silent_films

"Shore Leave" is a nice romantic story, included in our program to illustrate the work and contributions of director John S. Robertson, a star of Silent Hall of Fame.

"Bilge" Smith (Richard Barthelmess), a tough sailor, meets Connie Martin (Dorothy Mackaill), a seamstress in a small harbor who has never had a boyfriend.  Connie is instantly smitten.  She invites Smith to dinner, where he dances with her and gives her a kiss.  Connie has a hard time letting him go, and makes him promise that he will come back.

Here are just a few of the reviews for this film:

"The Sealed Room" is a short drama and horror film directed by D.W. Griffith. The film is included in our program to illustrate the work of actor Arthur Johnson and cinematographer Billy Bitzer, stars of Silent Hall of Fame.

Different cites refer to works by either Honoré de Balzac or Edgar Allan Poe or both as the basis for the film's scenario.

"Home, Sweet Home" is a drama directed by D.W. Griffith, featuring Robert Harron and cinematographer Billy Bitzer, stars of Silent Hall of Fame.

In order to appreciate this film the viewers should know that it consists of four independent stories with their own different plots and casts of actors. The four shorts are apparently united by a common theme.

"Hoodoo Ann" is a comedy-drama featuring Robert Harron, a star of Silent Hall of Fame.

Ann (Mae Marsh) is a young girl living in an orphanage who was left there one Friday, the thirteenth.  Whether for this reason, or not, she is shunned by the other girls and disliked by the administrators. She is told during a palm reading that a curse will hang over her until she is married.

"Romance of a Jewess" is a short drama directed by D.W. Griffith, featuring Florence Lawrence, Arthur V. Johnson and cinematographer Billy Bitzer, stars of Silent Hall of Fame.

Florence Lawrence rejects her father's choice for her husband in favor of the man she loves. Her father loses control, kicks her out of his house and banishes her from his sight.  Years later the old man realizes his mistake and wants to make amends, but it is too late.

"Betrayed By A Handprint" is a short drama directed by D.W. Griffith, featuring Florence Lawrence and cinematographer Billy Bitzer, stars of Silent Hall of Fame.

A society woman loses her money at cards and decides to break even by stealing some jewelry.  Unfortunately for her, she is quickly caught after leaving incriminating evidence at the scene of the crime.

"The Wrong Train Order" is a short action film from a serial by the name of "The Hazards of Helen", featuring Helen Gibson, a star of Silent Hall of Fame. This is episode 58 from a total of 119 weekly one reel films produced by Kalem, showing just how popular this serial was in 1914-1917. The first 48 films starred Helen Holmes, the remaining 71 starred Helen Gibson. They both played heroines that were independent and adventurous, resolving dangerous situations with quick thinking. Their acting was very physical and they performed their often very dangerous stunts.

"Ghost of the Canyon" is a short action film, featuring Helen Gibson, a star of Silent Hall of Fame. Scenario and direction are by Robert Myles, story by R.A.Dillion, photographed by Carl Widen.

In 1915-1917 Helen Gibson starred a serial by the name of "The Hazards of Helen".  She is considered the first professional stunt woman.

"A Calamitous Elopement" is a short comedy directed by D.W. Griffith, featuring Robert Harron and cinematographer Billy Bitzer, stars of Silent Hall of Fame.

A very young Robert Harron has a bit part as a bellboy, while D.W. Griffith has a significant role as a policeman in addition to the director's job.

We trust that silent film lovers will not judge harshly the quality of the print. Many early D.W. Griffith films are only available in a paper print format, and we are all very lucky that they have survived the trials of time for us to enjoy.

"Lonely Villa" is a short crime drama directed by D.W. Griffith, featuring cinematographer Billy Bitzer, a star of Silent Hall of Fame.

A group of criminals planning a robbery manages to lure the father of the family out of the house. In his absence they make their move, but the mother and her three daughters barricade themselves behind a solid door.  Suspense builds up as the thieves try to force the door while the mother calls her husband for help.

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