugu versions made in India in 1954, 1985, 1988 and 1997. There was a Chinese adaption in 2018. 

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In 1985, Walter Hill directed a version starring Richard Pryor. 

William Boyd 125 -- June 5, 2020

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Actor William Boyd was born 125 years ago today, on 05-June-1895.  He played the lead in several Cecil B DeMille movies. People mixed him up with actor William "Stage" Boyd who was arrested for possession of alcohol and drugs. This almost killed his career.

Boyd made a comeback when Paramount cast him as Hopalong Cassidy in a well-made series of westerns. He was the rare cowboy star who wore a black hat.  When television came along, he owned the rights of his movies and also created a television series. 

His fifth and last wife was actress Grace Bradley. 

And Now Stardom -- June 3, 2020

Motion Picture News, 03-June-1920

Bebe Daniels, who had been Harold Lloyd's leading lady in a long series of short films for Hal Roach's Rolin studio, left to work as an ingenue in Cecil B DeMille's movies. Realart had her star in a series of features that lasted for the rest of the 1920s. 

Two Former Slap Stick Artists -- May 11, 2020

Motion Picture News, 08-May-1920

Roscoe Arbuckle finished his series of two reelers for Comique and moved into making features for Paramount.  Bebe Daniels, who had been Harold Lloyd's leading lady in a long series of short films, left to work in Cecil B DeMille's movies.

Harold Lloyd in a Series of Special Two Reel Comedies -- September 17, 2019

Moving Picture World, 27-September-1919

100 years ago last month in August, 1919, Harold Lloyd suffered a terrible accident while posing for publicity pictures. A prop bomb turned out to be real. It took away the thumb and forefinger on his right hand. By September, he was making a remarkable recovery.

"Captain Kidd's Kids" was Harold's last movie with leading lady Bebe Daniels.

Moving Picture World, 13-September-1919

You don't see the phrase "not all cakes and ale" much nowadays.  It comes from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.

Moving Picture World, 13-September-1919

This is a nice portrait of Harold without the glasses.

Moving Picture World, 20-September-1919

This is a nice portrait of Harold with a co-star.

Moving Picture World, 20-September-1919

I don't think Snub Pollard and Mildred Davis made a movie without Harold, but I could be wrong.

Moving Picture World, 20-September-1919

Moving Picture World, 13-September-1919

"Despite Accident, Harold Lloyd Multiples
"Will Be Released Monthly After November 2

"UNHINDERED by the accident which recently befell Harold Lloyd, and which 'will keep him inactive tor a short time, Pathe is going through with plans made during the visit of Charles Pathe to America, to present the Rolin comedian in a series of special two reel comedies. Beginning on November 2, the initial multiple Lloyd feature will be issued and one a month will be released thereafter. Lloyd worked on these comedies for more than two months before the accident in the Rolin studio, and in the Pathe announcement this week is contained the information that he was far enough ahead of schedule to permit of the listing of the new offerings beyond the first of the year.

"Will Issue Two Reelers Monthly.

"The two reel subjects will be issued once a month instead of once a week, as heretofore, because it is impossible for Lloyd to produce comedies of this high class type in less than three weeks, working at top speed.

"Definite information has come from California, that the accident to Lloyd will in no manner impair his ability as a comedian. His injuries are much less serious than were at first expected, and he will be able to resume his screen work in time to round out the schedule of two reel productions planned for him. Hal E. Roach, president of the Rolin Film Company, and director of the Lloyd comedies, wired Paul Brunet, of Pathe Exchange, Inc., last week, to the effect that he was continuing the selection of stories for Lloyd pictures, and that he was in hopes of having the noted young comedian back in the studio in a short time.

"Lloyd will be surrounded by the most competent staff of comedians it is possible for Director General Hal. E. Roach to engage. In his company will be a bevy of beauties which will make the blase "beach bugs" of Long Beach, Cal., sit up and take notice. Mr. Roach who has as large a part in the success of the Lloyd comedies, will continue to direct the two reel subjects.

"In announcing the two reel comedies, Pathe indicates that exhibitors may contract only for six of the features at a time. No yearly contracts will be accepted."

Moving Picture World, 27-September-1919

Harold Lloyd had made two-reelers with Lonesome Luke, but went back to one-reelers with the glasses character to give it more exposure.  "Bumping Into Broadway" was the first two-reeler with the glasses character.

Moving Picture World, 27-September-1919

"His Royal Slyness" was Harold's first movie with his new leading lady, Mildred Davis.

Photoplay, September, 1919

"A Bebe Grown Up."  It is hard to realize that Bebe Daniels was fourteen when she first served as Harold Lloyd's leading lady, and was only 19 when she left to work for Cecil B DeMille.  "A pretty child when we first saw her, she has grown to be a beautiful woman, in the California sunshine and the Lloyd comedies."

Harold Lloyd -- The Perils of Popularity -- July 19, 2019

Moving Picture World, 19-July-1919

100 years ago this month, in July, 1919, Harold Lloyd appears to be distracted in this scene from "At the Old Stage Door." Snub Pollard and leading lady Bebe Daniels appear to be unhappy.

Moving Picture World, 12-July-1919

Because Harold was wearing a top hat, "He is mistaken for the manager and treated royally, but later the deception is discovered, and he is hustled out in the rain."

Moving Picture World, 12-July-1919

Harold is in danger of catching flies.

Moving Picture World, 12-July-1919

Harold helps Bebe take aim in "Billy Blazes, Esq."

Moving Picture World, 05-July-1919

"This is a good burlesque."

Moving Picture World, 12-July-1919

"It is full of rapid, snappy action, and while it is a broad burlesque, still it some of the real thrill of the 'wild and wooly' border story."

Moving Picture World, 19-July-1919

We saw last month that  Bebe Daniels, Harold's leading lady since 1915, had signed to appear in features produced by Cecil B DeMille.

Moving Picture World, 12-July-1919

"She has just completed a comedy series with Harold Lloyd and Harry Pollard."  Only 18 years old, Bebe is rightly described as "ingenue and comedienne."

Join the Order of Money-Makers -- June 23, 2019

Moving Picture World, 07-June-1919

100 years ago this month, in June, 1919, Harold Lloyd and his leading lady Bebe Daniels appeared in an interesting ad, especially in light of Harold's later deep involvement with the Shriners.  Things would soon change for Harold.

Moving Picture World, 07-June-1919

"Pistols for Breakfast" is an interesting title.  "There are some fairly humorous situations in this, but it is hardly up to the average production by this company."  Titles in the form of "Swat the [something]" were very popular.  A quick check finds these: Swat the Fly, Swat the Kaiser, Swat the Flirt, Swat the Spy .

Moving Picture World, 14-June-1919

I thought it was interesting that an Iowa theater owner held a "Harold Lloyd Comedy Week."  I don't remember any earlier references to a proto-film festival like this.

Moving Picture World, 21-June-1919

Harold and a heavily armed Snub in "Swat the Crook."

Moving Picture World, 21-June-1919

"Swat the Crook" was a satire of crime play/movie stereotypes.

Bud Jamison appears in "Off the Trolley." Snub is the motorman and Bebe is the conductor.  "Spring Fever" is said to be "One of the snappiest of recent comedies featuring Harold Lloyd, Harry Pollard and Bebe Daniels."

Moving Picture World, 28-June-1919

"A Live Wire Comedy."  Good one.

Moving Picture World, 28-June-1919

They must have gotten tired releasing one movie a week.

Moving Picture World, 28-June-1919

I like this image with Snub, Harold and Bebe.

Moving Picture World, 21-June-1919

Bebe, Harold's leading lady since 1915, was flying the coop to work with Cecil B DeMille.

Moving Picture World, 28-June-1919

Mildred Harris took the place of Bebe.  Later she married Harold.