Edna Purviance's bio

June 6, 2018 - Re-editing Edna Purviance's family biography 2nd Draft. Photo: Leading Ladies © used by ednapurviance.org

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Charlie Chaplin at Keystone Region 2 DVDs

Thanks to an Edna fan for posting this link. Here is the first ad I have seen of the Chaplin Keystone Collection for Region 2 DVD players (includes most of Europe, UK and Japan). Release date stated as 6th of December 2010. LINK

Notice to 'Movie Poster' follower, JF. We are NOT interested in your movie posters of Chaplin! - WW, management...

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Kevin Brownlow clips and interviews

Continuing with Kevin Brownlow, here are a selection of clips from interviews and his work showing the Hollywood series and Unknown Chaplin series.

Brownlow on silent film music



A few minutes from the Hollywood Series (from the silent comedies, with Chaplin)



Leonard Maltin preview of 'Unknown Chaplin'



Sample from the 'Unknown Chaplin' Series
(Note: Rollie actually started with Chaplin during the Mutuals, so was not working with Chaplin during the Essanay films.)



A few more minutes, including Edna and Charlie from 'Unknown Chaplin' series



More about Kevin Brownlow documentaries. LINK

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Kevin Brownlow to receive Honorary Oscar!

Film historian, and preservationist, Kevin Brownlow, whose work with the late David Gill, nearly single-handedly, help save the history of silent films back in the 1970s and 80s, with their documentary series HOLLYWOOD, will be receiving an Honorary Oscar from The Academy of Motion Picture, Arts and Sciences.

Mr. Brownlow is very well-known in silent film circles, but also with everyone who appreciate film history. He, and David Gill, created outstanding documentaries about Charlie Chaplin (Unknown Chaplin Series), Buster Keaton (A Hard Act to Follow), Harold Lloyd (The Third Genius), D.W. Griffith (Father of Film), Cinema Europe, and many more.

Brownlow also created his own film in the 1960s, about what if Germany did win during WWII and took over Britain, called 'It Happened Here', which took several years to create, with no budget to start with. (Available now on DVD.)

Many fine books to his credit, as well, including a groundbreaking book on the history of silent films 'The Parade's Gone By'. (Online preview of book.)

This is a great honor, for a man who has committed his life to saving not only silent films, but classic films, in general. A wholehearted congratulations!

LINK TO PRESS RELEASE | LINK TO BROWNLOW/GILL SILENT FILMS DOCUMENTARIES

Excellent "Charlie Chaplin" impersonator UK

There have been hundreds of person who impersonate Charlie Chaplin, but few, if any, breath life into Chaplin as this chap in the UK. (And I have other fans who totally agree.) Here he is at Convent Garden, in London, with a young boy name Thomas. Enjoy!

Trader Joe's Silent Movie Mondays Oct 2010

October 4, 11, 18, 25, 2010
Trader Joe's Silent Movie MondaysSeattle, Washington
The Paramont Theatre

Includes Josef von Sternberg "Underworld" - The film Josef did after 1926 "A Woman of the Sea" wasn't released by Chaplin. Good way to see Josef directing style close to the time of The Sea Gull. Check this link for details.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

"Charlie Chaplin" at Edinburgh Festival

This month I have been enjoying the happening at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, by radio, video and articles. Edinburgh turns into a huge festival city, full of books, music, films and performances. So looking for a Charlie Chaplin connection, I found this video from this 2010 event, of "Charlie Chaplin" enjoying the Fringe.



(I have another favorite "Chaplin" from London I will share soon. A chap from London, who is the best I have seen.) I should note, The Rainbow Orchid, by Garen Ewing, has been part of this great event, as one of their guest.

Monday, August 23, 2010

A Person in the Dark


Very pleased to introduce this new blog,
by one of our longtime Edna Purviance fans... LINK

Friday, August 20, 2010

Edna Purviance's cover on "Hollywood Dogs"

Special thanks to Dominique for pointing out this charming, well-known photo, on the cover of this book "Hollywood Dogs" by Jean-Claude Suarès. Released in 1993, it is a photo book of Hollywood stars, with their fame canine co-stars and pets.


Scraps was Edna's co-star in 'A Dog's Life' in 1918, her first film with First National. He was picked out of many dogs Chaplin brought onto the newly built Chaplin studio grounds in 1918. A delightful film, highly popular in its day and on reviewers list of best Chaplin film.

This hardcover book is out of print, but very reasonable in price, (from newer to used condition). It would make a nice addition to your Edna Purviance collection. (I just ordered my today!) Thanks, Dominique!!! (Update Aug. 20th: Book just shipped! I'll do a follow-up.)

BOOK ARRIVED! - Wonderful edition to any Edna collection! Chuck full of film stars with their 'loved ones' and beautifully produced. Out of print and only available used.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Charlie Chaplin's 35 MM Tour Returns to Los Angeles

Missed it the first time? Taking a trip to L.A.? The Charlie Chaplin 35 MM Tour returns to Los Angeles this coming September and October. It will include 'A Woman of Paris' starring Edna Purviance.

Check "The Cinefamily" web site for dates, times and tickets. LINK





Check this link at Janus Films for other dates and cities for the Chaplin 35MM Tour.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Charlie Chaplin's Essanay Chicago Studio

Fox News report about Essanay Chicago Studio. (Fun report in seeing the Chaplin Essanay Chicago building today, but the facts mixed up on Chaplin history. Test your knowledge and see if you can spot some errors. Remember, just for fun, as the person who wrote the report, just went by what they had.)



NOTE ON THIS STORY: I found the end of the report, confusing, because the reporters made it sound like Chaplin (and his wife), lived in Chicago for over a year. NOT TRUE.

After Charlie Chaplin signed with Essanay and left Keystone (Los Angeles area) late in 1914, Charlie traveled to Niles, California to check out the studio there in late December, 1914. He quickly decided to leave for the Essanay Chicago studio, thinking the space would be better. But, after about three weeks, and one film, Chaplin left Chicago, and went back to Niles. And except for that short few weeks in December 1914 and early January 1915, he never lived in Chicago, again. (One of the main things, Chaplin didn't find the studio or the winter weather, to his liking. The Bay area and Los Angeles proved far nicer.) And Chaplin was NOT married during this time in his career. He didn't marry until 1918, to Mildred Harris, in Los Angeles. This was during his first year with First National.

Classic gets Classic treatment

Created for 'silent film' fun!



(Fact: The first Star Wars film came out about seven months, before, Chaplin died on Christmas 1977.)

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Charlie Chaplin "Modern Times' & 'The Rink' in Blu-Ray

USA - The Criterion Collection has the 2010 release of Charlie Chaplin's 'Modern Times' available to pre-order in Blu-Ray or DVD. From the Criterion list, it includes:


• New, restored high-definition digital transfer, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition

• New audio commentary by Chaplin biographer David Robinson

• New program on the film’s visual and sound effects, with experts Craig Barron and Ben Burtt

• Interview from 1992 with Modern Times music arranger David Raksin

• Chaplin Today: “Modern Times” (2004), a half-hour program with filmmakers Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne

• Two segments removed from the film

• All at Sea (1933), a home movie by Alistair Cooke featuring Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, and Cooke, plus a new score by Donald Sosin and a new interview with Cooke’s daughter, Susan Cooke Kittredge

The Rink (1916), a Chaplin two-reeler highlighting his skill on wheels (Note: The Rink co-stars Edna Purviance)

• For the First Time (1967), a Cuban documentary short about a projectionist who shows and more....


The DVD comes in 2 discs and the Blu-Ray editions comes in one disc. Look for the Blu-Ray mark, when ordering. LINK to CRITERION SHOP

UPDATE - Aug. 20, 2010 - I have been updating my DVD/Video guide to included the new updated films and Keystone films. Because of different offerings and many readers from Europe and the UK, I added in the Pal releases into this page. Normally, I just do USA, but making an exception for these latest updated releases. The selection is still being updated, but an early look.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Ben Model's NEW score for Bethany Hare's 'SMILE'

Silent film pianist and composer, Ben Model, newly created score for Bethany Hare's 'Smile' video is now available to hear. If you have been following this story, Hare's video went silent last winter, due to the fact she used the copyrighted 'Smile' music for the soundtrack. She had to remove the music, or pay the copyright fee for using it. The video has been silent, until today.

Mr. Model learned about this and donated his time in creating a new score for Hare's video. Since all the news broke on this story, Hare raised her target amount for the Martin House Children's Hospice in the UK. She now plans on continuing her fund raiser for the Martin House, with the new Model score accompanying her video. Recent news story. LINK TO VIDEO

Friday, August 13, 2010

The Chaplin Keystone Collection Release Date for UK?

I have learned from one of our longtime Edna and Charlie fans, The Chaplin Keystone Collection for the UK from BFI is planned to be released December 6th. But, since this date for the UK release has changed, I am still watching for a pre-order site for the collection. Stay tuned and keep watch!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Leonard Maltin's Secret's Out with 'The Kid'

2010 - Leonard Maltin's' Secret's Out with several family films, including Charlie Chaplin's 'The Kid'

Watch more free documentaries

Leonard Maltin's review of The Sea Gull on Shelf Awareness

Thanks to Thomas Gladysz, for pointing out this mention of the Leonard Maltin review at 'Shelf-Awareness' today. Donna Hill, Thomas Gladysz and myself, all were reviewed this week for our books by noted, and internationally known, film critic, Leonard Maltin.


Image from Shelf Awareness - See their full article here.

It has been a thrill for me, and I am sure for Thomas and Donna. I have been packaging books since the review, so a very nice boost, all away around. I am currently working on Edna Purviance's family bio, which takes a great deal of time in research, and writing. But, it will get done, just in its own goodtime.

Meanwhile, here is "The Sea Gull" link. And link to Thomas's "The Diary of a Lost Girl" and Donna's "Rudolph Valentino, The Silent Idol: His Life in Photographs" link. Also, not to forget the link to Mr. Maltin's review of all three books.

UPDATE: Still filling orders, so watch for an email update if you are one of them! Many thanks to all!

Monday, August 09, 2010

Lovely review of The Sea Gull from film critic, Leonard Maltin

Talk about a shot out of the blue! A lovely email and review from one of the top USA film critics, Leonard Maltin!

I've watched Mr. Maltin for years, along with other top favorites, the late Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. I never dreamed I ever have anything reviewed my someone like Mr. Maltin. It is an honor and thrill, indeed. You can find the full review at Leonard Maltin's Movie Crazy. LINK

Images from Mr. Maltin's site. Click image for article.
Note: Mr. Maltin couldn't remember who pointed out the book to him,
but whoever it was, I sincerely thank you...


Lovely review of Donna Hill's "Rudolph Valentino The Silent Idol" book
and Thomas Gladysz book "The Diary of a Lost Girl" too!


"I sometimes decry the decline of professionalism in various disciplines—including publishing—but I can’t think of a better argument for breaking down the barriers of traditional publishing than these three exceptional books, which I doubt any commercial house would have taken on. They may be labors of love but they also convey a commitment to both scholarship and the esthetics of the printed page." - Leonard Maltin, film critic, Crazy Movies

Sunday, August 08, 2010

The Brewhouse - The Sounds of Silents Film Festival

August 28, 29, & 30, 2010
Taunton in Somerset, England
The Brewhouse Theatre
"The Sound of Silents Film Festival"
with silent film pianist, Neal Brand.

Outdoor free event screening:
Charlie Chaplin's "Modern Times" and
"Nosferatu" | "Metropolis"
LINK TO MORE DETAILS

Edna Purviance 35MM film Screenings for August 2010

All August 2010 Showings - USA
Charlie Chaplin 35MM Tour - from Janus Films

Museum of Fine Arts - Boston
A Woman of Paris - Check for dates LINK

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center - Silver Spring, Maryland
The Idle Class
Pay Day
A Woman of Paris
Sunnyside - Check for dates LINK
_______________

Other showings of Edna's films:
Village Picture Shows - Manchester Center, Vermont
August 21, 2010
Edna Purviance in 'The Cure' - with live music by Ben Model - LINK

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Second Round... Edna's October Surprise!


Edna's October Surprise!
Edna Purviance October 2010
Birthday Event



What is one thing that makes Birthdays Fun? It's wondering what might be in that surprise gift!

With that in mind, I decided to do the same for Edna's birthday this year. I will not show you what you be winning, yet.

Instead, if you follow the rules and your name is drawn, and you reply to your email in time, you could be the winner of a real surprise!

And YOU will not find out what you have WON, until the day it arrives!

Once it does arrive, and you have confirmed seeing it, I will share with the world what you have won! (That is part of the rules for entry.)

Your gift will have your name, date and name of the event, either in or on the surprise gift given.

What it is? I will only say, it is something I never given away before.

Interested? All you have to do is to fill out this entry form with your guesses on the 8 DIFFERENCES IN PHOTO 2 on the official form. All correct answers will be entered into the drawing. (Note: Please study real carefully! Without giving away a hint, looking for 8 differences, so watch for any item that might mislead.)

Deadline to enter is Monday, NOON Pacific Time, October 18, 2010. The first name will be drawn shorty after NOON.

You will have 24 hours to response to your email notification. If you don't answer, a second name will be drawn and this will repeat every 24 hours, until we have a winner.

I hope to have a winner's name by October 21, 2010, Edna's Birthday.

I will publish the winners name and location on that day. Soon after, once the item is received, I will reveal to the world what was won!

So are you game for a real surprise? If you are, enter today! Open to all Edna fans, worldwide!

Part of our celebration, as ednapurviance.org starts heading into 10 years on the Web...

DEADLINE TO ENTER
OCTOBER 18, 2010
NOON PACIFIC TIME
CLICK ON '?' TO ENTER
Special page & entry form!

Special thanks to everyone for all your entries so far! We have had entries from all around the globe! You can't have a chance to win, unless you enter.

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

23rd Annual Silents Under the Stars

23rd Annual
Silents Under the Stars

Paramount Ranch

in Agoura Hills, California

Hollywood Hertiage


Sunday, August 15, 2010
Beggars of Life

with Louise Brooks, Richard Arlen and Wallace Beery
Directed by William Wellman

Starring Louise Brooks, Richard Arlen and Wallace Beery
Live musical accompaniment by Michael Mortilla
Sponsored by National Park Service,
Silent Society and Hollywood Heritage

Paramount Ranch
2903 Cornell Road
Agoura Hills, CA

Cost
$6.00 for adults
$3.00 for children under 12
$5.00 for Hollywood Heritage members

Contact this LINK for more details

(Thanks to Janet Hoffmann for info)
More about Paramount Ranch - National Park Service site

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Latest Dates for the Chaplin 35MM Tour

Janus Films presents the latest dates for the Charlie Chaplin 35MM Tour. Check this LINK!

Also, the Kate Beaton's "Charlie Chaplin Festival Poster" is available at the Criterion Collection shop ($25 plus shipping). LINK

Monday, August 02, 2010

A moment of the Surreal...

From the Hot Club of San Francisco, Silent Surrealism, with a metal eating bird. LINK