Test Over the First Section: The German Films

Our first test is today.  It covers Edison's Frankenstein and early cinema efforts, along with the German films.  Several students have asked if a "blue book" or scantron is needed:  The answer is no.  I will hand the test out in class. 

Read the book, check your notes and review the films....see you there!

Updated Class Schedule

To the right is the updated class schedule.  Please note that this differs slightly from the syllabus, due to the changes made to accommodate the art history museum field trip. 

Welcome: Fall 2012 class!

Well, if you made it here you've discovered our class blog.  Hopefully you'll find this as a helpful resource as you make your way thru the History of Silent Horror Cinema course.  You may want to check this page on occasion for important details concerning what we've discussed.  Starting out, you'll need to pick up this book as soon as you can:

Silent Screams: The History of the Silent Horror Film by Steve Haberman

This is the textbook for the course, and very useful long after the class is over, as you'll find it a great resource for the subject of silent horror films.

I have a question or two for you early on before you start to learn about this subject:  What do you think of when you think of early cinema efforts?  Have you been exposed to much of these in your life?  Why do you think artists, writers and musicians of the turn-of-the-century might have been attracted to the allure of the new technology of the cinematic camera? 

Think of about these points as we kick off the class...and, as Lugosi states in the film "Dracula"...."I bid you......welcome!"

He Who Is Mr. Lon Chaney

Jennifer found a wonderful shot of Mr. Chaney taking "5" with some of the others from "He Who Gets Slapped". What a great shot!

SCHEDULE UPDATE

Hello everyone....hope you had a great holiday....here's an update on our schedule:

As you know, we covered Fritz Lang's "M" the last time...that is fodder for the final test. On the 2nd we meet...I will give back your last test, which we will go over. Continuing our transition to the "talkies", we are watching "White Zombie" with Lugosi.

The next time we meet will be the 9th. YOUR TERM PAPER IS DUE ON THIS DAY. The final lecture and film is "King Kong" and Willis O'Brien. We will review for the final test if need be.

The final test is on the 16th, REGULAR CLASS TIME (2-5). It will cover the 3 films listed above. I'll return your term papers at this time as well. We'll have a bonus "farewell" film at that time!

Shell Shock Cinema-New Book!

Jill Carrington has given us a "heads up" on this fantastic, award-winning resource for your term papers. Carol Scamman, our research librarian, has rush-ordered a copy for us, and it will be available at the library in the next few weeks!

September 30, First Exam: The Silents of Germany

Our first exam is this Friday. As stated, in order to be best prepared, you need to know the lecture material, have read chapters 1-3 in your textbook and know the 4 major films we've viewed thus far: "The Man Who Laughs", "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari", "The Hands of Orlac" and "Pandora's Box". Study hard, and I'll see you in class!