Silent movies and early sound films rank as some of the most entertaining, fascinating, and historically important cultural artifacts ever produced. Unfortunately, 50% of all movies made before the ‘50s no longer exist. 80 to 90% of all silent movies made have now been lost, and many more are in danger of deteriorating to dust, catching on fire, or turning to goo.
Though there has been a resurgence of interest in silent films which began in the mid-to-late ‘60s, silent films are, in the digital age, once again in danger of disappearing into the mists of time. A generation is now growing up with little knowledge of, or appreciation for, the history of film. It's easy to care nothing for something one has had no exposure to; silent films are rarely seen (as intended) on a big theatre screen, although some major film studios - particularly Warner Bros. - are showing initiative in releasing (and thus preserving) many of their classic films on DVD.
It is essential that a new generation of film lovers have the opportunity to own copies of, and conveniently view the ‘20s and ‘30s films of such delightful actors as Greta Garbo, Jack Benny, Will Rogers, Joan Crawford, Norma Shearer, Harold Lloyd, Joe E. Brown, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Barbara Stanwyck, Marion Davies, Constance Bennett, Bebe Daniels, Douglas Fairbanks Sr., Charlie Chase, Clara Bow, Lillian Gish, Louise Brooks, Edward G. Robinson, Conrad Veidt, Gloria Swanson, Bette Davis, W. C. Fields - the list could go on and on.
It is more important than ever, now, to keep film lovers and seekers of 20th century popular culture informed of public showings of silent films (projected in 16 or 35mm, with musical accompaniment) and older sound films. Please support these screenings, and encourage the release of more films by purchasing classic films released on DVD and VHS.
Feature Film Screenings by State
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