Welcome, New Readers!

ANOTHER EDIT 6/14/19: My new laptop finally arrived! Stay tuned. 😉

EDIT 6/7/19: Due to my laptop deciding to conk out all the sudden, I won’t have a new post out this week. Which is sad, because it was on a film I really love–but at least you can still look forward to it! ~

Happy summer, all! (It sure took its sweet time coming, didn’t it?) Every once in awhile–and it’s been awhile–I put out a “welcome tour” post for new Silent-ology readers. Because I know what it’s like to visit a new blog and feel like you’ve walked into a coffee shop where everyone understands the complicated drink orders except you.

“So a small is a ‘Mini,’ a medium is a ‘Not So Petite,’ and a large is a…’Get Wired’? But why??!“

So let’s get to it! Silent-ology (which turned five a few months ago!) is my personal “dig” through silent film history. Every detail of this unique era fascinates me, so if you don’t see a topic or an actor covered, they probably will be in the future! I have theme months a couple times a year (the latest was Sheik Month) and host an annual Buster Keaton Blogathon. Taking a look at my “About” page is a nice little intro to the site. And then, of course, there’s the My Articles page (and don’t forget the Search box!).

Want a few suggestions? If you’re just getting into silent films, you might like:

• How To Watch a Silent Film (If You’ve Never Seen One)
• Silent Film Makeup: What Was It Really Like? (My most popular article!)
• Getting Into Silent Films–Where To Begin?
• I also have a Handy Glossary page which explains some of that early filmmaking lingo. Feel free to check it out!

Interested in really early films? You’ll probably appreciate:

• Thoughts On: A Trip to the Moon 
  
• Obscure Films: Cripple Creek Bar-Room Scene, Likely the World’s First Western
• What Are The World’s Oldest Horror Movies?

Maybe you’re wondering about my thoughts on more recent silent-related films? I got you covered there, too!

• Thoughts On: Chaplin (1992)
• Thoughts On: They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)

Looking for info on various silent era personalities? Perfect, because I love writing about ’em! Maybe get started with:

• Remembering Florence LaBadie
• Buster’s Wife’s Relations: Getting to Know the Talmadge Family
• Bert Williams, Vaudeville Superstar
• Polly, Minta and Louise: Three Unsung Keystone Ladies

Looking for some additions to your personal library? I do book reviews, too! Here’s some of my recommendations:

• Bebe Daniels: Hollywood’s Good Little Bad Girl by Charles Epting
• Mabel Normand: The Life and Career of a Hollywood Madcap by Timothy Dean Lefler
• Keaton by Rudi Blesh
• Slapstick Divas: The Women of Silent Comedy by Steve Massa

Speaking of silent film books, this article might come in handy:

• The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Of Movie Star Biographies

Lastly, if you’re looking for a fun way to explore that early 20th century world, I have a series called “Fan Magazine Fun” where I dig up quirky articles and fluff pieces from early movie magazines. Many of these are–well, easier to read than describe.

• Odds And Ends From Film Fun
• A Brief Pause To Throw Pies At Huns
• “My goodness, don’t they look strange?”

It’s a brief tour, but I hope it’s helpful! Please enjoy Silent-ology, and feel free to leave comments–you’re among silents-loving friends!

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