
Vilma Banky and Rudolph Valentino in “Son of the Sheik,” courtesy of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival.
Earning enthusiastic praise and reception from thrilled audiences, the San Francisco Silent Film Festival’s inaugural Autumn Fest Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, introduced newly restored prints, treasured classics and an intriguing compiled program on the giant screen at the glorious Art Deco Castro Theatre in San Francisco. The new event replaces the Festival’s Winter Fest, but continues the group’s mission of screening silent motion pictures highlighting the artistic nature of the medium, accompanied by talented accompanists who give voice to proceedings. Besides presenting silent films old and new, the Autumn Fest aims to educate veteran and new fans alike through informative PowerPoint slide shows featuring fascinating factoids and visually arresting images between screenings, as well as thoughtful program notes and excerpted articles from period trade journals.
Another Fine Mess: Silent Laurel and Hardy Shorts kicked off proceedings with the screening of three landmark Laurel and Hardy short films perfect for introducing young and new audiences alike to the wonder and joy of silent films. “Should Married Men Go Home?,” “Two Tars,” and “Big Business” present hilarious examples of misbehaving husbands, road rage and selling a Christmas tree, brought magically to life through the nimble fingers of accompanist Donald Sosin.
Mary Mallory’s “Hollywoodland: Tales Lost and Found” is available for the Kindle.




















