ITV - Hollywood A Celebration of the American Silent Film (1980) Part 4 Hollywood Goes to War

The award-winning team of David Gill and Kenneth Brownlow present a definitive and unparalleled look at the history of silent film in America “Hollywood,” narrated by James Mason. This 13-part series celebrates the birth of an industry, the town and people who made it all happen. People who, in a few short years, produced an enourmous range of spectacular, inventive and exciting films. From the arrival of the filmmaking pioneers early at the dawn of a new century, through the outbreak of the first World War; from the rise of romance, to the demise of the Old West; from when comedy was king, until the advent of sound. These are the stars, the scandals, the directors, producers, cameramen, stuntmen and, of course, the films themselves that created the legend we know as “Hollywood.” The series showcased, for the first time on television, the greatest silent films as they were meant to be seen – with the proper running speeds and orchestral scores. It was literally produced in the nick of time, as many of those interviewed would be deceased in a few short years – their wonderful memories lost forever. Episodes include interviews with notable directors and actors from the era along with family members of stars.

Written, Directed & Produced by Kevin Brownlow & David Gill; Thames Television Production

Part 4 Hollywood Goes to War

The outbreak of World War I provided Hollywood with one of its greatest sources of plots - and profits. As the American mood shifted away from neutrality, Hollywood followed, abandoning films with pacificst themes for stories of war at the front. With the arrival of peace war films vanished until King Vidor made “The Big Parade” in 1925. Acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, it made a fortune for MGM. “What Price Glory?”, directed by Raoul Walsh, quickly followed . Lewis Milestone's “All Quiet on the Western Front” showed the German side of the conflict, and became the most powerful statement on the war by the generation that fought it. Includes rare footage and excerpts from HEARTS OF THE WORLD (1918), THE BIG PARADE (1925), WHAT PRICE GLORY? (1926), and WINGS (1927); interviews with Douglas Fairbanks Jr., King Vidor, Lillian Gish, Blanche Sweet, and much more!

Full Version Available Upon Request
Episode One Shown Here