Silent Stars Speak: Interviews With Twelve Cinema Pioneers [Paperback]

Tony Villecco (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2001 | ISBN-10: 0786408146 | ISBN-13: 978-0786408146

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"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

"Wonderful...important...extensive filmography...dozens of rare stills...worthy" -- Film & History

About the Author

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

Product Details

• Paperback: 194 pages
• Publisher: Mcfarland & Co Inc Pub (January 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786408146
• ISBN-13: 978-0786408146
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,901,372 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A glimpse into making silent films, February 7, 2003

By 

Bruce Calvert "silent movie collector" (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Silent Stars Speak: Interviews With Twelve Cinema Pioneers (Paperback)

Tony Villecco writes articles on silent and sound films for CLASSIC IMAGES magazine and he has assembled twelve of his articles for this book. Subjects range from clild actors Baby Peggy Montgomery and Jean Darling to major stars like Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and even a director, Andrew Stone. The book has very detailed filmographies of each person profiled, except for director Stone. This book is a fast read, and it would be a great introduction to someone who is new to silent films. Many of the people profiled in the book had long careers in sound films also. The best parts of the book are when he interviews some little know people like director Stone, actress Pauline Curley, and actress Priscilla Bonner and they actually talk about their careers and filmmaking. Sometimes the subjects just give us a list of the many people that they worked with and don't give us much detail about their experiences. In fairness to the author, his subjects were all very old at the time and may not have been able to remember that many details. If you are really interested in interviews with silent film stars, Kevin Brownlow's THE PARADE'S GONE BY and William Drew's AT THE CENTER OF THE FRAME are much better. Baby Peggy's story is told much better in hour autobiography, HOLLYWOOD' CHILDREN.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Silent Stars Speak" is Superb!, April 16, 2001

By 

Julia Staniulis (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Silent Stars Speak: Interviews With Twelve Cinema Pioneers (Paperback)

"Silent Stars Speak" is a superb book! This is a treasure chest of information about Hollywood's roots. Tony Villeco's interviews with the 12 stars are facinating. He's done a marvelous job, giving us a glimpse into the past. Since many of these stars have now passed on, he's captured wonderful memories and a bit of history as well. It was a joy to read, as well as informative and insightful. The book is full of beautiful, vintage pictures that truly take the reader back to the magical era of silent films. Tony Villeco has created a work of art, in this wonderful book. One can only hope to read more from him future! Bravo!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars review for silent stars speak, March 29, 2001

By 

Marina L (los angeles, ca) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Silent Stars Speak: Interviews With Twelve Cinema Pioneers (Paperback)

Tony Villecco takes 12 cinema pioneers, many whom are forgotten, and brings them back to the forefront. We learn, in their own words, how they helped to create the industry that made them stars. As the years roll by, we continue to lose the precious few silent stars we have left. Out of the 12 that Mr. Villecco interviewed, only 3 survive. This book is one of the last great references we have that uses the stars own words to tell us about their history.