Topic: Silent films

[Antares]

I was just curious. Is there anyone here who is a big fan of Silent movies?

While I don't own as many as I would like, it is one of my favorite time periods in film history.

[goodguy]

...it is one of my favorite time periods in film history.

They still make them. I watched this one a while ago: La Antena (Argentina 2007). See DVDTimes review here.

[Rogmeister]

I also enjoy them though I have to be in the mood for them.  Among my silent films are comedies by Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd, silent horror (Nosferatu, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, The Phantom of the Opera) and silent westerns of William S. Hart.  Some artists I have all of one silent film...Mary Pickford (My Best Girl), Douglas Fairbanks (The Thief of Bagdad) and one titled Mickey starring an actress whose name escapes me right now...Mabel Normand, maybe?  Oh yes, I also have It with Clara Bow.  I need to get one out and watch it soon.

[Achim]

I wouldn't call myself a big fan, but I am interested in a few.

When I was young (like, really young) we often had silent comedy on TV, like Harold Lloyd (his box set is still on my wish list, just a bit pricier than I'd like), Charlie Chaplin and the likes.

I am thinking I would like to get Metropolis but worry that it is simply too long to keep me interested throughout.

I will get The General with my next order.

[Jimmy]

I am thinking I would like to get Metropolis but worry that it is simply too long to keep me interested throughout.

This isn't really a problem Achim, I can assure that it's really a great film and it doesn't feel long at all.
Another one that I like is Faust directed by F. W. Murnau, but of course the Germany had made the greatest silent films and I'm sure there are plenty of others jewels hidden in your country.

[addicted2dvd]

While I wouldn't call myself a fan... I am much like Roger where I have to be in the mood to watch them. But I own a small handful of silent movies. Lets see I have...

- The General (1927) [This One is a Lot of Fun!]
- The Golem (1920) [Enjoyed it Quite a Bit!]
- Nosferatu (1922) [Liked it Alot!]
- Intolerance: Love's Struggle Through the Ages (1916) [Yet to Watch]
- Dr Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde (1920) [Yet to Watch]

I think that is all of them in my collection at this time.

[Antares]

I am thinking I would like to get Metropolis but worry that it is simply too long to keep me interested throughout.

I would hold off on that one until the latest restoration is complete. They found some 'lost' footage in Argentina last year and they're going to be adding it back to the film after it's been cleaned up.

[Najemikon]

I've got The General and a Laurel and Hardy, but I also have the Complete Chaplin. I'm very proud of that set. I got it on Ebay, partially sealed, for about £25! 

I must have a marathon of those, it would be epic... 

[Rogmeister]

I used to have a copy of Metropolis but gave it away before I watched it as a prize in my annual Oscar contest.  I may get it again someday but will probably wait for a new edition.  A few others I didn't mention before are Sunrise and a silent live action version of Peter Pan.

[addicted2dvd]

Hey Roger... since I haven't had the chance to go through them all yet... is any of the movie serials you sent me silent?

[Najemikon]

Just turn your volume down if not, Pete...

[Jimmy]

Don't forget Pete...

Silent films had a lot of music in them

[Rogmeister]

Pete, did I ever send you The Perils of Pauline?  They did 2 versions of that...one with Pearl White was silent and there was a later sound version.  I may have sent you a copy of that awhile back (probably not in my most recent package) as I did have an extra copy of the Pearl White one.  Or I may have given it to someone else.  The only other silent serials I have (which I have kept) are a Tarzan serial (plus another that's only part-sound) and a Beatrice Fairfax one which isn't a serial in the way we think of them now.

[addicted2dvd]

Nope Roger... you must have sent Perils of Pauline to someone else... so I guess you sent that one to someone else.

[addicted2dvd]

Don't forget Pete...

Silent films had a lot of music in them

And it don't matter when I turn off the sound!