Louise Brooks

[ER]

What are your thoughts on her? I first heard of her through a reference in Peter Straub's Ghost Story back in high school and got interested in who she was. She made some good movies and wrote a provocative tell-all late in life that still had enough sting to it that she was reportedly bribed to tone it down, even decades removed from her heyday.

One funny thing she said was a voice coach told her she'd have no future in talkies because her Kansas accent was so broad she pronounced cow as "keyow."

Seriously, I think silent films had a beauty and presence that was unique, and I think it's a shame they were abandoned, since they could have found a niche even after The Jazz Singer changed the industry. That also goes for radio series, which could do things no other medium could.

[RCMerchant]

I've seen DIARY OF A LOST GIRL (1929)-which is a very perverse movie!- and PANDORA'S BOX (1929) with Louise, and she's fantastic.
Both films are classics. If you've never seen them, treat yourself. Not the usual creaky old stuff.Beautiful film making and great acting by Louise, who is sexier than any Barbie Doll no-talents running around today.
I've always loved silent films, and DIARY OF A LOST GIRL is one of my favorites, right up there with DR.MABUSE THE GAMBLER (1922), NOSFERATU (1922) and BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN (1925).
Silent films require you to think and follow a story, instead of million dollar f/x and something blowing up every 5 seconds.

[Allhallowsday]

What are your thoughts on her? I first heard of her through a reference in Peter Straub's Ghost Story back in high school and got interested in who she was. She made some good movies and wrote a provocative tell-all late in life that still had enough sting to it that she was reportedly bribed to tone it down, even decades removed from her heyday.

One funny thing she said was a voice coach told her she'd have no future in talkies because her Kansas accent was so broad she pronounced cow as "keyow."

Seriously, I think silent films had a beauty and presence that was unique, and I think it's a shame they were abandoned, since they could have found a niche even after The Jazz Singer changed the industry. That also goes for radio series, which could do things no other medium could.

The other day I saw bits of two JOHN GILBERT films, early talkies, and frankly I couldn't get over his facial expressions and histrionics.  He was simply dated.  Sound experienced by the character and shared with the audience is natural, not theatrical.  Filmmakers figured out sound quickly too. 

[RCMerchant]

What are your thoughts on her? I first heard of her through a reference in Peter Straub's Ghost Story back in high school and got interested in who she was. She made some good movies and wrote a provocative tell-all late in life that still had enough sting to it that she was reportedly bribed to tone it down, even decades removed from her heyday.

One funny thing she said was a voice coach told her she'd have no future in talkies because her Kansas accent was so broad she pronounced cow as "keyow."

Seriously, I think silent films had a beauty and presence that was unique, and I think it's a shame they were abandoned, since they could have found a niche even after The Jazz Singer changed the industry. That also goes for radio series, which could do things no other medium could.

The other day I saw bits of two JOHN GILBERT films, early talkies, and frankly I couldn't get over his facial expressions and histrionics.  He was simply dated.  Sound experienced by the character and shared with the audience is natural, not theatrical.  Filmmakers figured out sound quickly too.  

John Gilbert ain't Louise Brooks.
Gilbert was a ham. Louise was a sexy beast.
The only thing they in common is that they starred in silent films- and Louise was in classic films and was actually a good actress. Gllbert- eh-!

That's like comparing Keaton to the Keystone Cops.

[Allhallowsday]

No, Ron, you misunderstand me.  I was responding to what ER had to say about silent film.  In talkies, GILBERT is a ham as far as I saw.  Though I have seen FLESH AND THE DEVIL and silent he worked for me. 

[RCMerchant]

No, Ron, you misunderstand me.  I was responding to what ER had to say about silent film.  In talkies, GILBERT is a ham as far as I saw.  Though I have seen FLESH AND THE DEVIL and silent he worked for me.  

I will agree with that.
Have you seen Louise Brooks in either of the 2 films I mentioned? Because I think you would love them.
ER brought up the subject- and said herself " she made some good movies" but I don' think she actually seen them.
She is to sexy in silent films what Lugosi was to horror films. She she didn't do too many good ones- but what she did do in those 2 films alone- oh my. Heart breaking, sexy and crazy- I can't explain it. It's like trying to explain a thunderstorm. She's just Louise Brooks.

[Allhallowsday]

Yes.  If you like silent film, LOUISE BROOKS is breathtaking.  I think the films you mention were made in Europe...?  They were recently on TCM.  What's special about the films is their look... as well as her in them.  Ethereal. 

[RCMerchant]

Yes.  If you like silent film, LOUISE BROOKS is breathtaking.  I think the films you mention were made in Europe...?  They were recently on TCM.  What's special about the films is their look... as well as her in them.  Ethereal.  

In Germany.
And yes- I love silent films! 

[RCMerchant]

No, Ron, you misunderstand me.  I was responding to what ER had to say about silent film.  In talkies, GILBERT is a ham as far as I saw.  Though I have seen FLESH AND THE DEVIL and silent he worked for me.  

Garbo made that film worth watching. Gilbert was the pretty boy.