Intolerance Opens in Chicago -- December 30, 2016

Motography, 09-December-1916

I thought I should mention DW Griffith's epic Intolerance before the end of the year.  I missed the anniversary of its opening. 

Chicago's Colonial Theater, which had played The Birth of a Nation, hosted the Chicago premiere.  "Mr. Griffith superintended the showing and responded to the demands of the audience with a brief speech.  Under his direction, the theater has been effectively decorated with elaborate Babylonian designs, and further 'atmosphere' is provided by the costuming of the ushers, very pretty girls, who wear garments of the Babylonian, Judean and Medieval French perdiods." 

Mae Marsh and her family were there for the Chicago premiere. 

Wallace Reid 125 -- April 15, 2016

Cine-Mundial, May, 1921

Happy 125th birthday to actor Wallace Reid who was born on 15-April-1891.  He died tragically young on 18-January-1923. 

Everything I have read about him says what a nice guy he was, and I don't think it was just people who were trying not to speak ill of the dead. 

He worked for DW Griffith, having important parts in Birth of a Nation and Intolerance.  He starred in many comedies, including several that involved auto racing. 

He was injured in a train wreck and became addicted to morphine.  This led to his early death. 

I have enjoyed all of his movies that I have seen. 

Motography, 23-October-1915

Photoplay, January, 1921