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Old San Francisco among newly released silent films
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Old San Francisco is part of a 7-disc collection of
silent films never before released on DVD
By Thomas Gladysz
SF Silent Film Examiner
We see San Francisco destroyed. Buildings shake, and crumble. Rubble rains down. Men, women, and children are buried beneath the debris. Flames rage throughout a once vibrant metropolis. This dramatic depiction of the 1906 earthquake serves as the stirring finale to the classic 1927 film Old San Francisco.
More than three-quarters of a century after its theatrical release, Old San Francisco is making its debut on DVD. The film is now available through the recently launched Warner Archive Collection.
With its atmospheric photography, creative set design, and a local setting touching on historical events - Old San Francisco will appeal to both local and silent movie buffs. Directed by Alan Crosland (best known for The Jazz Singer) and based on a story by future Hollywood mogul Darryl F. Zanuck, the film stars Dolores Costello and Warner Oland. Favorite Anna May Wong also has a small role.
Oland (memorable as Charlie Chan in later years) plays a cruel city boss, a Chinese disguised as a non-Chinese who lusts after a daughter of the Spanish aristocracy, played by the lovely Costello (Drew Barrymore’s grandmother). The action in this historical drama moves from country to city, from rancho to saloon to secret dungeon. Shot at the end of the silent era, Old San Francisco includes a Vitaphone soundtrack featuring synchronized music and sound effects.
Old San Francisco is among the latest silent films released through the Warner Bros. website. The Warner Archive Collection is an innovative on-demand service which allows individuals to order custom-made DVDs of titles otherwise not commercially available. Single discs typically run less than $20.00.
The Warner Archive Collection launched back in March with an initial offering of 150 films. Plans call for 20 or more classic films to be added each month. Among the silent films already available through the site are a handful starring Greta Garbo, as well as titles such as Scaramouche (1923), Exit Smiling (1926), The Smart Set (1928) and Charlie Chaplin’s A Woman of Paris (1923, with Edna Purviance).
Old San Francisco is part of a 7-disc collection of silent films never before released on DVD. The film may be purchased separately or as part of the collection, which includes swashbucklers, costume dramas and a couple of comedies. The rest of the set includes
Beau Brummel (1924)
Beau Brummel is a dandy, a ladies’ man, a social-climbing commoner admitted to English royal circles. Lady Margery Alvanley adores him, but is forced to marry a richer man. The film includes the “great profile”, John Barrymore, in the title role along with Carmel Myers, Irene Rich, and Mary Astor.
The Sea Hawk (1924)
Galleon slaves strain against the oars…warships blast cannonades of death…and one of the great seafaring swashbucklers of the Silent Era (presented with added music) sails anew on DVD. The cast includes Milton Sills, Enid Bennett and Wallace Beery.
The Better ’Ole (1925)
Syd Chaplin – Charlie’s brother – plays Old Bill, a World War I army private with the British Expeditionary Forces. The film derives its title from a beloved British cartoon strip.
When a Man Loves (1927)
John Barrymore stars as an 18th-century swashbuckling hero who escapes from a French prison ship and risks everything for the love of a worthless woman. The film was directed by Alan Crosland. The cast also includes Barrymore’s real life love, Dolores Costello.
The First Auto (1928)
It roars. It belches smoke. It terrifies livestock and endangers bystanders. It’s The First Auto in town, and it sparks a feud between a traditional father devoted to horses and his progressive son, enthralled by the new-fangled invention.
The Divine Lady (1929)
Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson, England’s greatest maritime hero, led a life of astonishing adventure. He found danger in naval battles, fame in his triumphs over Napoleon’s fleet, and passion in the arms of the married Lady Emma Hamilton. Corinne Griffith heads the cast.
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