i once read this beautiful quote: 'i would like to follow spring around the world.' this sentiment was spoken by lillian gish, stage actress turned silent movie queen. this remarkable woman who lived 99 years confessed to never approving of the talkies. the more i watch silents the more i see her point.
in the 1980's i was in attendance when her classic 1928 film 'the wind' was given a grand showing in nyc with a full orchestra. before the film she came out to give a speech. from where i sat she looked so very tiny. as 'letty', a sheltered lone traveler heading out to join relatives, she becomes acquainted with the good and the bad side of men. throughout her journey she is constantly tormented by the raging winds that sweep through the prairie. the wind definitely racks my nerves so i can relate, but the extent of the damage on 'letty's' poor soul is huge. her performance is awesome.
2 comments:
watched a classic last night myself, 'city lights' chaplin. totally had an epiphany. "reading words" in comparison to what we were taught when reading these words, can be re-interpreted via film.
thank goodness for the preservation of great standards in film that deliver emotion and feeling during situations that are universal via b/w silent movies.
I just love Lillian Gish.
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