It is amazing how much money people spend on this holiday these days (second to Christmas). I remember it being homemade costumes worn to school, a heavy brown paper grocery sack to gather treats and actually getting homemade bake goods and not having to worry about it. But that was other time.
Except for a few spooky movies, the main TV event was the start of the Peanut's special in 1966, called "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." It has been on TV every Halloween since and a cartoon that hasn't aged (the reason it is still on). Being nearly stripped of any trends or styles of that period, it has kept its freshness.
As for Halloween during Edna's childhood, it wasn't a big deal. Mainly private parties for the kids, and maybe a dance tied in, once and a while, not as big as Christmas, New Year's, 4th of July, or any other holiday.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Dollar Hits 26-year low against the Pound
October 30, 2007 - Travel to the UK and Europe hit another high today, as the dollar hit a 26-year low against the pound. The figures mention in articles is not the price consumers pay, as the exchange rate is higher.
It does mean goods made in the UK and Europe are more expensive to purchase, while American goods appear to be cheaper, but they are getting higher in price as well. It does hurt the many bed and breakfasts in places like the UK for foreign visitors. more>
It does mean goods made in the UK and Europe are more expensive to purchase, while American goods appear to be cheaper, but they are getting higher in price as well. It does hurt the many bed and breakfasts in places like the UK for foreign visitors. more>
Bristol Silents Slapstick 2008
January 17-20th, 2008 - Bristol, England - Slapstick 2008 - Hosted by Paul Merton - Special showing of The Gold Rush with a "newly adapted score performed by a thirteen piece ensemble."
Monday, October 29, 2007
Charlie Chaplin Film Clip Mocking the Stars
October 29, 2007 - Guardian Unlimited has posted a rare 74-year-old clip of Charlie Chaplin imitating the stars of his day. The clip is 33 seconds. Link to CHARLIE CHAPLIN CLIP.
United Artists 30 pound 90 piece DVD Collection
"...United Artists is also selling a giant 90-title DVD set. Encased in frosted glass and weighing nearly 30 pounds, the collector’s set carries a suggested retail price of $869.98, making it one of the most expensive DVD offerings ever."
As part of the move to get United Artists name shining bright again, Cruise and company are working on some special celebrations for the coming 90th birthday in 2009.
As silent fans know, United Artists was started by Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, D.W. Griffith and a few others in 1919, to give stars an independence company to release their films. Chaplin's first United Artists film was his 1923 'A Woman of Paris.' His first drama starring Edna Purviance.
As part of the birthday, a special 90-piece DVD collection is planned, that will be encased in frosted glass and weighs in at nearly 30 pounds! It will have a price tag of nearly $870. This is not met for the average movie collector, but mainly to get the attention of the big-spenders who would like to make their films under the United Artists banner or invest in the company.
One item planned for the collection is the full set of the James Bond movies.
There is a story on the New York Times site dated October 29, 2007 under 30-pound DVD set.
As part of the move to get United Artists name shining bright again, Cruise and company are working on some special celebrations for the coming 90th birthday in 2009.
As silent fans know, United Artists was started by Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, D.W. Griffith and a few others in 1919, to give stars an independence company to release their films. Chaplin's first United Artists film was his 1923 'A Woman of Paris.' His first drama starring Edna Purviance.
As part of the birthday, a special 90-piece DVD collection is planned, that will be encased in frosted glass and weighs in at nearly 30 pounds! It will have a price tag of nearly $870. This is not met for the average movie collector, but mainly to get the attention of the big-spenders who would like to make their films under the United Artists banner or invest in the company.
One item planned for the collection is the full set of the James Bond movies.
There is a story on the New York Times site dated October 29, 2007 under 30-pound DVD set.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Film Café Grave 'The Kid' January 2008
Film Café Grave
Grave, Netherlands
January 7 and 9, 2008
The Kid
Starring Charlie Chaplin, Jackie Coogan and Edna Purviance.
Grave, Netherlands
January 7 and 9, 2008
The Kid
Starring Charlie Chaplin, Jackie Coogan and Edna Purviance.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Always something...
Well, my main computer monitors went down tonight. To be exact, the video cards appear to be out. I do have a spare computer I am using now, and the monitors are working on it fine, but that doesn't help with the bulk of my work. So things could slowdown for a while, as I have to repair the main computer.
Always something... A piece of cake, compared to the people who lost homes in the awful wildfires this week in Southern California.
Always something... A piece of cake, compared to the people who lost homes in the awful wildfires this week in Southern California.
Ballet Tribute to Charlie Chaplin
"Remember Charlie, A Tribute to Charles Chaplin"
October 27-28, 2007 - Annenberg Theater - Palm Springs
Follow-up to the Palm Springs event posted earlier. Julia Olsen-Rodriguez ballet tribute to Charlie Chaplin. LINK
There is a video link included with the article. I personally couldn't get it to play, but have a try, you might have better luck.
October 27-28, 2007 - Annenberg Theater - Palm Springs
Follow-up to the Palm Springs event posted earlier. Julia Olsen-Rodriguez ballet tribute to Charlie Chaplin. LINK
There is a video link included with the article. I personally couldn't get it to play, but have a try, you might have better luck.
The Sea Gull 'A Woman of the Sea' Update
We (including all the partners in Leading Ladies) have been going through the second Sea Gull proof book this week in preparing the book for its publication date. (The more eyes, the better to spot misspellings or adjustments.)
After months of black and white proofs, this has been the first chance for everyone to see the printed color edition. We will be testing a hardbound copy once we have all the work finished for the softbound version. There are a few items that need correcting and we will be adding a small thing or two as well.
When you work on a long-term project like this, you start getting accustomed to certain things. Like now I know the difference in appearance between Edna and her sister Myrtle.
There were several years during Edna's life when her sister Myrtle looked very much like Edna, especially in the face. Myrtle was a bit taller than Edna, but there are photos where if you didn't look closely and didn't know what to look for, you could mistake Myrtle for Edna.
Even the family was confused at times, as a family member wrote Edna's name below a photo of Myrtle in one of the albums. At a glance, and especially if Myrtle was in the right pose, you would think the photo was of Edna.
I have one such photo in the book and will be making it clear, that the person in the photo is NOT Edna.
Also, this book really is focused on The Sea Gull, with an introduction to Edna. The later biography we are working on will focus on Edna and her Nevada family. So, while this book will not feature all of Edna's family members, it does introduce you to her sisters (Bessie and Myrtle), mother (Louise) and nephew, Sidney Morgan Hill. These people were a huge part of her whole life, but in reading publish material written about Edna, you would never know about that role of her family.
On another front, Wes Wada has been designing Edna's e-commerce site slated for ednapurviance.COM, which will be the sales home for the book and other items. This will all go public once I have a release date. So watch your emails, if you happen to be on the special contest list. We should have a publication date coming pretty soon.
Again, thanks for the emails concerning the project and your support of Edna Purviance. I think she might be surprised how many fans she has now...
To see a few images of the book, check out our current A Brief Glimpse. Special thanks to Lita and Ellie. (We are getting there...)
November 3rd - Very busy with normal work this week, so things have slowed a bit on The Sea Gull. But on the upside, receiving some good items for updates for the book, so waiting for more feedback. Just takes time. A lot of work on SG this coming week. More as it happens...
The Sea Gull is available at ednapurviance.com.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
The Cinema Museum - London, England
The Cinema Museum building in London planned for Demolition?
In 2000, my husband and I took a private tour with local London historian Tony Merrick. One of the stops on the tour was The Cinema Museum, tucked away in the workhouse area where Charlie Chaplin had to live during his childhood.
Recently I have had word from a classic film fan in London the museum will have to move due to a demolition project going on at their location. At this time I don't know if they found a new location, but very difficult to move, with prices of properties in London. But very sad to read this historical location is planned to be destroyed as well.
For a sample of the collection and meet the staff at The Cinema Museum, here is a video tour of the museum by Ronald Grant:
To learn more about the museum and the current situation, visit The Cinema Museum at this link.
Update: October 14, 2007 article from the Guardian Unlimited about the Museum.
In 2000, my husband and I took a private tour with local London historian Tony Merrick. One of the stops on the tour was The Cinema Museum, tucked away in the workhouse area where Charlie Chaplin had to live during his childhood.
Recently I have had word from a classic film fan in London the museum will have to move due to a demolition project going on at their location. At this time I don't know if they found a new location, but very difficult to move, with prices of properties in London. But very sad to read this historical location is planned to be destroyed as well.
For a sample of the collection and meet the staff at The Cinema Museum, here is a video tour of the museum by Ronald Grant:
To learn more about the museum and the current situation, visit The Cinema Museum at this link.
Update: October 14, 2007 article from the Guardian Unlimited about the Museum.
Few Moments with Paul Merton
October 23, 2007 - Guardian Unlimited - 'I Think I'm Sane'
Link to article
"Famed for his surreal sense of humour and deadpan delivery, Paul Merton is one of Britain's best-loved comedians. He talks to Sam Wollaston about his distressing 'manic episode', his silent movie heroes, and why you'll never see him smile on TV."
October 26, 2007 - From Times Online UK - James Christopher's review of Silent Comedy, by Paul Merton.
Link to article
"Famed for his surreal sense of humour and deadpan delivery, Paul Merton is one of Britain's best-loved comedians. He talks to Sam Wollaston about his distressing 'manic episode', his silent movie heroes, and why you'll never see him smile on TV."
October 26, 2007 - From Times Online UK - James Christopher's review of Silent Comedy, by Paul Merton.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Second Proof book of The Sea Gull Arrived!
Today the second Sea Gull proof books have arrived! I say books, because we ordered a few.
We have been continuing to edit, even as the second proof book was being printed. (A special shout out to a couple of Leading Ladies who has been a great help through all of this!)
We needed to send the second one out quickly to test for layout corrections and color, so we can move ahead with the hardback edition.
It is great to see the paperback editions are coming out as we hoped. We have a minor correction on a file and I have some words to fix, but a relief to be at this stage and a bit more relaxing to see we are getting through the printing process.
We will have a few review copies out, and working on the final edits until we are ready to go public. This is all in preparation for the final public release book, still on schedule for this year.
It took awhile to sort out a camera problem, but here is one image of the full six copies we have ordered. I have a few more images on the Brief Glimpse page. (Note: The covers are glossy, so the photography lighting is shining off them a bit.)
Thanks again for your continued interest in this project! We are getting there...
We have been continuing to edit, even as the second proof book was being printed. (A special shout out to a couple of Leading Ladies who has been a great help through all of this!)
We needed to send the second one out quickly to test for layout corrections and color, so we can move ahead with the hardback edition.
It is great to see the paperback editions are coming out as we hoped. We have a minor correction on a file and I have some words to fix, but a relief to be at this stage and a bit more relaxing to see we are getting through the printing process.
We will have a few review copies out, and working on the final edits until we are ready to go public. This is all in preparation for the final public release book, still on schedule for this year.
It took awhile to sort out a camera problem, but here is one image of the full six copies we have ordered. I have a few more images on the Brief Glimpse page. (Note: The covers are glossy, so the photography lighting is shining off them a bit.)
Thanks again for your continued interest in this project! We are getting there...
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Auction is over
Special thanks to everyone who emailed and made bids in the Edna Purviance Birthday Auction! Watch for something special for Edna's 2008 birthday!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
The Sea Gull - few images from proof
RELEASE JANUARY 13TH, 2008
See ednapurviance.com
The Sea Gull
"A Woman of the Sea" (1926)
Starring Edna Purviance
Directed by Josef von Sternberg
Charles Chaplin Film Production
First book about the lost Chaplin film production and featuring Edna Purviance - with 55 Production Stills Never before seen
I finally got the time to get a few images together of the latest proof book. I didn't have a nice model with beautiful hands to hold it, so worked around that.
We were very busy with work and getting the second proof book ready. We did have to make some changes in the business end so had to make changes on the cover.
The cover image shown is actually the latest version being printed now. The inside layout had been adjusted on the newest version as well, but getting very close to the end product now. We have also started the work on the hardback edition, it has to be set up differently than this paperback one. It will be proofed, as well.
The large image is part of our latest Brief Glimpse, with some additional information. Again, thanks for every ones continued interest in the project.
Also, nice to see a bid on the auction and thanks for your emails.
Oct. 23. - We have had questions about how to buy The Sea Gull. It is not released just yet, but it is on schedule to be on sale this year. Just come back and visit! We are working on the final stages of all of this right now, just takes some more time to sort it all out...
Below see our October UPDATES
See ednapurviance.com
The Sea Gull"A Woman of the Sea" (1926)
Starring Edna Purviance
Directed by Josef von Sternberg
Charles Chaplin Film Production
First book about the lost Chaplin film production and featuring Edna Purviance - with 55 Production Stills Never before seen
I finally got the time to get a few images together of the latest proof book. I didn't have a nice model with beautiful hands to hold it, so worked around that.
We were very busy with work and getting the second proof book ready. We did have to make some changes in the business end so had to make changes on the cover.
The cover image shown is actually the latest version being printed now. The inside layout had been adjusted on the newest version as well, but getting very close to the end product now. We have also started the work on the hardback edition, it has to be set up differently than this paperback one. It will be proofed, as well.
The large image is part of our latest Brief Glimpse, with some additional information. Again, thanks for every ones continued interest in the project.
Also, nice to see a bid on the auction and thanks for your emails.
Oct. 23. - We have had questions about how to buy The Sea Gull. It is not released just yet, but it is on schedule to be on sale this year. Just come back and visit! We are working on the final stages of all of this right now, just takes some more time to sort it all out...
Below see our October UPDATES
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Latest Updates October 2007
We send our best to all our readers in the Southern California Wildfire areas.
Wildfires Hit Malibu - Malibu Castle Burned
October 21, 2007 - Malibu has been hit with wildfires and very strong winds this morning. Burning out of control, the fire has burned to the ground structures including a church, animal hospital and a fame landmark in Malibu known as the Malibu Castle (Castle Kashan), which overlooks the area and close to Pepperdine.
British Star Deborah Kerr dies at the age of 86
October 18, 2007 - Born in 1921 in Scotland, one of her most remembered roles is in "The King and I". You can check the following link for story and clips from her films from the BBC. - more>
Au Revoir Parapluie
October 18, 2007 - Latest show by James Thiérrée, Charlie Chaplin's grandson. more>
Welsh Classic Film Festival - Fflics
October 25-28, 2007 - The National Library of Wales and at Aberystwyth Arts Centre - Aberystwyth, Wales - Special Guest include Kevin Brownlow and David Robinson. more>
Geraldine Chaplin
October 15, 2007 - Article from Wales about Geraldine Chaplin finding her family roots in Swansea, Wales. She is currently filming Heidi. more>
Donna Hill interview
October 15, 2007 - Interview with Donna Hill from Stolen Moments about her upcoming book on Rudolph Valentino. more>
Also, Donna has an update on her October 18th podcast of upcoming shows, including the interview with Kevin Brownlow about Louise Brooks.
Wildfires Hit Malibu - Malibu Castle Burned
October 21, 2007 - Malibu has been hit with wildfires and very strong winds this morning. Burning out of control, the fire has burned to the ground structures including a church, animal hospital and a fame landmark in Malibu known as the Malibu Castle (Castle Kashan), which overlooks the area and close to Pepperdine.
British Star Deborah Kerr dies at the age of 86
October 18, 2007 - Born in 1921 in Scotland, one of her most remembered roles is in "The King and I". You can check the following link for story and clips from her films from the BBC. - more>
Au Revoir Parapluie
October 18, 2007 - Latest show by James Thiérrée, Charlie Chaplin's grandson. more>
Welsh Classic Film Festival - Fflics
October 25-28, 2007 - The National Library of Wales and at Aberystwyth Arts Centre - Aberystwyth, Wales - Special Guest include Kevin Brownlow and David Robinson. more>
Geraldine Chaplin
October 15, 2007 - Article from Wales about Geraldine Chaplin finding her family roots in Swansea, Wales. She is currently filming Heidi. more>
Donna Hill interview
October 15, 2007 - Interview with Donna Hill from Stolen Moments about her upcoming book on Rudolph Valentino. more>
Also, Donna has an update on her October 18th podcast of upcoming shows, including the interview with Kevin Brownlow about Louise Brooks.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
The Sea Gull has landed...
Sometime in the wee hours of the morning, our postman made his normal deliveries, which included The Sea Gull. After checking mail as late as 8PM last night, I thought that would be it. But apparently due to the holiday, our mail sorted out of town, and a nasty winter snowstorm, it cause our regular mail to be delivered in the middle of the night.
Will be going through it and share a few images soon...
Will be going through it and share a few images soon...
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Well, the holiday is over, but wasn't really a holiday since we had to work. (The usual when you have your own business.)
I did spend time on the Chaplin Library, but you will not notice. I added about 40 books into the new system, which means I have 425 books now added, but about 100 more books to go. I have adjustments to do, but it will be a while before that can be done. I did mention last November I would have the new system launched by this year, but The Sea Gull really ate lots of time.
Of course, I am still waiting for it to arrive. I know it is at a post office, but that is all. The holiday did mess up mailing, so I don't know for sure when it will arrive. Even post office tracking is not giving me any clues, since it has not been updated.
I will work again on some different post, but right now, the push is to get The Sea Gull book launched by this year. It is on schedule too, barring any problems.
Again, thanks for all your support of Edna and this project. News when it comes...
I did spend time on the Chaplin Library, but you will not notice. I added about 40 books into the new system, which means I have 425 books now added, but about 100 more books to go. I have adjustments to do, but it will be a while before that can be done. I did mention last November I would have the new system launched by this year, but The Sea Gull really ate lots of time.
Of course, I am still waiting for it to arrive. I know it is at a post office, but that is all. The holiday did mess up mailing, so I don't know for sure when it will arrive. Even post office tracking is not giving me any clues, since it has not been updated.
I will work again on some different post, but right now, the push is to get The Sea Gull book launched by this year. It is on schedule too, barring any problems.
Again, thanks for all your support of Edna and this project. News when it comes...
Monday, October 08, 2007
Sunday, October 07, 2007
TCM is showing their usual Halloween theme films this month, so to get in the spirit, here is a little image for the Halloween Season... And for some Halloween radio, DCR is having a 30 day Halloween event.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
CBS Los Angeles report about Grand View
The Los Angeles CBS News video report about the Grand View situation. more>
Joost Television is now public
I've posted on Joost earlier this year. It is the internet television available for high speed internet users. They gone public recently, so here is a review from Ireland about the site. (Joost does have a silent film channel, with Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Laurel and Hardy films available.)
Friday, October 05, 2007
Happy Columbus Day Update
Well, it feels more like Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend, than Columbus Day, with snow in the mountains and on the edge of town. Hope our US visitors have a nice three day holiday!
Nothing special planned here, as we wait for the return of The Sea Gull.
And wouldn't you know it! Just as I was typing this post, the printers have informed me the proof book is done and coming our way! Now I wish it wasn't a holiday weekend...
Happy Columbus Day!
Nothing special planned here, as we wait for the return of The Sea Gull.
And wouldn't you know it! Just as I was typing this post, the printers have informed me the proof book is done and coming our way! Now I wish it wasn't a holiday weekend...
Happy Columbus Day!
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Grand View: "The Million Dollar Fire Sale"
"You're asking someone to buy a burning house." - Paul Ayers about the selling of Grand View.
The State of California has told the owner of Grand View to place the cemetery up for sale. Asking price: $1 million dollars, or best offer.
With lawsuits going on for the next three years at least, anyone who buys it, is getting themselves "a burning house." And who wants to buy a burning house, when you don't even know what the pieces are going to look like until after the smoke clears.
The LA Daily News report if the owners walk away, the county will take ownership, but the attorneys say the relatives could take ownership, if "they receive a favorable settlement."
Whatever happens, it will not be quick. You can read more at this link.
Update October 6, 2007 - Los Angeles CBS news video report on GRAND VIEW
The State of California has told the owner of Grand View to place the cemetery up for sale. Asking price: $1 million dollars, or best offer.
With lawsuits going on for the next three years at least, anyone who buys it, is getting themselves "a burning house." And who wants to buy a burning house, when you don't even know what the pieces are going to look like until after the smoke clears.
The LA Daily News report if the owners walk away, the county will take ownership, but the attorneys say the relatives could take ownership, if "they receive a favorable settlement."
Whatever happens, it will not be quick. You can read more at this link.
Update October 6, 2007 - Los Angeles CBS news video report on GRAND VIEW
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Chaplin Library Latest Page Updated
I have updated the Chaplin Library Latest page with nine new additions from the Dominique Dugros' Chaplin book collection. One includes a re-publishing of Alistair Cooke August 1939 Atlantic Monthly article called Charlie Chaplin: An Atlantic Portrait.
The 15 minute film Cooke took while interviewing Chaplin in 1933, will be premiered at Italy's 26th Annual Pordenone Silent Film Festival, October 6-13th, 2007. more>
The 15 minute film Cooke took while interviewing Chaplin in 1933, will be premiered at Italy's 26th Annual Pordenone Silent Film Festival, October 6-13th, 2007. more>
Monday, October 01, 2007
Upcoming Charlie Chaplin on TCM
Upcoming Charlie Chaplin Films on TCM:
November 14, 2007 - 10:45 PM Eastern - The Circus - with Merna Kennedy and Harry Crocker
December 2, 2007 - 4:30 AM Eastern - The Gold Rush - with Georgia Hale and Mack Swain
Silent Sunday Nights
December 30, 2007 - 9PM Pacific - A Dog's Life - with Edna Purviance and Sydney Chaplin
Check this link for the latest showings on TCM
November 14, 2007 - 10:45 PM Eastern - The Circus - with Merna Kennedy and Harry Crocker
December 2, 2007 - 4:30 AM Eastern - The Gold Rush - with Georgia Hale and Mack Swain
Silent Sunday Nights
December 30, 2007 - 9PM Pacific - A Dog's Life - with Edna Purviance and Sydney Chaplin
Check this link for the latest showings on TCM
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