SILENTS ARE GOLDEN:

The Art and Artists of the Silent Movie Era

When it comes to self-government, the concept of human freedom and the value of the individual, America is sui generis – without peer. This great cauldron of possibilities has also produced countless men and women of breathtaking talent and far-reaching accomplishment. One could argue that the gifts and talents of many – if not most – of these unique individuals could only have found voice in America.

These eight standalone lectures examine the lives and accomplishments of eight individuals who, as the title indicates, can truly be called “American originals.” quickly became a major industry that crisscrossed the globe. Almost overnight, glove makers became moguls; mere mortal scaled the heights of Olympus. During its first three decades, the cinema was voiceless. Nonetheless, many would argue that during its years of silence, the motion picture industry achieved its highest level of artistry and creativity.

hese three stand-alone lectures examine the development of the silent motion picture, paying particular attention to the men who first saw its possibilities and then expanded its horizons. We will get to know such moguls as Zukor, Goldwyn and Meyer, and the silent cinema's two outstanding geniuses, Chaplin and Griffith. Note: Each lecture will require use of a VCR or DVD Player and projected screen.

Lectures (Four):

  1. D.W. Griffith: Father of All Directors: Unquestionably, the greatest of all silent directors, Griffith (1875-1948) wrote, produced and directed films that took the novelty out of the nickelodeon and gave an art form to the world. We will watch parts of such masterpieces as Judith of Bethulia, Broken Blossoms, Birth of a Nation, and Intolerance.

  2. Sir Charles Chaplin: Escaping a harrowing childhood in the slums of Victorian London, Chaplin eventually became the best-known, most beloved person in the world. We will examine this remarkable artist's vision and watch how he created developed and refined the character of “The Tramp,” his greatest achievement

  3. John Barrymore: One of film's greatest actors – and most tragic talents. We will view clips from Barrymore's greatest silent, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

  4. Douglas Fairbanks: “America's Greatest Exponent of the Smile,” Fairbanks (nee Douglas Elton Ulman) was about as popular a star as ever lived. We will view clips from his legendary The Thief of Bagdad.”