There is not much that I can say that has not already been said about Griffith's 1916 masterpiece, Intolerance. I love to show clips to my students, as it establishes a sense of history and grandeur to even the casual study of film.
However, I was very privileged to see a brand-new print, with a live audience, in a large movie house.. (and I'm not THAT old!) when Kevin Browlow's Channel 4 silents sponsored the screening of the restored print at the Dominion Theatre, London. Carl Davis was conducting the orchestra from the pit. Two or more thousand people watched in rapt attention. It was an awesome experience.
Alas, silent film is very hard to see these days, and the saddest thing of all is that the Channel 4 silents got axed not long after. This is living history.. and possibly the greatest film of all time.
For the buffs out there, I can give you the Dominion screening dates from the programme I have at home. I'm in my office right now, so it is not to hand.
However, I was very privileged to see a brand-new print, with a live audience, in a large movie house.. (and I'm not THAT old!) when Kevin Browlow's Channel 4 silents sponsored the screening of the restored print at the Dominion Theatre, London. Carl Davis was conducting the orchestra from the pit. Two or more thousand people watched in rapt attention. It was an awesome experience.
Alas, silent film is very hard to see these days, and the saddest thing of all is that the Channel 4 silents got axed not long after. This is living history.. and possibly the greatest film of all time.
For the buffs out there, I can give you the Dominion screening dates from the programme I have at home. I'm in my office right now, so it is not to hand.