Silent Stars Speak

The pioneers of the motion picture industry were a group of uncommonly talented men, women, and children. Many of their films have now vanished or disintegrated, and the only evidence of them is in the memories of their creators. The twelve men and women featured in this collection of interviews share their memories of the early days of filmmaking, from the technicalities of lighting and production, to celebrities they encountered. The interviewees include Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Virginia Cherrill, child star “Baby Peggy,” director Andrew Stone, and original “Our Gang” member Jean Darling. Their stories of what it was like to make a movie in the silent era are illuminating glimpses into an era that fades with every passing year. Each interview is accompanied by a comprehensive filmography, and dozens of photographs of these celebrities and their associates are also included.

Tony Villecco writes for such publications as Classic Images, Films of the Golden Age, School Music News, Classical Singer, and Silent Film Monthly. A classical tenor soloist, he lives in Port Crane, New York.

Tony Villecco
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 200
Bibliographic Info: 73 photos, filmographies, index
Copyright Date: 2001
pISBN: 978-0-7864-0814-6
eISBN: 978-0-7864-8209-2
Imprint: McFarland

Introduction     1

Baby Peggy     3

Priscilla Bonner     22

Virginia Cherrill     39

Pauline Curley     47

Jean Darling     64

Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.     88

Francis Lederer     101

Molly O’Day     120

Anita Page     132

Charles “Buddy” Rogers     148

David Rollins     162

Andrew Stone     173

Index     191

“seriously worth your time…excellent, entertaining, and well written with great photos”—Classic Images; “wonderful…important…extensive filmography…dozens of rare stills…worthy”—Film & History; “impeccable [research]…the rare stills and detailed filmographies…are excellent”—Film Review; “silent movie fans should really be grateful…excellent–well written…easy, interesting reading with a generous scattering of photos…very nice filmographies”—Silents Are Golden.