British Silent Cinema Special from BBC4

In the 'BBC4 Radio library' is this very interesting nearly half hour program from Backroll called 'British Silent Cinema Special'. Presenter Matthew Sweet givens this inside look into the history of the British silent film era, with guest silent film composer Neil Brand, Chaplin biographer David Robinson and film historian Kevin Brownlow. Sweet also interviews Britians' oldest living movie star, Joan Morgan. The July 3, 2003 program can be downloaded and played on REAL PLAYER. A nice introduction to the history of British silent film history.

To learn more about British, European and USA silent film history, check out this link to The Hollywood Series and Cinema Europe by David Gill and Kevin Brownlow. Cinema Europe is on DVD.

UPDATE: The Hollywood Series is FINALLY on DVD and will be available in the UK this coming August 2006!

The release date was canceled in 2006. Watch for updates.

The Essential Charlie Chaplin Film Music-2006

The Essential Charlie Chaplin Film Music Collection is planned for release from Silva Screen. This 2-CD collection will included 'Smile', 'Eternally' and 'This is My Song'. It will also included the newly recorded music of Carl Davis from the BFI Mutual Collection. More details to come. For now, see more information at Edna's Charlie Chaplin Music Section.

January 31th - I have received word from Silva Screen Records this collection will be released in April (date to be announced). Here is an interview with head of Silva Screen Records
In the interview, the head of Silva mentions Charlie Chaplin project coming out in April. More on Edna's Chaplin Music Section very soon!
"What are the new projects that Silva Screen is working on?
We have a Charlie Chaplin project coming out in April. " - from indiantelevision.com interview with Silva.

Slapstick 2006 - Bristol, UK

For our UK visitors, Slapstick 2006 Silent Film Festival opens Friday, January 20th, 2006 in Bristol, UK, at Colston Hall. Paul Merton is the featured guest. Films from Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy are planned. This is their second year with the festival. Check out their site for more details. Also more details at BBC 2. (The Slapstick 2006 site has a follow up about the event just passed.)

UPDATE-Slapstick 2007

SOULS FOR SALE - Charlie Chaplin Cameo

Jan. 17th - Next week on TCM (USA) the world premiere of the 1923 'Souls for Sale' is on January 24th at 8PM eastern. It will have new music created by the young film composer winner, Marcus Sjowall, from Sweden.

As many of you may know, Charlie Chaplin made a cameo appearance as himself in this film about an ordinary girl who finds herself a Hollywood star. Great time to see a rare scene of Chaplin. 'A Woman of Paris' follows, with 'Greed' topping the full night of silent films on TCM January 24th, 2006.

Jan. 17th Question and Film

Jan. 17th - Thanks for your emailed answers this last week. The answer for the question was Lita Grey in the films, 'The Kid' as the flirting angel and 'The Idle Class' the maid to Edna. The other maid in that film was Lita's mother, Lillian McMurray. Lita's name was actually Lillita McMurray. Lita Grey was the name the Chaplin studios gave her when she signed to work as leading lady in 1924, but never filled the role and became Mrs. Chaplin, instead.

Next week, 'A Woman of Paris' will be on TCM on January 24th, so that is my film pick. The question for next week should be an easy one again: What were the names of Edna's last films? Post in comments or email at Edna's site. Thanks for visiting!

Latest about GRAND VIEW

January 15th, 2006 article from the Los Angeles Daily News:
Kin worry....
Note: A hearing is scheduled for January 19th.
MORE ON GRAND VIEW

January 20th - No new reports...
January 27th - No new reports...

FOLLOW UP - In late August 2006, the courts allowed the cemetery to be open for a few hours on Sunday afternoons.

UPDATE NOVEMBER 2006 - Owner Marsha Howard died

PLEASE NOTE: The articles linked to Glendale News go off line after 14 days. I do try to post the latest about Grand View (check LABELS), but also check the Glendale News website for the latest. This link has a running date of events about Grand View starting in November 2005. Thanks for your interest in this on going story...

NEW PBS PRODUCTION - MAKE 'EM LAUGH

Jan. 14 - PBS announces the production of 'MAKE 'EM LAUGH: THE FUNNY BUSINESS OF AMERICA'. The documentary will cover the history of comedy in America from stage to films. The creators plan to take a 'thematic' approach to the history of comedy. The six episodes will cover stars from Charlie Chaplin to Chris Rock. Following the success of 'BROADWAY', PBS hope to have another winner this time with laughter... (Planned release: fall of 2007)

Jan. 14 - Actress Shelly Winters has passed away at the age of 85...
Jan.17 - A special day of tribute to Shelly's work on January 23rd on TCM.

A Rose for Edna...

Jan. 10th Question and Film

Jan. 10th - I like to thank the fans who emailed their answers into Edna. Some of you mentioned it was a bit hard, since you knew the film, but could not find the clip. If you own the Chaplin Collection by Warner with "A King in New York", you will not see the answer to this question because the section Richard Attenborough name appears is edited out. If you have the David Shepard's version (the one that has the original release film version of this film), you will see Attenborough's name on the theatre marque just before Charlie Chaplin enters the theatre during the New York City street scenes.

Special thanks again to Garen Ewing for this special question! And don't forget to check out Garen's Rainbow Orchid. An excellent comic book Garen is currently working on.

For my next question, something easier. As you should know, Lita Grey became the first signed replacement leading lady for Chaplin, but Lita would later marry Charlie and Georgia Hale would become Chaplin's official leading lady after Edna Purviance. Lita played in two Chaplin films. What were the films and what were Lita's roles?

As before you can go to Edna's site to send in your answers, or leave your guesses at the comment section.

And for the film this week I am selecting 'Easy Street'. Released January 1917, it was one film I do wish I could hear, since Edna was an excellent piano player and could sing and did many times during her Lovelock years. Thanks for visiting and have a good day! (If you are new, check out the other entries, as you may find something of interest here at Edna's Place.)

Charlie Chaplin: Japan - Kono Conference

The Chaplin Society of Japan will hold a special conference about valet and general assistant Toraichi Kono March 25 - 27th, 2006. Kono worked for Chaplin between 1916-1934. He appeared in "The Adventurer" during the rescue scene, where he carrys Charlie to the waiting car. Kono left Chaplin's serve after Paulette Goddard entered Chaplin's life.

Kono did live in Idaho, where he was involved with the book 'Charlie Chaplin, King of Tragedy' by Gerith von Ulm (published in Idaho) but little else has been known about him.

The California State Library report the making of "Kono & Chaplin: Living in Silence", a digital video of the story of his life before, during and after Chaplin.

The March conference in Japan will cover his life as well, with photo exhibit and talk from Kono's second wife, Ms. Higashijima Tomie.

Edna Purviance - Unrest at Grand View

UPDATED MARCH 14TH, 2006
January 6, 2006 - This is a sad month. Not only because this is the month Edna Purviance passed away (January 13th, 1958), but her current resting place is in trouble.

When Edna Purviance died, she was arranged to be at Forest Lawn Cemetery. In fact, everything was done there and she is officially on the Dead Certificate as being interred at Forest Lawn. But Edna's sister, Myrtle, made a change after the papers were signed and moved Edna to Grand View. It appeared to be not needed, but was a cost saving move on Myrtle's part, but one that is haunting Edna now.

The Grand View Cemetery in Glendale, California is under investigation of many violations of California State Laws. Compliants and a lawsuit have been filed and on December 29th, 2005, Grand View Cemetery had locked their gates, due to "insurance restrictions". On January 4th, 2006, the gates were reopened, but people are not fully at ease with the management. On January 19th, 2006, a hearing is scheduled.

Many stars are buried at this cemetery, including silent star Harry Langdon, Leo White and actor Chill Wills. Hopefully, this will be resolved, and family and friends will see the return of this historical cemetery to its former glory.

A special thanks to Edna fan, Mark McKenzie, for information. A follow up report on Edna's site to come...

January 20th - no new reports as the the afternoon of January 20th... Hearing was set for January 19th.

January 28 - no new reports at this time.

UPDATE - March 27th: Next court date has been listed for April 20th. The current managers have been ordered off the grounds and appears they will not be re-instated.

Update April 21 - No new reports, yet...

Edna Purviance - Unrest at Grandview

See Unrest at Grand View

Eric James in the hospital...

January 2, 2005 - I have just received word from Peter Hitchcock, the stepson of Eric James, that Mr. James is in the hospital, following a heart attack. Eric is 93. We are very sadden by the news, and are hoping the very best in Mr. James recovering and our very best wishes to all his family and friends...

Peter send this special page for you to learn more about this amazing man who worked for many years with Charlie Chaplin in helping Charlie create his music: ERIC JAMES

January 4, 2006 - Update: We have received word that Eric is doing better, so our continued best wishes during this time.

January 9th, 2006 - Update: We have learned Mr. James will be released from the hospital soon. We continue to wish him the very best during his recovery.

New Question and Film Coming

Jan. 2 - We hope your holiday was a good one! I will be leaving the last question up until the beginning of next week. If you have not send in your answers yet, give it a try! Some of you mentioned it was a bit tricky and needed to spend time finding it. Click here for the last special guest question.

Thanks for the answers emailed in so far on Edna's site! With the holiday week, just giving visitors a bit more time. New question coming! Thanks for visiting! (NEW QUESTION COMING JANUARY 10TH)

(NOTE: Due to the junk email I was receiving off my special blogger email address, I had to discontinue. Go to Edna's site and email at CONTACT. Or you can leave a comment. Thanks!)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!