Seven Chances - A 1925 Silent Movie Directed by and Starring Buster Keaton- 59 Minutes

Seven Chances- A 1925 Buster Keaton Film

With time running out, Jimmie embarks on a frantic search for a bride, going through a hilarious list of seven potential candidates. His attempts at wooing them get progressively more chaotic and disastrous, involving everything from runaway buses to unexpected avalanches.

The film culminates in a legendary chase sequence, where Jimmie is pursued by hundreds of marriageable women through the streets.

"Seven Chances" features early Technicolor sequences, making it one of the first silents to utilize color technology

The Cameraman- A 1928 Silent Film Directed by Buster Keaton and Edward Sedgwick- 1 Hour 15 Minutes

 Available on YouTube 

Buster Keaton Films I have posted upon

The Navigator- 1927 - 

The General - 1924

Our Hospitality- 1926

Sherlock, Jr. - 1925

The Cameraman- 1928

Keaton plays a hapless photographer named Buster who falls head-over-heels for Sally, a secretary at the MGM newsreel department. To impress her, he ditches his still photography and tries to become a newsreel cameraman. But let's just say he's not exactly a natural... 

Hilarity ensues as Buster stumbles (literally and figuratively) through a series of mishaps:

He can't seem to operate the bulky newsreel camera without getting tangled in its cords or tripod.

He chases after sensational stories, like a Chinatown gang war, but always manages to miss the action or film the wrong thing.

He even ends up accidentally saving Sally from drowning, only to have another cameraman take credit for the heroic act.

But through it all, Buster's determination and unwavering optimism never falter. He eventually wins Sally's heart, not with his filmmaking skills, but with his genuine kindness and perseverance.

It was Keaton's first film with MGM, and he had a lot of creative control over the project.

The film was shot on location in New York City, which was unusual for silent comedies at the time.

The monkey who plays Buster's sidekick, Josephine, was actually a trained vaudeville performer.

A truly delightful movie, great stunts, charming romantic comedy,a stab at pompous early film directors 

Japanese Girls at the Harbor - 1933- A Japanese Silent Film Directed by Hiroshi Shimizu. It is based on the novel of the same name by Toma Kitabayashi .- 1 Hour 11 minutes..

 Available on YouTube with Captions in several languages 

• The story follows Sunako, a mixed-race teenager living in Yokohama, Japan, in the early 1930s. Sunako attends a Catholic school and navigates the complexities of friendship, love, and betrayal. When a charming playboy named Henry enters their lives, he disrupts the dynamic between Sunako and her best friend, Dora. A passionate, yet short-lived affair with Henry leaves Sunako heartbroken and consumed by jealousy. This emotional turmoil culminates in a tragic act of violence that forever alters the lives of all involved.

Themes: The film explores themes of love, loss, jealousy, redemption, and the societal challenges faced by mixed-race individuals in Japan during that era. Shimizu masterfully utilizes visual storytelling techniques and innovative camerawork to convey the characters' inner turmoil and the emotional weight of their actions.

Critical Acclaim: "Japanese Girls at the Harbor" is considered a masterpiece of Japanese Silent Film.

Cast: The film stars Michiko Oikawa as Sunako, Yumeko Aizome as Dora, and Ken Uehara as Henry.

• Cinematography: The film's cinematography is notable for its use of close-ups, expressive lighting, and dynamic camera movements.

"If you're interested in delving deeper into Shimizu's filmography, here are some recommendations:

Four Seasons of Childhood (1939): A heartwarming collection of four interconnected stories about children, showcasing Shimizu's talent for capturing the magic of childhood.

An Inn of Tokyo (1935): A charming comedy of errors set in a bustling Tokyo inn, offering a slice-of-life look at pre-war urban Japan.

The Loyal Wife (1953): A historical drama based on a kabuki play, showcasing Shimizu's ability to adapt traditional stories for the screen." From Bard

Cabiria is a 1914 Italian silent epic historical film directed by Giovanni Pastrone and starring Lidia Quaranta, Umberto Mozzato, and Bartolomeo Pagano.

available on YouTube In a beautifully restored version with English Captions as well as a score
 

Cabiria is a 1914 Italian silent epic historical film directed by Giovanni Pastrone and starring Lidia Quaranta, Umberto Mozzato, and Bartolomeo Pagano. It is considered one of the most important films of the silent era and is still widely admired today for its innovative special effects, lavish sets, and epic storytelling.

The film tells the story of a young girl named Cabiria, who is kidnapped and sold into slavery. She endures many hardships, including being nearly sacrificed in a temple, but she is eventually rescued by a Roman soldier. The film follows Cabiria's adventures as she travels across Italy and North Africa, witnessing some of the most famous events of the Second Punic War.

Cabiria was a huge commercial success, and it helped to establish Italy as a major force in the film industry. It was also critically acclaimed, and it won numerous awards, including the first Grand Prize at the Milan International Exposition.

The film is still considered to be a masterpiece of silent cinema, and it is included in the Vatican Film Library's list of the 45 most important films in history.

Here are some of the things that make Cabiria such an important film:

• It was one of the first films to use special effects on a large scale. The film's most famous special effect is the eruption of Mount Etna, which was created using a combination of models, pyrotechnics, and rear projection.

• The film was shot on location in Italy and Tunisia, which gave it a sense of realism that was unprecedented at the time.

• The film features some of the most impressive sets ever built for a silent film. The sets were so large and detailed that they could be mistaken for real locations.

• The film's story is epic and moving, and it features some of the most memorable characters in silent cinema.

Here are some of the awards that Cabiria won:

• Grand Prize at the Milan International Exposition (1914)

• Golden Medal at the San Francisco International Exposition (1915)

• Best Foreign Film at the National Board of Review Awards (1916)

City Girl is a 1930 American silent film directed by F. W. Murnau, and starring Charles Farrell and Mary Duncan. It is based upon the play "The Mud Turtle" by Elliot Lester. Though shot as a silent feature, the film was refitted with some sound elements and released in 1930

 Available on YouTube 

Edit City Girl is a 1930 American silent film directed by F. W. Murnau, and starring Charles Farrell and Mary Duncan. It is based upon the play "The Mud Turtle" by Elliot Lester. Though shot as a silent feature, the film was refitted with some sound elements and released in 1930.

F.W. Murnau, (born December 28, 1889, Bielefeld, Germany)

Moved to California in 1926 - he made three silent films for Fox Studios before forming his own company 

—died March 11, 1931, Hollywood, California, - from injuries in an Automobile accident 

City Girl was shot on location in Athena and Pendleton, Oregon, and was Murnau's third and final Hollywood production. It was released shortly after the introduction of sound films, and was quickly shelved. As a result, the film is relatively unknown today.

However, City Girl is a beautiful and moving film that deserves to be rediscovered. It is a simple story, but it is told with great skill and sensitivity. The film's performances are excellent, and Murnau's direction is masterful.

The acting is emotional and effective, and the cinematography is breathtaking. In spite of the exceptionality of the film, it wasn't a success at the time of its release. However, that can likely be explained by the fact that the version we are seeing today is as director F.W. Murnau intended - a gloriously beautiful silent narrative. Unfortunately, what the audiences saw in 1930 was a bastardized version that had talkie sequences added and comedy inserted -- all after Murnau refused to make any changes to his silent creation. 

There is an excellent plot summary on the link below 

https://www.silentsaregolden.com/featurefolder10/citygirlcommentary.html

Films by German directors are an important part of post World War One German Culture, from the groundbreaking silent classics of the Weimar Republic to the movies of Leni Reisenthal in celebration of Nazi rule, beloved by Goebels, to modern Oscar winners, I am pleased to see German Literature Month XIII now welcomes posts on Films by German Directors

This is a post for German Literature Month XIII 2023 November 1 to December 7

German Literature Month is hosted by Lizzy’s Literary Life

https://lizzysiddal2.wordpress.com/2023/09/22/announcing-german-literature-month-xiii/

 

Die Augen der Mumie Ma (English: The Eyes of the Mummy or The Eyes of the Mummy Ma) is a 1918 German silent film directed by Ernst Lubitsch. The film stars Pola Negri as Ma, Emil Jannings as Radu, and Harry Liedtke as Wendland

 Available on YouTube 

Die Augen der Mumie Ma (English: The Eyes of the Mummy or The Eyes of the Mummy Ma) is a 1918 German silent film directed by Ernst Lubitsch. The film stars Pola Negri as Ma, Emil Jannings as Radu, and Harry Liedtke as Wendland

Run Time 58 Minutes 

Ernst Lubitsch 

Born: January 29, 1892, Berlin, Germany - produces 65 silent films before moving to America

1922 Moves to Hollywood- Warner Pictures Signed him to a three year six picture contract

Died: November 30, 1947, Los Angeles, California, United States

Lubitsch directed two of my favourite movies, Ninotchka and To Be or Not to Be.

I am currently reading a very informative biography,  Ernst Lubitsch : Laughter in Paradise by Scott Eyman 

Here is his assessment of today's movie:

"The Eyes of the Mummy Ma is Lubitsch’s stab at the Far Eastern exotica that would pay rich dividends for Fritz Lang and Joe May, but it lacks their hysterical panache; Ernst plays the silly plot for romance rather than thrills. There are some good touches—a lantern that careens wildly during a fight, fitfully illuminating the struggle; a subtle tracking shot as Emil Jannings exerts his hypnotic power over Pola Negri—but there are just as many odd absurdities: Negri awkwardly struggling to haul herself on to a horse, Harry Liedtke struggling to lift Negri and almost failing. Ernst’s staging and blocking lack the fluidity of the comedies that had been animated by his own vigorous sense of humor or the presence of Ossi Oswalda."

The film is about a young painter named Wendland (Liedtke) who travels to Egypt, where he is haunted by the ghost of a beautiful Egyptian princess named Ma (Negri). 

The film is a visually stunning and atmospheric work that is considered to be one of Lubitsch's best films. It is also one of the earliest and most influential horror films. The film's use of lighting, shadow, and camera angles is masterful, and the performances are all excellent. Negri is particularly good as Ma, and she is able to convey both the character's beauty and her sadness.

The film was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its originality, its style, and its performances. The film has also been praised for its feminist themes. Ma is a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself. She is also a victim of male violence, and the film can be seen as a critique of patriarchal society.

Films by German directors are an important part of post World War One German Culture, from the groundbreaking silent classics of the Weimar Republic to the movies of Leni Reisenthal in celebration of Nazi rule, beloved by Goebels, to modern Oscar winners, I am pleased to see German Literature Month XIII now welcomes posts on Films by German Directors

This is a post for German Literature Month XIII 2023 November 1 to December 7

German Literature Month is hosted by Lizzy’s Literary Life

https://lizzysiddal2.wordpress.com/2023/09/22/announcing-german-literature-month-xiii/

 

Faust- A 1926 Silent Film Directed by F. W. Murnau- 1 Hour 46 minutes

 Available on YouTube In 4 k Restoration with a soundtrack 

Roger Ebert's remarks on Faust

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-faust-1926

"Silent films like this deal more in broad concepts than in the subtleties of personality. Like Greek myth and comic books, they present characters clearly defined by their strengths and weaknesses. There's no small talk. Ekman creates an elderly Faust in anguish over his inability to cure plague victims and too proud to admit defeat. The young Faust is led astray by the stirrings in his loins, and the function of Gretchen, I am afraid, is to be the innocent victim of his lust; she wanders through a blizzard with her innocent infant and burns at the stake, all because of her love for the unworthy Faust"  Roger Ebert. 

Faust is an adaptation of the Faust legend, based primarily on the play Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. 

The film stars Gösta Ekman as Faust, an aging alchemist who sells his soul to the devil Mephistopheles (Emil Jannings) in exchange for youth, love, and knowledge. Camilla Horn plays Gretchen, a young woman who is seduced and abandoned by 

Faust is a 1926 German silent fantasy film directed by F. W. Murnau. It is an adaptation of the Faust legend, based primarily on the play Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

The film stars Gösta Ekman as Faust, an aging alchemist who sells his soul to the devil Mephistopheles (Emil Jannings) in exchange for youth, love, and knowledge. Camilla Horn plays Gretchen, a young woman who is seduced and abandoned by Faust 

Faust was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It is now considered one of the greatest films of all time, and is praised for its innovative use of special effects, its Expressionist style, and its powerful performances. 

Here are some of the reasons why Faust is considered such a great film:

Its innovative use of special effects. Murnau was a pioneer in the use of special effects, and he used them to create some of the most stunning visuals in cinema history. For example, he used double exposure to create the illusion of Faust flying through the air, and he used miniatures to create the illusion of a giant city

Its Expressionist style. Expressionism was a German art movement that was characterized by its use of distorted shapes, exaggerated features, and bold colors. Murnau used Expressionist techniques to create a visually stunning and emotionally charged film

Its powerful performances. The film features some of the best performances of the silent era. Gösta Ekman is heartbreaking as the tortured Faust, and Emil Jannings is chilling as the devilish Mephistopheles

F. W. Murnau 

Born December 28, 1888

Moved to California in 1926 - he made three silent films for Fox Studios before forming his own company 

—died March 11, 1931, Hollywood, California, - from injuries in an Automobile accident 

His most famous film is Nosferatu, which was featured earlier this month.

Films by German directors are an important part of post World War One German Culture, from the groundbreaking silent classics of the Weimar Republic to the movies of Leni Reisenthal in celebration of Nazi rule, beloved by Goebels, to modern Oscar winners, I am pleased to see German Literature Month XIII now welcomes posts on Films by German Directors

This is a post for German Literature Month XIII 

German Literature Month is hosted by Lizzy’s Literary Life

https://lizzysiddal2.wordpress.com/2023/09/22/announcing-german-literature-month-xiii/

The Last Laugh (German: Der letzte Mann,) is a 1924 German silent film directed by German director F. W. Murnau from a screenplay written by Carl Mayer. The film stars Emil Jannings and Maly Delschaft.

 

A very informative presentation on the early films of F. W. Murnau 

In each of my posts each  posts, hopefully ten, on F. W. Murnau I plan to share a documentary I found edifying 

A Post in Participation in German Literature Month XIII- November 2023

F.W. Murnau, (born December 28, 1889, Bielefeld, Germany

Moved to California in 1926 - he made three silent films for Fox Studios before forming his own company 

—died March 11, 1931, Hollywood, California, - from injuries in an Automobile accident 

His most famous film is Nosferatu, which was featured earlier this month.

Films by German directors are an important part of post World War One German Culture, from the groundbreaking silent classics of the Weimar Republic to the movies of Leni Reisenthal in celebration of Nazi rule, beloved by Goebels, to modern Oscar winners, I am pleased to see German Literature Month XIII now welcomes posts on Films by German Directors

German Literature Month is hosted by Lizzy’s Literary Life

https://lizzysiddal2.wordpress.com/2023/09/22/announcing-german-literature-month-xiii/

The Last Laugh is a poignant story of an aging hotel doorman who is demoted to a lowly lavatory attendant. The film stars Emil Jannings, who gives a masterful performance as the proud doorman who is stripped of his identity and dignity when he is forced to take on a menial job. 

Murnau's innovative use of cinematography and editing helps to convey the doorman's emotional turmoil. The film's use of shadows and close-ups create a sense of isolation and despair, while the rapid editing of scenes reflects the doorman's frantic attempts to maintain his composure. 

Despite its somber tone, The Last Laugh is ultimately a hopeful film. The doorman's resilience and compassion shine through, even in his darkest moments. And the film's ending, while somewhat ambiguous, suggests that there is always the possibility of redemption.

The Last Laugh is a classic of silent cinema and a must-see for anyone interested in the history of film

Mel u

The Hunchback of Norte Dame - A 1923 Silent Film - Starring Lon Chaney and Patsy Miller- Run Time One Hour 57 minutes

On YouTube 

https://youtu.be/mSUWMX5-K3U

This is part of my Participation in Paris in July 2023 Hosted by Words and Peace

https://wordsandpeace.com/2023/06/30/paris-in-july-2023/

Set in 15th-century Paris, Jehan (Brandon Hurst), the evil brother of the archdeacon, lusts after a Gypsy named Esmeralda (Patsy Ruth Miller) and commands the hunchback Quasimodo (Lon Chaney) to capture her. Military captain Phoebus (Norman Kerry) also loves Esmeralda and rescues her, but the Gypsy is not unsympathetic to Quasimodo's condition, and an unlikely bond forms between them. After vengeful Jehan frames Esmeralda for the attempted murder of Phoebus, Quasimodo's feelings are put to the test.

Quasimodo is initially repulsed by Esmeralda's beauty, but he soon comes to care for her. When Esmeralda is framed for the attempted murder of Phoebus, a captain of the guard, Quasimodo risks his own life to save her. In the end, Quasimodo is rewarded for his kindness and courage, and he finds acceptance and love among the people of Paris.

The 1923 film The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a classic of silent cinema. Lon Chaney's performance as Quasimodo is one of the most memorable in film history, and the film's sets and costumes are lavish and impressive. The film is a powerful and moving adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel, and it remains a popular and critically acclaimed film today.

The scenes in the streets of Paris among the extreme poor are very striking.  The make up for Lon Chaney took two hours to apply . The film strongly portrays the extreme contrast of the lives of the common people to those at court,  Patsy Ruth Miller's dancing is very sensuous,

The  movie was a big success for Universal Studios. They reconstructed Norte Dame Cathedral on their lot in great detail.  There are explanations of the action to help the audience follow.

In July of 2011 I posted on the novel for Paris in July 2011:

Victor Hugo (1802-1885-France-you can read more about him here) created in The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, characters known by millions world wide who have never heard of his novel.   

Quasimodo has rung the bells of Norte-Dame Cathedral millions of times in Saturday morning cartoons and old movies on TV.    The Gypsy girl he loves, Esmeralda, is a stock Disney character now.  His work has influenced countless novelists from Charles Dickens and Fyodor Dostoevsky on down.     He is buried in the Pantheon in Paris in a crypt shared by Emile Zola and Alexander Dumas.    Two million people lined the streets of Paris for his funeral possession.    He is among the towering giants of world literature.

Esmerelda

The Hunch Back of Notre-Dame probably violates many rules taught in creative writing classes around the world today.    Hugo loves to  stop the flow of the narrative and talk about something that he thinks his readers should know about.     He is very much given to the use of the "Dear reader" device to move the plot along.     His characters seem a little one dimensional (with one or two exceptions) and he does more or less force the reader into sentimental emotional attitudes by telling us what to feel.    All that being said, it is a great novel loved by millions, including me now.    

I offer my great thanks to Emma of Words and Peace for hosting Paris in July 2023. I was provided with the motivation to discover 24 films set in Paris.

I guess this will be my final movie post. I plan to do an overall post.

Mel Ulm