The following is a guest post by Rachel Del Gaudio of the Packard Campus.
Wednesday, June 14 (7:30 p.m.)
Behind the Door (Paramount, 1919)
Described by esteemed film historian Kevin Brownlow as “the most outspoken of all the WWI vengeance films,” this shockingly graphic drama was directed by Irvin Willat and stars Hobart Bosworth as a German-American who enlists to do his patriotic duty; Jane Novak as his devoted new bride, and Wallace Beery as a sadistic German U-boat commander. A financial and critical success when released, the film only survived in fragments until a recent restoration and reconstruction done thanks to the San Francisco Silent Film Festival, The Library of Congress, and Gosfilmofund of Russia. Prior to the screening, Rob Byrne, who headed the restoration work, will discuss the film, its restoration and working with James Cozart on the project. Mr. Cozart, who passed away on March 25, helped preserve thousands of films and guided the restoration work on dozens of titles during his 33 years as a Quality Assurance Specialist at the Library of Congress. Behind the Door was one of his favorite titles to work on. Live musical accompaniment will be provided by Ben Model.
Thursday, June 15 (7:30 p.m.)
Silent Movie Double Feature
Now We’re in the Air (Paramount, 1927)
Louise Brooks appeared in 14 American films during the silent era. Five of these features are currently thought to be entirely lost, while two others survive only as fragments or incomplete copies. Following a tip from Academy Award winning film historian Kevin Brownlow, Robert Byrne learned of a fragmentary nitrate print of the hitherto considered lost Now We’re in the Air (1927) stored in the vaults of Národní filmový archiv in Prague. In this presentation, Byrne will present a brief description of the project to restore and preserve what remains, followed by a screening of the entire 22-minute restoration.
Corporal Kate (DeMille Pictures Corp., 1926)
Frequently cited as one of the first war films to feature the female angle, Corporate Kate is the story of a pair of Brooklyn manicurists who go to France during WWI to entertain the troops with a song-and-dance act. Both girls struggle not only with the brutalities of war but also with their love for the same man. This is the premiere screening of the newly preserved DeMille Pictures Corp. feature that stars Vera Reynolds, Julia Faye and Kenneth Thompson. Andrew Simpson will provide live musical accompaniment for the evening’s screenings.
Friday, June 16 (7:30 p.m.)
Horror Icon Silent-Film Screenings Presented by Kelly Robinson
The Devil (Mutual, 1915)
In this film, artist Harry Lang is commissioned by a wealthy gentleman to paint a portrait of his wife, Isabella–who just happens to be Lang’s former lover. Wishing to quell gossip, Isabella connives to marry off a friend to the artist. With his knowledge of their secrets holding them in his thrall, the Devil uses his supernatural powers and trickery to play puppet-master to the love rectangle. Directed by Reginald Barker and produced by Thomas H. Ince, the film stars Edward Connelly, Bessie Barriscale and Arthur Maude.
The Were-Tiger (Chesterfield Motion Pictures Corporation, 1925)
The daughter of a mine owner has harrowing adventures in her struggle to reach her father through the jungles of the Malay Peninsula. Her travel is impeded by armed men and a mysterious beast, which the natives describe as a man-eating tiger that preys on children and can also transform into a human. The film was produced by William Selig and stars Hedda Nova, J. Frank Glendon, George Carrossella and Jules Cowles.
The Stolen Play (General Film Company, 1917)
A blind playwright is engaged to his assistant and the two are close to completion of a new play, which is so dark and morbid that they find themselves on the brink of breakdowns. A greedy agent who has admired the playwright’s previous work, will stop at nothing to secure the play for himself. Directed by Harry Harvey, the film stars Ruth Roland, Edward J. Brady and William Conklin. Philip Carli will provide live musical accompaniment for the screenings.
Saturday, June 17 (7:30 p.m.)
Rogues and Romance (Pathé Exchange, 1920)
In this lighthearted story, a young American woman vacationing with her father in Spain falls in love with a Spanish rebel whose gang has plans to kidnap the governor. When her American fiancé arrives for a visit she is torn between the two men. Photographed in Spain and Portugal, the film stars Harry Semels, June Caprice, Marguerite Courtot and George B. Seitz, who also directed. Also on the program is “Fox Film Corporation’s 23rd Annual Convention, Hollywood, California” (1926). Live musical accompaniment will be provided by Ben Model.
For more information on our programs, please visit the website at: www.loc.gov/avconservation/theater/.