Tweet Please Recommend a Silent Movie for Beginners

What is your favorite silent movie?

I will soon be giving a speech to a large class wanting to know about silent movies and their relevance to today. Please help me with this informal survey of NitrateVille.com readers, which I'll share in the presentation. Tell me:

1. The title of one silent movie you've seen at least 10 times
2. Briefly detail what has repeatedly attracted you to this particular movie
3. Explain why you would recommend that silent movie to someone inexperienced with watching films from the silent era

Thank you in advance for your replies. (I hope we can get at least 100 replies in order to claim a fair and random sampling of current silent movie viewers.) - David W. Menefee, author of the new Mary Pickford book Sweet Memories

Well I think a comedy is an easier sell to newbies. I'd go with Safety Last.

The film is a solid comedy but what really makes it special is the "thrill" aspect of Harold Lloyd climbing a tall building as a "human fly."

Anyone I've ever shown this film too has responded to the "thrill" aspects, and figuring out how it was done generates a lot of discussion especially after a brief bio of Lloyd reveals the injury to his hand.

Lloyd is an icon of the silent era, and his name and face may still be recognized by students. Bottom line is that Safety Last is a solid entertainment and a great film.

This post will include spoilers.
1. The Gold Rush by Charlie Chaplin (note: I am referring to the original 1925-version, now available in a superb Bluray/DVD-edition from Criterion; I've watched Chaplin's later, narrated version more than 10 times as well, but would, like most, much rather recommend the silent version)
2. Chaplin is Chaplin; a hero to me since childhood. But one thing that makes this film so special, is that I find it to have a little bit of everything. The comedy sequences alone make it a great film; Charlie frying his boot as Thanksgiving dinner (pay attention to his mannerisms; marvelous!), or turning into a chicken to his hallucinating friend, or the cabin on the cliff; and, of course, the smaller comedic moments which Chaplin's films are so full of, such as when he picks up a cigarette butt even after having become a millionaire. Then there's the setting of the film; shot partly on location in Klondike, The Gold Rush is more of an "adventure" than what was typical for Chaplin. There is also a quite poetic undercurrent to be found in the film, both in Charlie's romantic attitude overall as well as some of his antics, such as when he performs the immortal "dance of the rolls." Also, his leading lady Georgia, though not all that sympathetic (in my eyes, anyway) comes off as remarkably complex for a silent comedy. Her motivations are sometimes rather unclear to the viewer, which makes her interesting as a character.
3. It's one of the greatest comedies ever made, and also one of the greatest silents, irrelevant of genre, made by argbuably (all right, quite definitely...) the greatest icon of silent films.

I realize this didn't turn out all that brief, but I do hope it is of some help!

I'd go with comedy as well and recommend Buster Keaton. His short ONE WEEK is easy to watch, funny, full of great gags and a 'surprise' ending. For a feature film THE GENERAL gets my vote. It's more than a comedy really; tells a great historical story with a bit of drama and comedy, some pathos, good acting, great stunts, trains and a memorable finale.

Good luck with your class!

David Memefee,

Sticking with Harold Lloyd. I'd recommend THE FRESHMAN or GIRL SHY. But both are out of print in America on DVD at the present time. So is SAFETY LAST and WHY WORRY? among others. For Chaplin I'd recommend CITY LIGHTS or THE KID. But those are out of print right now too. Buster Kreaton go with SEVEN CHANCES. THE GENERAL will bore your audience to death. SEVEN CHANCES (1925) or some Keaton shots like THE SCARECROW, THE PLAYHOUSE, THE HIGH SIGN, NEIGHBORS, MY WIFE'S RELATIONS, PALEFACE. These are all delightful introductions. For my money, KIKI (1926) with Norma Talmadge and Ronald Coleman, is one of the funniest films ever made! Speaking of Funny, I would suggest TWO ARABIAN KNIGHTS (1927), but it is not on DVD yet.

My favorite movie not just Silent film is King Vidor's THE BIG PARADE (1925), but it is not on DVD. Same with BEAU GESTE (1926) and THE CROWD (1928). What about PETER PAN (1924)? Here is an idea, show them the Chariot race in the 1925 BEN HUR. Another film that is available in a great presentation from Paramount, finally released earlier this year is WINGS (1927). De Mille's THE KING OF KINGS is amazing, but you have to know what version you are getting. Want to blow your students minds? Try Raymond Bernard's THE CHESS PLAYER (1926). It is on DVD from Milestone. Or how about F. W. Murnau's Masterpiece FAUST? A fun screwball comedy that will draw them in is A LADY OF CHANCE (1928). Available from Warner Archive. As are many other terrific Silents such as Barrymore's DON JUAN (1926).

Just getting started here.

At least 10 times is a pretty high threshold. Many favorites I could, happily, watch 10 times, but for the cruel fact of life that I'll be past tense before I can make time to watch so many other great pictures the first time.

"Beginners" implies young people, and for them, suggestions like The General & Chaplin do seem most appropriate; for "beginners" possessing some degree of maturity & sophistocation, however, I'm not so sure.

Girl Shy and The Gold Rush are also good picks.

Show People is both a fun and entertaining film that can be enjoyed on its own merits (in my opinion, anyway) and an insight into Hollywood just before the end of the silent era.

Sherlock Jr. It is my absolute favorite film; not only is it funny, but it's immensely creative and surreal. The special effects are amazing; I never fail to gasp during each viewing. It's an ideal introduction to silent film because it's fast-paced (the run-time is 44 minutes), clever, sports great stunts from Keaton, and proves that a film doesn't need CGI for its special effects to be impressive.

Any of the comedy greats can't lose with beginners. Especially with your background of Pickford knowledge, I'd suggest either The Gold Rush or The Circus. (The Kid works well with uninitiated too, if you need something a little shorter.) You could talk about Pickford and Fairbanks and their backgrounds then easily segue to Chaplin and UA to give the audience a feel for the ambiance of the era and a context for the chosen film.

Sherlock Jr. It is my absolute favorite film; not only is it funny, but it's immensely creative and surreal. The special effects are amazing; I never fail to gasp during each viewing. It's an ideal introduction to silent film because it's fast-paced (the run-time is 44 minutes), clever, sports great stunts from Keaton, and proves that a film doesn't need CGI for its special effects to be impressive.

I've watched this over ten times (we play music for it, and it's in some demand) and I find it entertaining to all modern audiences, no matter if they've seen silent films before or not.

I love Sherlock, Jr. and agree it's a great, surreal film to show to younger people. However, I think I love Steamboat Bill, Jr. even more. It may be a personal thing, but I think between the Father/Son conflict with Buster and Ernest Torrence and the outlandish other-worldly storm/flood ending, it kind of feels like Buster's most personal film to me. I don't think I've seen either film 10 times, but I would love to.

I love Fairbanks' THE MARK OF ZORRO, and it's always scored with audiences when I've seen it in public. It has humor, great action, and an involving story.

I failed to mention the Josef Von Sternberg Silents. UNDERWORLD, THE LAST COMMAND, and THE DOCKS OF NEW YORK. All on DVD in gorgeous prints from Criterion. Three of the better American films of the late Silent Era. I would recommend John Ford's FOUR SONS, if the Fox DVD had the original Movie-tone track. It doesn't. To me Frank Bozage's SEVENTH HEAVEN and STREET ANGEL are about as good as it gets.

If you dare to show THE GENERAL be sure you run it with the Carl Davis, Robert Israel or Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra scores. There are many inferior prints and scored version out there.

EVERYONE HAS GREAT SUGGESTIONS, BUT WHAT IF THESE DARN KIDS
FIND THE KID BROTHER OR STEAMBOAT BILL JR TOO RURAL,
OR CHAPLIN TOO SENTIMENTAL OR SET-BOUND, OR SHERLOCK JR - WITH
ITS MISSING SCENES-TOO HERKY-JERKY , OR THE UNKNOWN TOO CREEPY?

WOULD THEY ENJOY THE PRE-SWASHBUCKLED DOUG,
THE CHARLIES BOWERS AND CHASE,
FELIX CAT AND KOKO CLOWN????
IF THEY SEEK THE "RELEVANT", NO. IF THEY SEEK THE GOOD, YES.

1. The title of one silent movie you've seen at least 10 times
2. Briefly detail what has repeatedly attracted you to this particular movie
3. Explain why you would recommend that silent movie to someone inexperienced with watching films from the silent era

ASSUMING THE SUGGESTED FILMS ARE TO BE SCREENED IN CLASS
(LIKELY, AT GUNPOINT), SHOW THEM
1. BUSTER KEATON's THE GOAT
2. IT'S SHORT, ACROBATIC, UNEXPECTEDLY DARK HUMORED
3. SEE #2

Sherlock Jr. It is my absolute favorite film; not only is it funny, but it's immensely creative and surreal. The special effects are amazing; I never fail to gasp during each viewing. It's an ideal introduction to silent film because it's fast-paced (the run-time is 44 minutes), clever, sports great stunts from Keaton, and proves that a film doesn't need CGI for its special effects to be impressive.

I've watched this over ten times (we play music for it, and it's in some demand) and I find it entertaining to all modern audiences, no matter if they've seen silent films before or not.

Ditto Sherlock Jr. for comedy, for all the reasons listed. For drama I would recommend Murnau's City Girl. It's his most accessible and will appeal better to modern audiences than Sunrise because of its naturalistic tone. The silent version which was shot in 1928-'29 hasn't dated one bit.

The Patsy (1928) cause it's really hilarious,
It (1927) cause it's culturally important and Clara Bow is really good in it
Flesh and the Devil (1926) I haven't seen this one in a few years but I still loved it.
Sadie Thompson (1928) It has to be seen to be believed, it's so good.

I really liked Uncle Tom's Cabin (1927) because of the thrill aspects, but they might not understand the racial idiosyncrisies, like why are white people playing black people.

I love Fairbanks' THE MARK OF ZORRO, and it's always scored with audiences when I've seen it in public. It has humor, great action, and an involving story.

I've seen this more than 10 times, including a Dennis James-at-the-organ showing just a couple of months ago. I agree, if you want to start someone on something other than, or along with, comedy, this one has it all. HOWEVER, I also agree with dredm that "Safety Last" is the way to begin. It's the film that got me into silents first. I ran a film festival in 1969 at a University and this one blew me away. It also made silent film fans out of several others in attendance. We also watched several short films of Lloyd that day, mostly "Lonesome Luke" films with Bebe Daniels as co-star. They went over well, too. I also recommend "Seven Chances" with Buster Keaton. So many classic scenes in that one. His short film, "Cops", is also easy to appreciate. Total surreal nonsense. But I also think you have to show some kind of Chaplin short to beginners to let them see great quality in early shows to allow them a sense of how it was in the beginning that got us to where we are now. And just after that: "A Trip to the Moon", totally restored with original tints. That really excites the first time viewers of silents! After they've been broken in - no matter what you think of the PCness of the piece - all should see "Birth of a Nation". It's the granddaddy of American feature film making. Let's not hide it in the closet. Make something out of it, whether it's a controvery or a fact showing exhibition of what went over with American audiences in 1915 - or not...

I concur with many of the above suggestions. You can't go wrong with SAFETY LAST, GIRL SHY, THE KID, STEAMBOAT BILL JR., SHERLOCK JR., CITY LIGHTS or THE KID. PETER PAN is another great suggestion.
For drama I would also consider Fritz Lang's SPIONE (SPIES), which is readily available on DVD from Kino. It is almost as fast-paced and full of sensations as the films your audience are used to, while still retaining that delicious feeling of otherness that a good silent gives you.

You don't have to start with features......You could start - as I did - with Mutual-era Chaplins. They're comedies, and great comedies, but still topical in many ways; that could be the way in to capturing their imagination; their current relevance.

Easy Street - hilarious, but dealing with alcoholism, extreme poverty, slum life and drug abuse, for starters.

The Cure. Still my favourite - and set in a rehab clinic.

And The Immigrant - again an all-time great comedy, yet dealing with the immigrant experience, poverty, hunger, gambling and crime. You could then point out that Chaplin wrote and directed the lot in just over 6 months......

What is your favorite silent movie?

I will soon be giving a speech to a large class wanting to know about silent movies and their relevance to today. Please help me with this informal survey of NitrateVille.com readers, which I'll share in the presentation. Tell me:

1. The title of one silent movie you've seen at least 10 times
2. Briefly detail what has repeatedly attracted you to this particular movie
3. Explain why you would recommend that silent movie to someone inexperienced with watching films from the silent era

Thank you in advance for your replies. (I hope we can get at least 100 replies in order to claim a fair and random sampling of current silent movie viewers.) - David W. Menefee, author of the new Mary Pickford book Sweet Memories

Since I'm no fan of Silent Comedy, my first suggestion would be Alfred Hitchcock's "The Manxman" which I often share with others who don't understand Silent film. It has a really interesting story told in a way that is sure to captivate even the most reluctant viewers.

That short explaination answers all your questions. I can think of others, but this film would always be my first choice.

Give 'em something with some story attached. It's quite possible that if they've seen ANY silent material in the past, it'll be slapstick. So, stay away from it. Some Garbo, perhaps...

FLESH AND THE DEVIL

A WOMAN OF AFFAIRS

...either of those would be cool.

The Shock with Lon Chaney.

Silent comedy is the way to go, and Harold Lloyd's Jazz Age character tends to play better today than Chaplin's Victorian character. When I had the opportunity to expose a middle school class to silent films, with only a four-week window, I loaded it up with classic shorts, and made sure those kids got to see ONE WEEK, NEVER WEAKEN, PUTTING PANTS ON PHILLIP, and WIGGLE YOUR EARS among others. They were engaged in the stylistic differences of each comedian, and some of them, I'm sure, pursued their new interest afterward. Interestingly, Langdon (ALL NIGHT LONG) was preferred by the class over Chaplin (THE IMMIGRANT).

Oh; another great short is Snub Pollard's SOLD AT AUCTION, one of my personal favorites.

By coincidence, I've just come across the course notes for the unit which, as an undergraduate, converted me to a silent film fanatic. Unfortunately I don't have the exact list of films we watched, but I can recall most of them. It is not a very adventurous list, but as I say, it did the trick for me.

The Student of Prague
The Cabinet of Dr Caligari
Birth of a Nation
Several Chaplin shorts (I recall The Immigrant and The Cure; there was at least one other from the same era)
Sherlock Jr
Metropolis
Pandora's Box
Limelight

I always look back with admiration on the way we were introduced to Birth of a Nation. We were instructed not to read or study anything about the film until viewing it. It was a very clever way to ensure that our moral misgivings didn't interfere with our ability to study Griffith's film technique objectively.

Just show them something they can sit back and enjoy. A bit of a story. Nothing that draws attention to itself by saying - "Look at me, I'm a silent film but I'm wonderful" .

I love Sherlock, Jr. and agree it's a great, surreal film to show to younger people. However, I think I love Steamboat Bill, Jr. even more. It may be a personal thing, but I think between the Father/Son conflict with Buster and Ernest Torrence and the outlandish other-worldly storm/flood ending, it kind of feels like Buster's most personal film to me. I don't think I've seen either film 10 times, but I would love to.

Ooh, that's a really good one! Both the father-son relationship and climactic hurricane are amazing! Either Sherlock Jr. or this are definitely great intros to silent film.

If you're trying to win new fans, I agree with a previous post advising to stay away from comedy, or at least slapstick. It's easy to get an audience to laugh at a silent film, any silent film. So based on the 10x qualification, let me offer a minority suggestion - TEMPEST (1928) with John Barrymore. I once owned an 8mm Silents Please version from Blackhawk and was blown away by its pictorial beauty. Later I acquired a 16mm print of the full-length film and ran it with live piano accompaniment. These days I have the Kino dvd. So I've seen it more like 50 times over the years.

So why choose TEMPEST as an intro to silents:
1.) it's light-hearted and funny in the beginning so we can get the audience need to laugh out of the way.
2.) the acting is underplayed for the most part - not important in comedy but crucial in drama.
3.) the story is appealing and all the characters get their come uppence at the end, very satisfying conclusion.
4.) the visual really tell the story and viewers pick up on this quickly.
5.) at the end, ask the question, "Would spoken dialogue make this a better film?" I think you'll find a consensus around "No." (hopefully not because the audience feels it's so bad nothing could help it)

Silent movie for beginners I would have to go with the Chaplin films mentioned. I'd also add these sublime movies- One AM , The Rink and The Floorwalker.

For great storytelling I'd go with the master, DW Griffith. Try his shorter films. Unseen Enemy or A Timely Interception.

I guess it would really depend on the age level of the class-for wow factor-Metropolis has some stunning visuals-and when you find out how those effects were accomplished in the days before CGI-it really is amazing!