London's 'Not So Silent Movies'

Starting October 2nd, Kings Place in London will start there 'Not So Silent Movies' series.

"In a brand new series, on the first Sunday of each month this autumn, top musicians will perform spontaneous soundtracks to the world's greatest silent films without watching the films or rehearsing in advance. " - Not So Silent Movies

If you live in or near London, sounds like a fun event to check out! (see latest below) More here and trailer:



Performers:
Guy Pratt bass - (Pink Floyd & Roxy Music)
Geoff Dugmore drums - (Killing Joke, Rod Stewart)
Pip Eastop horn - (London Sinfonietta)
Elspeth Hanson violin - (Bond)
Julia Thornton harp and percussion - (Bryan Ferry, Solus3)
Peter Gregson assorted tools - (Imogen Heap, Gabriel Prokofiev)
Mark Neary pedal steel guitar - (The Hours, Baxter Drury)
Philip Sheppard cello - (UNKLE, Jeff Buckley)

NEXT Show!

Interview with David Raksin

Composer David Raksin talking about creating the Modern Times score with Charlie Chaplin.

I have been busy writing, so please excuse the quietness. But don't go away. Special post starting about Oct. 3rd. Meanwhile, back to writing...

My Australia interview

From Newcastle, Australia, comes my very first interview conducted by Newcastle Silent Film organizer, Shana Dennis. The Newcastle Silent Film Fun Factory is having their first, ever, silent film event, thanks to the Australia Silent Film Festival.

I feel honored to be asked and hope you will pay a visit and support Shana's event. If you live in that area, I hope you will support the Newcastle events being held this November 12 and 13, at the Greator Union in Newcastle, as well as all the other film events this fall in Australia. LINK 

Writing and keep watching!

Finally getting back into writing Edna's family biography after a few months off. Updates could be a bit slow here...

In the meantime, with ednapurviance.org 10th year coming in November, I will be posting a new drawing to celebrate! Watch here or on Edna's home page for details!

Meanwhile, here is the link to win a copy of 'The Sea Gull' at  Edna's October Birthday event.

Like to chat? You can Like Edna Purviance's Facebook fan page.

Back to writing!

Charlie Chaplin's Speech from The Great Dictator

The Adventurer

September 17, 2011

Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum

Edna Purviance and Charlie Chaplin in
'The Adventurer'

Scene with Edna (left) with Charlie in The Adventurer.

Just one of many of the monthly silent films to enjoy.
See the full September 2011 schedule at this link.

Michael Jackson's 'Smile'

And the most popular version in the last 10 years... Michael Jackson's 'Smile'

Nat King Cole 'Smile'

The original version of 'Smile' by Nat King Cole.

'Smile' by guitarist Steve Howe and Martin Taylor

Very nice guitar version of 'Smile' by English guitarist Steve Howe and Martin Taylor.


Note: 'Smile' lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons (1954). First recorded by Nat King Cole (1954). Modern Times theme music (1936) by Charlie Chaplin, with the help of arrangers Edward Powell, David Raksin, and music director Alfred Newman. More about SMILE. Charlie Chaplin MUSIC.

'Smile' with Glee

Popular in the last year is this version of 'Smile' by Glee.

Toni Tennille singing 'Smile'

Not a great clip, but a very short one of Toni Tennille singing 'Smile'


Note: 'Smile' lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons (1954). First recorded by Nat King Cole (1954). Modern Times theme music (1936) by Charlie Chaplin, with the help of arrangers Edward Powell, David Raksin, and music director Alfred Newman. More about SMILE. Charlie Chaplin MUSIC.

'Smile' with Natalie Cole

Natalie Cole version of 'Smile'


Note: 'Smile' lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons (1954). First recorded by Nat King Cole (1954). Modern Times theme music (1936) by Charlie Chaplin, with the help of arrangers Edward Powell, David Raksin, and music director Alfred Newman. More about SMILE. Charlie Chaplin MUSIC.

'Smile' with Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton version of 'Smile'


Note: 'Smile' lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons (1954). First recorded by Nat King Cole (1954). Modern Times theme music (1936) by Charlie Chaplin, with the help of arrangers Edward Powell, David Raksin, and music director Alfred Newman. More about SMILE. Charlie Chaplin MUSIC.

Ray Quinn 'Smile'

Ray Quinn's version of 'Smile'


Note: 'Smile' lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons (1954). First recorded by Nat King Cole (1954). Modern Times theme music (1936) by Charlie Chaplin, with the help of arrangers Edward Powell, David Raksin, and music director Alfred Newman. More about SMILE. Charlie Chaplin MUSIC.

'Smile' with Petula Clark

Live in Melbourne, Petula Clark singing 'Smile' and 'This is My Song'


Note: 'Smile' lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons (1954). First recorded by Nat King Cole (1954). Modern Times theme music (1936) by Charlie Chaplin, with the help of arrangers Edward Powell, David Raksin, and music director Alfred Newman. More about SMILE. Charlie Chaplin MUSIC. 'This is My Song' was the theme song for 'A Countess from Hong Kong' (1967). It became a hit song for Clark.

Rod Stewart 'Smile'

'Smile' with Rod Stewart


Note: 'Smile' lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons (1954). First recorded by Nat King Cole (1954). Modern Times theme music (1936) by Charlie Chaplin, with the help of arrangers Edward Powell, David Raksin, and music director Alfred Newman. More about SMILE. Charlie Chaplin MUSIC.

Janelle Monáe 'Smile'

Janelle Monáe 'Smile' live at the Hollywood Bowl, 2011...

Note: 'Smile' lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons (1954). First recorded by Nat King Cole (1954). Modern Times theme music (1936) by Charlie Chaplin, with the help of arrangers Edward Powell, David Raksin, and music director Alfred Newman. More about SMILE. Charlie Chaplin MUSIC.

Holly Cole Trio 'Smile'

Here is a twist to 'Smile' by Holly Cole Trio


Note: 'Smile' lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons (1954). First recorded by Nat King Cole (1954). Modern Times theme music (1936) by Charlie Chaplin, with the help of arrangers Edward Powell, David Raksin, and music director Alfred Newman. More about SMILE. Charlie Chaplin MUSIC.

Johnny Mathis 'Smile'

Johnny Mathis version of 'Smile'

Note: 'Smile' lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons (1954). First recorded by Nat King Cole (1954). Modern Times theme music (1936) by Charlie Chaplin, with the help of arrangers Edward Powell, David Raksin, and music director Alfred Newman. More about SMILE. Charlie Chaplin MUSIC.

'Smile' with Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello version of 'Smile'

'Smile' with Anne Akiko Myers

A sample of Anne Akiko Myers with Ryuichi Sakamoto performance of 'Smile' for the Japan Society 'Concert for Japan' last spring.

Neil Sedaka's Smile

Neil Sedaka - Smile

'Smile' sung by Judy Garland

Just one of Judy Garland's versions of 'Smile'


Note: 'Smile' lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons (1954). First recorded by Nat King Cole (1954). Modern Times theme music (1936) by Charlie Chaplin, with the help of arrangers Edward Powell, David Raksin, and music director Alfred Newman. More about SMILE. Charlie Chaplin MUSIC.

'Smile' by Djavan

Here's Smile with Brazilian singer and song writer, Djavan


Note: 'Smile' lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons (1954). First recorded by Nat King Cole (1954). Modern Times theme music (1936) by Charlie Chaplin, with the help of arrangers Edward Powell, David Raksin, and music director Alfred Newman. More about SMILE. Charlie Chaplin MUSIC.

'Smile' by Sun Ra

America jazz version of 'Smile' by Sun Ra with the Arkestra Band.



Note: 'Smile' lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons (1954). First recorded by Nat King Cole (1954). Modern Times theme music (1936) by Charlie Chaplin, with the help of arrangers Edward Powell, David Raksin, and music director Alfred Newman. More about SMILE. Charlie Chaplin MUSIC.