The Silent Cinema in Song, 1896- 1929 [Paperback]

Ken Wlaschin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 10, 2008

Musical accompaniment was an important feature of the early moviegoing experience. The quality of a musical score could easily make or break silent films, and the songs sometimes became more popular than the films. At the same time, interestingly, the silent cinema became itself a major subject in popular music, inspiring a flood of songs about the films, the stars and the experience of going to the movies. Today, few of these songs are remembered. This study begins the documentation of the lost history of songs of the silent cinema. Part One, "Movies and Moviegoing," chronologically lists and describes songs about movies and moviegoing created between 1896 and 1929. Part Two, "Movie Personalities and Their Films," provides a brief biography of each person and a description of the songs created about them and for their films. Part Three, "Recordings," reviews the recordings of these songs and specifies their availability on 78, LP, CD, DVD and the Internet today.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Valuable...well-written." --Arba

"Loving, well-informed, profusely illustrated volume...valuable...great fun to browse." --leonardmaltin.com

"Of great interest." --In The Groove Magazine

About the Author

Ken Wlaschin, director of creative affairs at the American Film Institute, headed the Institute's National Film Theater and founded its Los Angeles film festival. He previously directed the British Film Institute's National Film Theater and London film festival for 14 years. Wlaschin is the author of three other McFarland books. He lives in Palm Springs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 394 pages
• Publisher: McFarland (December 10, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786438045
• ISBN-13: 978-0786438044
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,045,937 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Theme Songs! - Were are they?, August 2, 2009

By 

Mr. R. Mace - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Silent Cinema in Song, 1896- 1929 (Paperback)

An excellent piece of research to say the least - well worth the cash outlay - I am however slightly puzzled at the difficulty , as it appears to this reviewer - that the often mentioned double CD " Silent Movie Theme Songs" is not available on the internet! The publisher is listed in the book as "Fair Pickings" together with its Web site - but no avail?The CD in question if available is vital to the book to support the readings.
I recommend the book and appreciate the opportunity of having it on the shelf.

Ronald Alexander-Mace (Norbury : London)