Tag Archives: silent film

3 things about Victor Sjöström’s THE PHANTOM CARRIAGE

Posted on September 20, 2026 by robchristopher

The Phantom Carriage [1921] 1. Without any sympathy, he tosses the corpse into the carriage. 2. He brutually rips out all the mended sections from his coat. 3. Two gossiping neighbors laughing in the hallway outside the empty apartment.

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3 things about Benjamin Christensen’s HAXAN: WITCHCRAFT THROUGH THE AGES

Posted on September 10, 2026 by robchristopher

Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages [1922] 1. Wes Anderson-like diorama of a land surrounded by tall mountains and crowned with stars. 2. Unable to cry on command? You’re a witch. Able to cry on command? You’re only faking, thus you’re … Continue reading →

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3 things about Albert Parker’s THE BLACK PIRATE

Posted on March 23, 2025 by robchristopher

The Black Pirate [1926] 1. Comparing the sharpness of the two swords. 2. An elaborate system for staying awake. 3. A sudden explosion suddenly lights up the night.

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3 things about Tod Browning’s THE UNKNOWN

Posted on April 1, 2024 by robchristopher

The Unknown [1927] 1. Treadmills for horses. 2. “Men! The beasts! God would show wisdom if he took the hands from all of them!” 3. Playing guitar with his feet.

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3 things about E. A. Dupont’s PICCADILLY

Posted on August 31, 2022 by robchristopher

Piccadilly [1929] 1. Neon sign for Gordon’s Gin: THE HEART OF A GOOD COCKTAIL. 2. The knowing look on her face as Mabel leaves the office. 3. With inebriated slowness, he butters the bread and then devours it.

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3 things about Edward Sedgwick’s THE FIRST DEGREE

Posted on October 6, 2021 by robchristopher

The First Degree [1923] 1. The moustache signifies his evil. 2. “We need husky young fellows like you.” 3. Lightning flashes and rain streaming through the broken window during the struggle.

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3 things about Raoul Walsh’s THE THIEF OF BAGDAD

Posted on September 6, 2021 by robchristopher

The Thief of Bagdad [1924] 1. Trap door leopard. 2. “You shall bring joy to the wedding party by being boiled in oil.” 3. Invisible tornado.

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3 things about Carl Boese and Paul Wegener’s THE GOLEM

Posted on February 11, 2021 by robchristopher

The Golem [1920] 1. Ecstatic figures on a platform flanked by glowing candelabra. 2. An epic manifestation displayed for the amusement of the royal company. They all laugh. 3. Aryan children sitting on top of the deactivated Golem.

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3 things about Fred Newmeyer & Sam Taylor’s THE FRESHMAN

Posted on May 4, 2020 by robchristopher

The Freshman [1925] 1. Crossword puzzle. 2. Taking back the $10. 3. Replacement sweater.

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3 things about Arthur Berthelet’s SHERLOCK HOLMES

Posted on September 2, 2016 by robchristopher

Sherlock Holmes [1916] 1. “An ill-suited watchdog.” Moriarty’s henchman has a bulldog. 2. A dissolve to a slightly tighter shot and then a dissolve back to the wider angle. Would a straight cut have been considered too disorienting at the … Continue reading →

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