Jacksonville film studio

Jacksonville, Florida, was the rather surprising place to make films, once upon a time - and by "once upon a time", I mean, "a century ago". In 1916, more than thirty companies shot films in Jacksonville, with some of the hottest stars of the time. Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle and Lionel Barrymore were among them, as well as a pre-Laurel Oliver Hardy.

The top studio in the Arlington section of town was entrepreneur Richard Norman's studio, appropriately named Norman Studios. Norman purchased the studio in 1920, and it was one of the first to make movies with an all-black cast. In addition to this surprising fact, Norman Studios may well be the only surviving silent film studio in the country. The rest have been demolished.

Political leaders Lake Ray and Glorious Johnson, intent on saving the studio, are trying to get local residents involved in the cause; the struggle to preserve this precious piece of film heritage has been going on for years. Ray, who served on the City Council in 2002, convinced the city to buy property on which the studio stands.

The idea is to turn the former studio into a silent film museum and film school, but there is a drawback - the cost will be close to three million dollars.

Only six features were shot at Norman Studios between 1920 and 1928, but they broke ground by featuring black actors in positive, non-stereotypical roles; the crew members were also black.

Norman's son, Richard E. Norman, supports the movement to save the studio; he states that his father (who was white) felt that making black-oriented movies was morally right, as well as good business sense.

For more information, go to www.normanstudios.org. They're in bad need of funds for this endeavor!

The Avenging Conscience

I love this movie. It's one of Griffith's best, and Walthall's best. Anyone who really wants to know what Walthall was capable of doing, should watch this film. Griffith made it just before his (in)famous epic, The Birth of a Nation, which, of course, also starred Walthall.

In brief, Walthall is a young man with only one surviving relative, his uncle, who has raised him. When Walthall's character (simply known as "The Nephew" in the titles) falls in love, the uncle feels threatened by his nephew's lack of attention, and grows intolerant and demanding. This leads to...

A hell of a good story, is what it leads to. Walthall really shines in this movie, as the young man in love/devoted nephew/thwarted lover/criminal/nervous wreck. Nobody could do it the way he could, and he's just marvelous. The movie shows a strong Poe influence (even down to one of his poems). And the outdoor scenes! They show a bucolic Southern California that now only exists in these classic films. Isolated houses, empty fields, and even the sepia air looks better, somehow.

Great Halloween watching. Take a look.

Edna Purviance

Once leading lady to Charlie Chaplin, now all but forgotten. A dedicated group of film lovers have started an online petition to have Edna given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

If you want to sign the petition, click here.

Halloween

'Tis the season for watching scary movies, at least for me.

Here are a few recommendations:

Nosferatu (1922). Ground-breaking film from German director F.W. Murnau, with a fascinatingly ugly vampire (played by Max Schreck).

The Avenging Conscience (1915). The great Henry B. Walthall gives an outstanding performance as a man who has murdered his domineering uncle. Frightening dream sequences and hallucinations in this Poe-inspired Griffith film.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1924). John Barrymore plays the title characters. According to rumor, the appearance of Mr. Hyde caused the cameraman to faint.

The Man Who Laughs (1928). Not a horror film per se, but dark and richly atmospheric. Conrad Veidt is an English nobleman, Gwynplaine, whose father fell afoul of the King of England. In revenge, Gwynplaine (as a child) has been forced to undergo a surgical procedure in which a permanent smile is carved on his face. Outstanding performance by Veidt, and even Mary Philbin, as his love interest, is very effective.

The Penalty (1920). Another non-horror film, but hard-hitting and thoroughly gripping. Lon Chaney plays a man whose legs were amputated in childhood; as an adult, he has become a much-feared crime boss. Chaney's legs were strapped behind him for this role, and he really does appear to be legless.

Shopping for goodies

With three major (in my view, anyway) holidays coming up, quite a few people are turning to the Internet to do their shopping, rather than risking the crowded streets, choked malls, and rabid shoppers.

Well, why not?

ShopWiki, which has another post here on my blog, is offering advice on HOW to buy things - what to look for - which is a great idea.

One of my goals is to have a home theater - by which I mean, a room especially designed for watching movies. Or TV, if you must, but for me, the movies are the important thing. Big screens! Sound! All the goodies that go with the experience, but without those rude people kicking your seat!

Of course, there's also the alternative of getting yourself a good TV.

Or, if you're saving up for the big stuff, in the meantime, you can go for a good computer system to watch your DVDs.

Why not?

I see above that I'm recommending this things not for your loved ones, but for you. If this is something you want, why not drop your loved ones a few heavy hints?

Happy holidays!