Buster Keaton's 'The Cameraman' January 13th

From Susan Finkelstein, Cinema Art Centre:

In his final great comedy masterpiece, Buster Keaton stars as a clumsy man hopelessly in love with a woman working at MGM Studios, and attempts to become a motion picture cameraman to be close to the object of his desire. “The Cameraman” screens in the monthly Anything But Silent series with accompanist Ben Model on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at 7:30 pm at Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington, New York. 

More details and tickets at this link

Season's Greetings!

Purviance and Chaplin on TCM, and Edna's family biography update

December 17th, 'The Kid' and 'City Lights' will be on TCM. Check your listings for time.

Also, just noting again, the lack of updates is the fact I am working on Edna's family bio. I am certainly working on the end of her film years. It's the last big career section in the book, before I start her years after films. I have done a lot of new research for this section, so it takes time sorting out and preparing for writing.

So far, I have 271 pages written for the first draft. This covers her family life starting with her mother and grandparents in England, moving to America, settling in Idaho, and then Nevada. Family life in Nevada, until Edna's birth, and Edna's life in Nevada until she moved to San Francisco to go to business school. And it goes from there...

Family was an important part of her life. Charles Chaplin is in part of the book, but he isn't the whole story when it comes to Edna's life.

Back to work... Updates on Edna's .org home page under LATEST.

The Adventurer comparsion

Another comparison from Joao Antônio Franz dos Santos. This time "The Adventurer."

Not as many differences as "The Pilgrim," but bits here and there. The most interesting, is the Russian version of the Mother scene at the docks. Take a good look at Chaplin's face.

Here's the videos to view yourself. Thanks, for sharing, Joao.

(Note: Very sorry for the lack of updates, but I have been spending every free moment working on Edna's family bio. I am nearly entering the years after her film career ended in the late 1920s. The book starts with her mother's life in England in the 1870s. Keep an eye out for updates!)

Happy Halloween with Murray Ewing's "The Laughing Ghost"

Happy Halloween with this perfect treat from music maker and writer, Murray Ewing. Perfect for listening and singing along to, with your 'spooky crew' this Halloween night. Totally delightful Halloween treat!

Thanks to Murray for creating this wonderful Halloween song. Enjoy!




Follow more of Murray's writings and creations at Mewsings.

Happy Birthday to Edna Purviance!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EDNA!

October 21, 1895 - Paradise Valley, Nevada

Parents: Madison Gates Purviance and Louise Davey Purviance

Raquel Meller, NOT Edna Purviance

Another NOT EDNA PURVIANCE, as Jessica Buxton shared an image she found in the new book 'Charlie Chaplin' by Peter Ackroyd (released May 2014).

The photo marked (A) shows Charlie Chaplin, but NOT with Edna Purviance, as the caption reads in Ackroyd's book, but with Raquel Meller. And the year wasn't 1918, but 1926. In picture (B), Chaplin and Meller were photographed for the Los Angeles Times on the Circus set, at Chaplin's studio in the summer of 1926 (image B). 

Special image created by ednapurviance.org

Chaplin had one of his instant attraction to Meller, and even wanted to cast her in his NAPOLEON film. While nothing came of that, Chaplin did use the song Meller helped make famous, "LA VIOLETERA," for his music for the blind girl theme in 'City Lights.'  Chaplin never credited the composer, leading people to think  "LA VIOLETERA" was his own creation. The composer, José Padilla Sánchez, sued Chaplin, and won his lawsuit against Chaplin for using his music uncredited. 

As for the caption, it's another example of people not knowing what Edna Purviance looks like. It's easy to see it is NOT Edna, by face features and hair colour alone. What's more puzzling, is how the author came to the conclusion this was Edna.   

Thanks, Jessica, for sharing this. Just want people to know, if you have this book, and you see this image, it is NOT Edna Purviance. 

Another NOT Edna Purviance at Edna's Facebook page and Edna's org. Home site.

And here is an original recording of "LA VIOLETERA" as sung by Raquel Meller in the 1920s.

Original composer, José Padilla Sánchez.

Grand View Cemetery sold!

After nearly a decade of court battles, and trying to find a new owner, Grand View Cemetery has been sold. The Heritage Cemetery Management Inc. purchased the Glendale cemetery in May 2014.

Currently, the cemetery is having some upgrades, with future plans for more improvements. The cemetery first opened in 1890. It ran into serious problems leading to a lawsuit in 2005. Time will tell what the future of the cemetery will be, but at least it is beginning a new start.

Grand View is the final resting place for several films stars, including Edna Purviance.

More from the Glendale Press.

Edna Purviance DOES NOT have a Star on the Walk of Fame

Just letting fans know, I learned today from Diana Calado, my FAKE Walk of Fame Star, for the Edna Purviance Walk of Fame petition drive, was used in a book about Charlie Chaplin, saying Edna has a star.

Edna DOES NOT have a star on the Walk of Fame, and these people never read the site or never followed up, to learn the information behind this star. They just took it and published it.

So, letting my followers and fans know, this is my fake star, and I had NOTHING to do with the publisher of the book, who took my image and published it with false information on Edna. Thanks very much to Diana Calado, for informing me about this today...

Comparing Charlie Chaplin's THE PILGRIM

Joao Antônio Franz dos Santos has created this wonderful comparison video showing the official release of THE PILGRIM (as Charlie Chaplin had last edited it for The Chaplin Revue in the late 1950s) and a much earlier Russian version released closer to the original silent version.

Don't know the exact year of the Russia version, but could have been an original silent version released with sound during the 1930s, since the frame isn't as wide. But Joao was going through his collection and re-discovered it, so can't remember when he got it, but decided to make this comparison to show the differences.

Sample from Joao's comparison, showing Edna & Charlie in scene not in the any official version.

The Russian version is not restored, but putting that aside, you'll see totally different takes, more close ups, scenes not seen anywhere else, changes in speed, and general different feel of Charlie's character, that Chaplin edited together in the earlier version. I and others, have seen a more gentle version of Charlie's character in his last edited films, over his earlier edited films during his career. (I did a report on The Kid a few years ago.)

I personally enjoy seeing these earlier versions, because it tells me more about Chaplin during his filmmaking years, over the period he was retired and re-editing his work for a modern audience. He shifted his character to being more gentle and polite in his later edits, every chance he got. I have now seen the same change in The Kid, Shoulder Arms, Pay Day and now The Pilgrim. (Should say, also love the silent version of The Gold Rush, over the narrative one in the 1940s.) Just something more real about this character in his earlier edits.

Chaplin also was more balanced in showing the other characters he played with. To me, he seemed to refocused the last edits toward himself more, and removed bits to whole backgrounds of the other characters. (I thought Jackie had some of his best scenes in an earlier version of The Kid, but could say the same for some of Chaplin's scenes, as well.) Great film in both, but love the earlier version as Charlie's character seems more real, and not as polished. The best thing I like about the last edited films is the music, but really like the earlier versions for the character and story.

These films were released by Chaplin since he owned the copyright from 1918 onward, so he approved of both, just in different eras. Just love seeing the earlier Chaplin, when he was in his prime years and seeing films his peer audiences saw. Thanks to Joao for making this comparison. Great study!

Also has scenes not seen of Edna Purviance in other versions, which is great for Edna's fans!

Comparison created by Joao Antônio Franz dos Santos

Richard Attenborough has died...

Director and actor, Richard Attenborough has died at the age of 90. Attenborough did many things, but one that Chaplin fans will remember, is his directing of the film CHAPLIN.

Attenborough talking about Charlie Chaplin, and this life, with John Gallagher




CHAPLIN - The Film

Review and Comparison of the 2013/2014 Mutuals

Review and comparison of the

Arte and Flicker Alley Chaplin Mutuals

DVD collections

Warning on the Arbuckle Forgotten Film Collection

Latest update from Paul Gieruki (thanks very much for the head-ups!)
October 2015:

It has recently come to my attention that some copies of THE FORGOTTEN FILMS OF ROSCOE "FATTY" ARBUCKLE are exhibiting signs of deterioration. This collection was produced in 2004 / 2005 under my direct supervision, and we (LEI) held the distributor to the highest possible standards for that time. It appears, however, that the set was reprinted -- without my knowledge or input -- at some point after LEI severed ties with the distributor. People interested in this collection should seek out vintage copies which have the gold "As seen on Turner Classic Movies" sticker affixed to the outer shrink wrap. Those sets are from the first official printing which was produced and manufactured to our standards and with my full approval. Any copy which does not have that original sticker is not sanctioned, not reliable, and should be scrupulously avoided. 

Sincerely, 

Paul E. Gierucki 

Former President

Laughsmith Entertainment, Inc.

WARNING: DVD DEFECT - August 24th, UPDATE BELOW

'The Forgotten Films Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle' - DVD collection

Producer by Laughsmith Entertainment and Mackinac Media 

Special Warning for those who own or thinking of buying the 'The Forgotten Films Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle' DVD collection. If you have this collection, you should check your disc. This morning I found all four of my DVDs in this collection defective. 

Only Volumes 1 and 4 were still playing, but Volumes 2 and 3 could not be read by the player. Above looking at the disc, I found all four with the lamination appearing to be dissolving off the disc. 

If thinking of ordering, I wouldn't. But if you still want to try, contact the seller and tell them you learned of a serious problem with the disc lamination. Get a guarantee of return if your discs are defective. 

View of Disc Two that will not play and cannot be read.

These were released in 2005. It could be a case of poor quality DVD disc that are aging, but would like to know if any other people are having this same issue.

I can say, what I saw in the Volume 1 and 4 were great fun to see, but VERY disappointed the disc quality is so poor. Sorry to say, but if you really want to see it, try finding it through you local library - maybe through interlibrary loan - and save your money.

To all creator/producers of DVD products: I don't know the situation with these, but as a buyer, I would like to see these burned on the best blanks available, not the lowest quality ones to save money. This is a waste for the buyer and seller.

UPDATE: A solution from Bill (who commented here, and Rainer Mann, from my Edna's page).
Here is a video to explain. It may help you if your disc look the same...




Update August 25, 2014 - Just had another fan find their Fatty disc with the same problem! (see picture). On top of that, they learned their 90th Edition Chaplin Mutuals they bought in 2006, has the same issue. Check your collections today! If you have the same problems with any of your disc, post below. Thanks. See video and comments for tips to clean this flaking off.

Added note: I had another fan write in that their full collection of the Dallas TV series looked just like this. Their disc would not play, so they ended up washing them. So the problem is beyond just silent film collections.

Update August 25, 2014 - Just checked around and found another one who had the same problem:

TCM Charlie Chaplin 'Summer Under the Stars'

A reminder! August 14th, TCM will be airing a full day of Charlie Chaplin films and documentaries. It's the first 24 hours of Chaplin they have had in quite a while. So mark your calendar for a day with Charlie and Edna!

Amateur cameo

First off, very sorry for the lack of post here but certainly working on Edna's family bio.

It has been an off and on project for several months due to work, family, projects, weather too hot for office, etc. But, being caught up, I have been writing steady this month. So far, I have rewrite my First National section, and closer to getting the full draft printed for the section. It's a slow project in writing, but its moving along at least.

Meanwhile, here is an amateur film created by Ralph Barton from about 1926. It includes many people, including Barton friend, Charles Chaplin.

Chaplin's 100th in Bologna

Here is a taste of Charlie Chaplin's 100th Anniversary since starting in films from Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, Italy. (Home city of the Chaplin Archives.)

Preview Charlie Chaplin Mutuals

The USA release of The Charlie Chaplin Mutuals is coming in late July. Flicker Alley has posted this preview look of the updated collection.

Chaplin Museum scheduled for 2016 Opening

Since the late 1990s, the Chaplin Museum has been in the planning stages to be created, but now appears to be firmly in place to have the go ahead to complete. Located at his Swiss home, the new opening date is in 2016.

For more information follow the official Chaplin Museum website.

Meanwhile a short news video about the latest:

'Chaplin's Mutual Comedies' 2014 restored

The latest restored edition of the 12 'Chaplin's Mutual Comedies' are finally being released by Flicker Alley. This is the US version of the earlier French edition from Arte (La Naissance de Charlot). 

Released by Flicker Alley and Blackhawk Films, this collection is being released for a limited time in a collector's edition SteelBook Case at a pre-release price of $39.95 plus shipping. The case will contain both the DVD and Blu-Ray disc.

Another feature is the choice of viewing the films with full orchestral or improvised piano. The list of composers included: Eric Beheim, Neil Brand, Timothy Brock, Antonio Coppola, Carl Davis, Stephen Horne, Robert Israel, the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, Maud Nelissen, Donald Sosin, and Gabriel Thibaudeau.

The special price is available until *July 29, 2014. (*Price likely will change before that date, if released earlier.) So, if interested, best to pre-order now. As most fans know these collections do get expensive. This one will list for $59.95, plus shipping, after release.

August Update: Review of Flicker Alley and the Arte Collection

Some videos bits from the Oscars!

Very sorry for being quiet over here, but I have been placing every free block of time into writing Edna's family bio. I have been doing new research as I go long, in trying to gather as much material from that era as possible. I'm well into the film years in the draft, but continue to find things that cause me to pause and rewrite sections. It's a great deal of fun, so thankfully, I don't think of it as work, but an adventure!

I haven't been surfing much on the web, but at times run into some nice things I like to share here. For those who haven't seen these, here are some videos provided by the Oscars sharing moments from the 2011, Summer of Silents series.

The first one is Kevin Brownlow speaking about 'The General.'




If you never have been to Cottage Grove, Oregon to see the town Buster Keaton filmed 'The General,' this is one video to see before going. John Bengston's continues his great work in finding the locations of where films were shot. This is a really good detailed look at 'The General' Cottage Grove locations.

If you do visit, stop in at the visitor center on Main Street, just west of the Hotel that Buster is painted on. They have a book about the filming, but be warned. When I was there, they were out of stock. (Interestingly, not everyone is as up on Buster in Cottage Grove, as we found out last year. So this video really helps in enjoying your visit.)




Silent child star, Diana Serra Cary, sharing some moments on her career. Especially when the talkies begun.




And a short bit about scoring for 'The Covered Wagon'. (I have the VHS of this film, and recommend the film. Hopefully, it will be on DVD one day. So far, not. It is one that should be done properly.)



Back to writing...

PS - Thanks everyone, for the continued support of The Sea Gull, as more copies have been going out, especially to Europe and the UK. New stock in place, ready to ship!

Dan Leno, one of Charlie Chaplin's favorites

During Charlie Chaplin's youth and stage career days in England, British stage star Dan Leno was one of Charlie Chaplin's heroes. Leno being a top performer of his day, inspired many young performers who took elements of his style to the silver screen. Leno's career didn't make it into silent films, but he can be seen some of the earliest forms of moving pictures.

This very rare Mutoscope was saved by the Leno family members and put together for The Dan Leno Project. It's an unique chance to see Leno in action in a simple 'film' called Dessert at Dan Leno's House. There is hope more such 'films' can be found and saved.

Between Showers - Chaplin's 4th released Keystone Film

February 28th, 1914 is the listed date for Charlie Chaplin's fourth released Keystone Film called 'Between Showers.' So a good day to celebrate and see the film!

Directed by Henry Lehrman, Chaplin co-stars along with Keystone favorites Ford Sterling, Emma Bell Clifton, Edward Nolan, Chester Conklin and Peggy Pearce.

Also, spend sometime watching the interesting action happening in the background, as the film was shot on the streets in the Los Angeles area.

Sid Caesar's silent film "Who's Profile"

A day after 1930's child icon Shirley Temple died, one of televisions first comic stars of the 1950's, Sid Caesar, passed away. Both born in the 1920s, Shirley's stardom started early, and ended at the time Caesar was just getting started.

His break came with 'Your Show of Shows.' A live television variety show in the early 1950s. While a huge hit, it didn't last, as his career went on a wave of ups and downs.

Most kids growing up in the 1960s, would remember him being a guest on a variety of television programs, or starring in 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.'  

In the 1960's, Caesar appeared in 'Hollywood Palace' hosted by Bing Crosby. Caesar was a huge fan of the silent film stars, like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. In this silent film sketch with Dorothy Lamour, he plays a man who is discovered by his great profile.

Not Edna Purviance, but another Essanay Gal

Today, I found another 'Not Edna Purviance' in the ebay listings. The seller didn't know the film, but only that the actor was Rodney Hildebrand.

By searching the film listings for Hildebrand, I found a listing of Essanay films he did with an actress name Ruth Saville.

By searching for images of Ruth, I located a portrait of her from a photo archive. The portrait and the ebay seller's image appear to be the same person.

The film looks to be one called 'Her Lesson' (an Essanay film from 1916) but not for sure.

Edna Purviance only worked in Chaplin's films at Essanay in 1915.


But, I was able to do this, by researching the actor's name, and following leads to actresses he worked with. The seller, in this case, just assumed, it was Edna, but it is not.