Silent Films

[McMurphy]

For those of you interested in watching Phantom of the Opera (1925 version), it is no longer protected by copyrights, and is presented for free via both streaming video and optional download on Google video.

[Captain B]

I would say the best silent film I can think of is Metropolis, which I now have on DVD

But I also recall classic Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Laural & Hardy and others of the time all having great timing & skill

[MG1962]

I would vote for the Cabinet Of Dr Calagari, followed by Nosferatu, then Metropolis (And thats comming from someone who own 3 versions of Metropolis

[Simian]

City Lights. Although technically not a silent film (it has a soundtrack) Chaplin's power in Holywood was such that he could still get a film made without dialogue in the era of talkies. My personal favourite.

[Ursa major]

I've been lucky enought to see both City Lights and Modern Times accompanied by a live symphony orchestra.


Wonderful films, both.

[Simian]

Originally Posted by Ursa major

I've been lucky enought to see both City Lights and Modern Times accompanied by a live symphony orchestra.


Wonderful films, both.

I have a hard enough time not crying at the end of City Lights when I'm watching it on TV Ursa, with the full orchestral accompanyment I'd probably be bawling by the time the credits rolled.

[Foxbat]

Just got myself a copy of The Hands Of Orlac. I've haven't seen this yet but it's meant to be a fine example of German Expressionist Cinema.

It's just been released on DVD by Kino for anybody who's interested.

[j. d. worthington]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

Just got myself a copy of The Hands Of Orlac. I've haven't seen this yet but it's meant to be a fine example of German Expressionist Cinema.

It's just been released on DVD by Kino for anybody who's interested.

Thanks for passing on the info about this one; I've long wanted to see this film, which was the basis for Mad Love, with Peter Lorre (as well as a few other films, iirc), but I've not seen it around so far. Now there's a chance, anyway....

[Foxbat]

Originally Posted by j. d. worthington

Thanks for passing on the info about this one; I've long wanted to see this film, which was the basis for Mad Love, with Peter Lorre (as well as a few other films, iirc), but I've not seen it around so far. Now there's a chance, anyway....

Aaahh! I had a quick look at the extras and there is a trailer for Mad Love (which I believe will be coming out on DVD sometime). Now I know why that particular trailer

[j. d. worthington]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

Aaahh! I had a quick look at the extras and there is a trailer for Mad Love (which I believe will be coming out on DVD sometime). Now I know why that particular trailer

If you've not seen it, it's well worth a look. A strange little film, but very impressive in its own way, and Lorre's performance there is quite memorable. It was also one of the handful of films directed by Karl Freund, who was largely known as a cinematographer. (As such, he had one heck of an impressive career, as you can see by the list in the following link

Karl Freund

Chaplin, by the way, after seeing Mad Love is reported to have said that Lorre was "the greatest actor of our time". I'd not go that far, but he certainly wasn't bad....

[Foxbat]

Watched Orlac last night - very good film with a nice twisting plot. The transfer was also pretty good with nothing more than the usual dust scratches showing.

Particular mention has to go to the film score - minimalist and sometimes dischordant but somehow compelling. It sat well with the visuals.

My only gripe was that the ending was just a little too tidy for my liking but, considering it was made when cinema was in its infancy, it's well worth checking out.

[sunnye]

Wow!
I like silent movies too