Author Archive: Retro

Blacks’ views on BIRTH OF A NATION. COLOR-TINTED.

French experimental film. English titles.

After breaking a mirror, a man has seven years worth of “bad luck” all in one day! A hilarious film from French actor Max Linder, the original master of silent comedy.

Nell refuses Bill’s aid when her rancher father can no longer work, but when her father dies, she turns to Bill for help.

This muddled murder mystery-comedy was based on the Max Marcin stage play The Night Cap. Bank president Robert Andrews (James Kirkwood) has loaned someone money out of the bank funds and he wants to distract the bank examiner from examining the books and discovering the shortage. So he invites him, and the directors, over to his house. All sorts of intrigue happens at the gathering — Andrews argues with Jerry Hammond (Tom Ricketts), who is in love with his ward, Anne Maynard (Madge Bellamy). Lester Knoles (Arthur Stuart Hull), meanwhile, is jealous of Andrews’ friendship with his wife (Rosemary Theby). In addition, we discover that Andrews has a life insurance policy that will cover the shortage should he die. Not too surprisingly, after some strange goings-on, Andrews is found dead in Mrs. Knoles’ room. The police investigate and everybody seems to have a motive to kill Andrews. A lot of confusion ensues, until it is [...]

Another charming comedy from William de Mille. Dir. B. Reeves Eason and Armand Schaefer.

Fairy-tale romance where a peasant meets her Prince Charming.

Orphan girl is adopted by family which has three brothers each of whom are in love with her.

“Regeneration” (72 min.) is a powerful slum melodrama produced in 1915 on location in the lower east side of New York City, with a gaggle of authentic low-life types performing alongside professional actors.