Anyone up for some Hollywood history? (video)

Many of you already know about the early days of Hollywood, some maybe not. I’m talking about the beginning – the Silent Film Era and the beginning of ‘talkies’.

All this Weinstein, Corey and “MeToo” shit going around made me start remembering something I’d read many, many years ago. Might have even been from the book Hollywood Babylon. It was that way back then, actors were considered undesirable neighbors/friends and second-class citizens. This, due to their immoral lifestyles and lack of what the norms of the time considered, ‘hard work’. I tried searching that and only kept getting current events regarding HW. Until I landed on this series of films made in 1980, narrated by James Mason (Lolita, anyone?) I sampled a couple, but episode 3 seems to get right to the point of what’s going on today, and showing us that it’s been going on forever.

We all know it’s been going on forever, but here is a rather honest look at when and how it all started.

The film is almost an hour long (52:01). For the old farts here, you’ll recall much of this. It was the famous actors of our Grandparents. For you younger folks who have not delved into the history of black and white (and silent!) film – enjoy. While it’s definitely hokey by today’s terms you gotta give ‘em props.

This video covers 1920-1925 – if I recall correctly. And, for the record I think Fatty Arbuckle was railroaded beyond belief.

[link to www.youtube.com (secure)]



Foot note: my Grandmother played piano in the silent movie houses in the 20s.