“Silent Film” is a term used to describe movies that have no recorded sound. Films were silent when they first came about in the early 1890s. Recorded sound existed at this point, but the technology could not serve a whole theatre. The Technology for recorded… Read More »What is Silent Film?
It’s surprising that a comedian known for his verbal dexterity and deadpan delivery says his heroes as silent film stars. But, Paul Merton’s love and passion for early cinema are legendary. He comes across as someone who’s both knowledgeable and passionate. Again, it feels strange… Read More »Paul Merton’s Weird and Wonderful World of Early Cinema
The 1st of June marks Marilyn Monroe’s Birthday. The tragic star appeared in 29 films and won 10 awards over the span of her career. She died in 1962, aged just 36. She’s immortalised today as an iconic face of the 1950s, and as a… Read More »9 Facts You Should Know About Marilyn Monroe
For many, Charlie Chaplin is one of the most iconic faces in Silent Cinema. His iconic costume and classic slapstick approach have made his legacy endure. Chaplin is a gateway into silent comedy. His stories are easy to follow, funny and engaging. If you’re looking… Read More »Charlie Chaplin for Beginners: 4 Films to Get You Started
In the early years of the 1900s, the film industry was picking up. Films were being churned out at an extremely high rate. They were cheaply made and lasted around a few minutes. Most were depicting real-life situations (“Actualities”) or single-scene sketches. This early filmmaking… Read More »Le Voyage Dans La Lune (1902) Film Review: A Whimsical Flight of Fantasy
Jaunty piano music, stunning costumes, and a distinct lack of health and safety – Silent films has it all. There are thousands of silent movies out there, ready to be watched. But where do you start? What are the best silent movies for beginners? Silent… Read More »5 Silent Movies For Beginners
One cold wintery Saturday in 1895, a group of people queued up at The Grand Cafe in Paris. They paid one franc to descend into the basement. There, was a collection of seats in a row and a large sheet. A Projector stood in front… Read More »The Lumiere Brothers: Inventors Extraordinaire
The crowd cheers. Roses are thrown. Bows are taken. That’s how Music Hall actors hope to end a night. Music Hall in the late 1800s was a hugely popular pastime for the working classes. Shows consisted of singers, circus acts, comedians, actors, and anything that can entertain. It was… Read More »Music Hall – Film’s meaner, older brother