We’re thrilled to announce the Classic Movie History Project 2016! Fritzi of Movies, Silently, Aurora of Once Upon a Screen and yours truly are exploring the history of classic film.
The past two years of this project have been incredible. Participants have shared research, provided thoughtful commentary, and written amazing essays. We can hardly wait to see what happens this year!
The Classic Movie History Project 2016 will run for six days, August 5-10, with two topics per day. Each host will facilitate four topics, all of which fit into three broad categories:
See? Isn’t this fab? We’ll get into topic details below, but first, the Fine Print.
If you’d like to join us – and we hope you will – here are some guidelines, rules, regulations, must-dos, please-dos and other tidbits…
Remember, the topics below are suggestions, just to give you some ideas. Like Fritzi says, “As long as your topic has to do with making movies, movies themselves or the people who made movies, we want you aboard!”
An updated list of participants can be found on Fritzi’s site HERE.
The Studios
MGM musicals. Warner gangsters. Toho monsters. The studios of the classic film era were responsible for artistic triumphs, trash and tragedy. The Studios is all about the house style of longstanding and respected industry players like Fox, Warner Brothers and MGM. It also covers foreign powerhouses like Gaumont, Ufa and Mosfilm. Poverty row and independent producers will get their day in the sun as well with coverage of Selznick, Goldwyn and the cowboys of Gower Gulch.
The Publicity Department
Hoopla, hullabaloo and just a touch of carnival barker: that was the winning formula for film publicity. We’ll be covering posters, trailers, tie-ins and soundtracks, as well as publicity stunts, staged scandals and the anything-goes attitude of film advertising. From the tasteful posters of the classic era to the mad stunts of William Castle, The Publicity Department is all about getting rear ends into theater seats.
“You Can’t Do That in the Movies: The Production Code”
The Production Code put an end to explicit naughtiness in movies, but filmmakers continually tried to find ways to work around it. The Production Code will look at the main architects of – and detractors from – the Code. We’ll look at the goals of the Code, notable exemptions, and how it changed the films themselves.
The Magic of Animation
They say the Golden Age of Animation was 1928 to the early 1960s, but animation has been around since the early 1900s. The Magic of Animation will explore different types of film animation, such as traditional 2D, stop-motion, mechanical, puppetry, claymation, etc. We’ll also pay tribute to animation pioneers.
Groundbreakers
“The openers” is how John Steinbeck referred to them in “East of Eden.” These people who ventured forth into uncharted territory were often naïve, learned hard lessons, made mistakes and persevered. In doing so they permanently changed our culture by changing movie history and this topic is for them. With trailblazing energy they set standards that stand to this day. The groundbreakers – not with shovel or cement in hand, but with a camera, with a microphone, with gestures and words they paved the way and we want to know how they did it.
Before They Were Stars
W.C. Fields made his Broadway debut in an aptly titled musical comedy, “The Ham Tree.” Norma Shearer won a beauty contest at the age of fourteen. Buster Keaton nearly suffocated at a few months old after being accidentally shut in a costume trunk off stage while his mother and father performed. You get the picture. We want to know the highs, the lows and the in-betweens of those whose faces would someday adorn the silver screen.
The Technical Department
Directors and stars get all the attention but what about the brilliant craftspeople who made the movies possible? We’re going to be giving these hardworking editors, special effects wizards, sound engineers, production designers and makeup artists their day in the sun, examining the craft that made classic films so gorgeous.
The Costume Department
That Hollywood look! Or is it Berlin? In any case, movies have always showcased virtuoso fashion design and the stars have always tried to look their very best for their fans. The Costume Department is all about virtuoso fashion design onscreen and off and we’ll be discussing the very best in costuming and red carpet fashion.
Movie Disasters
Sometimes making movies is difficult, whether it’s the bickering between the director and lead actor, or the harsh conditions while filming on location. Then there are the box-office bombs that keep studio executives awake at night. Movie Disasters is a no-holds-barred look at Hollywood, uh, “missteps”.
The Wonderful World of Color
Color has been used in film for well over 100 years. The Wonderful World of Color celebrates color innovators, along with larger-than-life color films. We’ll also examine different color techniques, such as tinting, hand-coloring, two and three-color film processes, and glorious Technicolor.
The Family Business
Some of the most interesting stories in Hollywood through the decades have been born of family strife and pressures mixed with the art and business of motion pictures. Some acting families have made a brief appearance in the movies and are forgotten while others like The Barrymores remain popular – whether by truth or legend – generation after generation. Acting “dynasties” are connected to controversy, have won major awards, starred in countless films and directed eternal classics. They’ve also owned major Hollywood studios and passed them down to the next generation and by doing so irrevocably changed the course of history. The Laemmles, The Hustons, The Fondas. Spotlighted here are Hollywood family dynamics.
A Foreign Affair
Hollywood would not have been Hollywood without the talent of foreigners who came to call her their own. From countries the world over foreign talents added a distinct and unforgettable flavor to countless classic movies. The “Such much?” exchange in Curtiz’s Casablanca comes to mind instantly, but that’s just one example and these extraordinary people were legion. The choice is yours and we can’t wait to see who you want to focus on! By the way – if you prefer to write about American stars abroad, that’s great too.
Here’s a handy reference chart you can cut out and tape to your refrigerator!
Day | Subject | Hosted By |
Day 1 (Aug 5) | The Studios | Movies Silently |
The Publicity Dep’t | Movies Silently | |
Day 2 (Aug 6) | The Production Code | Silver Screenings |
The Magic of Animation | Silver Screenings | |
Day 3 (Aug 7) | The Groundbreakers | Once Upon a Screen |
The Family Business | Once Upon a Screen | |
Day 4 (Aug 8) | The Technical Dep’t | Movies Silently |
The Wardrobe Dep’t | Movies Silently | |
Day 5 (Aug 9) | Movie Disasters | Silver Screenings |
Wonderful World of Color | Silver Screenings | |
Day 6 (Aug 10) | Before They Were Stars | Once Upon a Screen |
A Foreign Affair | Once Upon a Screen |
We can hardly wait to celebrate Classic Movie History with you. In lieu of cake, please help yourself to one of the banners below.
And join us on Twitter: #MovieHistoryProject.
Hey Ruth. Seeing as the Barrymore’s are mentioned I can’t resist doing them, but I would also like to write about D.W Griffith’s and how his major influence in cinema helped shape the film industry. Would it be ok if I did both of those topics?
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Of course! We’d be delighted if you did both. I’ll add you to the list for both. So happy you’re joining us. 🙂
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Oh, this will be fun! I need a little time so I can think of something good. 🙂
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Yay! I’m glad you want to join us! You always have interesting things to say about films.
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I finally came up with an idea! I’d love to write about Willis O’Brien and Stop Motion Animation. Would that come under Groundbreaker or Animation?
https://christinawehner.wordpress.com/
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Grest idea! Selfishly, I’d like to include it in Animation, because that’s one I’m hosting. O’Brien is definitely a pioneer, but would you be OK with me putting him in Animation?
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Animation sounds marvelous! 🙂 It took me a little while to think of a topic, but I’m extremely excited about this one and looking forward to reading everyone’s contributions.
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Hi Ruth! I was thinking of writing about “The Trail of the Lonesome Pine” (1936), the first Technicolor film to be shot outdoors. My idea is to write about the film itself and how color schemes offer an additional level of meaning to the story, and also maybe a little bit about how the three-strip Technicolor process worked. Would that be okay?
-Cátia. xo
Back to Golden Days (http://back-to-golden-days.blogspot.pt/)
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Wonderful! Yes, that would be terrific! I’d be so glad for someone to cover the 3-strip colour process. Yay!
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Hi there! I’d like to cover Nanook of the North (1922) under the Film category. I’m planning to explore the “fact vs. fiction” elements of the film, but wanted to hear your thoughts about how that would fit into the subject sub-category.
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I’m wondering if that could be considered as a Groundbreaker? They did have some formidable elements while filming, and I think they had to develop some special equipment to film in that environment?? I could be wrong…
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Hmmm… That could work, as well. It certainly was a game-changer for the documentary format.
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Let’s try it on for size? Nanook is a fascinating film, and I’m so glad you’re thinking about it. I’m going to add you to the list…No Pressure!
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Wow, this sounds exciting! I’d like to write a post into the Movie Disasters topic, exploring all the different catastrophes Chaplin had to endure while filming The Circus in 1926-27. I’m glad you’re organizing this :)!
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Awesome! Great choice! I’m looking forward to learning more about this.
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This sounds so cool. Don’t know that I could add anything but I’ll pass it along. Really looking forward to reading these!
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These are going to be great. Really, the past two years have had some awesome entries. It’s like going to film school for free!
Thanks for offering to share the word. Of course, if you wanted to join us, we’d be delighted.
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It’s…so difficult…to resist… (I’ll look through and see if there’s anything I can offer.) ❤ Either way, looks awesome.
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Yay!!
(But no pressure, though.)
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Very cool! I’d love to participate, I will have a think about topics.
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Wonderful! Don’t worry about finding a topic that fits one section. We can make anything work. So glad you’re thinking of joining us! 🙂
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Great, I will get back, to you closer to the time 🙂
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For Day 2, The Magic of Animation, would a piece on the Fleischers suit?
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Yes! Absolutely! Can I put you down for that? Please?
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Okay.
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Yay!!
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I seem so far to be the only animation volunteer!
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I aim to change that. It’s an important part of film history.
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Great idea!
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Yes, thus is our 3rd year hosting this event. A person really learns lot from it! 🙂
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OK, here’s my idea, and I think it falls under “the films” category, although it has aspects of all three. This is my year to cover 1916, and the movie most film buffs know from the year is “Intolerance.” It’s funny, though, because it wasn’t the blockbuster people expected as a follow-up to “The Birth of a Nation” and there are lots of stories about the production, Griffith’s intentions, and how it fits into his legacy. I’d like to look not just at the movie itself, but the backstory behind it and all of the stories, true and otherwise, that film historians have circulated about it in the years since.
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This sounds GREAT! Would it be inaccurate to call this movie a box-office disaster?
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Thanks. I guess it might be – in a way, that’s part of what I want to research. I see various claims for both its budget and box office returns that are sometimes contradictory. It may be hard to find reliable numbers, but I’ll see what I can do!
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On terms of scheduling, do you feel it would be inappropriate to schedule it for Day 5, which is movie disasters? In that day’s recap post, I could introduce your essay with something like: “Is Intolerance really the disappointment everyone says it is?”…or whatever your research uncovers. Thoughts?
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That’s probably the best day for it, all things considered. I’m sure we can work it in there.
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What an amazing project, Ruth! Sounds like a wealth of movie knowledge will be shared during that time. I look forward to it!
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I’m looking forward to it, too. Promises to be really interesting, with lots of fascinating film history. 🙂
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How interesting !!
I’d love to contribute; but since am unsure whether I can, I shan’t be able to commit, at the moment!! Shall let you know, closer to the date!! Hopefully, I’ll be able to!! Looking Forward to it!!
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Oh, I hope you can join us! Please let us know closer to the date. 🙂
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Sure Shall!! Thanks for understanding!! 🙂
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I’d love to do Mae West’s entrance into film for the Groundbreakers category. Has anyone snatched her up for that? She could fit into pre-Code too, obviously, but I’m most interested in her writing. Glad to see this blogathon again! A wonderful film education each time…
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Sounds wonderful! So glad Ms West is getting her own tribute. Will add you to the Master List. 🙂
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Hi there, I’d love to join you all and write about the animation of Winsor McKay.
The blog is FforFilms.net.
Thanks!
Josh
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Sounds great! I will add you to the Master Plan List!
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Oh, the McCay one sounds fun. I’ll be looking out for that.
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Oops, I misspelled his name. I guess I should fix that if I expect anyone to take what I write seriously!
Thanks for your interest. ☺
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Yes, I’ll fix it on the list. I missed it too – doh!
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Ha! I’m embarrassed to admit I didn’t notice it either — just typed the correct version out of habit.
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This is a great blogathon with so many possibilities! May I write on the Fairbanks’ for the family topic? I may come up with other ideas for other days but definitely want to take advantage of the family one if I can.
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Oh yes please! Fab idea!! An important family in Hollywood history. Will add you to list this morning.
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Thank you!! 🙂
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So glad you are running this project again as it’s such an important history lesson. Please could I write about Frances Marion as a ‘groundbreaker’? I’d like to submit another post, but might have to see how my schedule is looking a little closer to the event 🙂
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Excellent choice! Yes, Frances Marion certainly deserves movie love in this blogathon. So glad you can join us! 🙂
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Hi, I have a review I’ve written on One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest and one on The Sound of Music, would either of these be relevant for this project?
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How would you feel if we put Sound of Music in the “Colour” category, and One Flew Over Cukoo’s Nest in “Groundbreakers”?
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That would be lovely thanks, my first real blogathon – do I send you the links to these reviews
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Yes please. I will add you to the list, although it may not be updated until tomorrow, just so you know.
So glad you’re joining us!
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I’ve been looking for an excuse to FINALLY force myself to do something I’ve been putting off for years. Watch my DVD of “The Conqueror”. When I saw the banner, I just knew someone else would have snagged it, but I didn’t see it in the messages. So what do you say? Can I torture myself for the movie Disasters day?
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Please do so! I was hoping someone would choose it. Looking forward to it. 🙂
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Could Mary Blair count as animation, even though she was a concept artist for Disney? I just love her artwork and would love to learn more about her by writing about her.
I would also like to do a post on Simone Simon (mainly in Cat People) under foreign stars. My blog is http://phyllislovesclassicmovies.blogspot.com/
Thanks!
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I just thought of another good one!! For the Technical Dept. “It’s Snowing! Making Celluloid Winter Wonderlands.”
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Absolutely! Man, you’ll be practically giving a film studies course. Excellent!
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Hi Phyllis, yes to both! Would love to read your thoughts on both Simone Simon and Disney’s Mary Blair. I will add you to the list. So glad you’re joining us! 🙂
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Awesome!! Pretty sure I’m going to have to abstain from blogathons for the month of July to give all of these their proper due 🙂
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Hi Ruth. Would it be possible if I change my entries. I wanted to do D.W Griffith, but I’ve searched all the libraries, and can’t get a book on him. I’m going to have to save him for next year, and I’ll have more time or order a book by then. And for the Barrymore’s, I figured that I’m always writing about the Barrymore’s, and would love to offer something new and different. I will still do two or three entries. I just have to brainstorm some topics.
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Oh yes, no problem. I’m looking forward to hearing about your new topics. You always have interesting things to say.
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Thanks. Yeah I’m trying to think back to motion picture history, and anything that happened.
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I’ve came up with one topic. I would love to write about Bette Davis’s dispute with Warner Brothers. And how she took them to court. Let me know if that works? I will think of some other topics.
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Ooh! Yes please! We have someone covering the De Havilland Case, and this would be a perfect fit. Woohoo!
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Sounds great. Put me down for that one. I’ve also thought of another topic. How about the 1905 short film, “Rescued By Rover”. It’s considered to be the first dog film star. The film has a wealth of history behind it. In the same post, I will do a bit on Hepsworth.
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Love! Would you be OK if we put Rover in the Groundbreaker section? The first dog film star is a pretty big deal.
I don’t know much about Rescued by Rover, so I’m excited by this idea.
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Yes of course. I wasn’t sure which section it would go in, but yeah when you think about it, it would be the groundbreaker section.
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Hi Ruth. I noticed that I’m still on the other two hosting blogs for my old choices.
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Ack! I forgot to tell them I changed the master list. Will do that this am. Thanks!
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Thanks. That was two choices I changed. The Bette court case and Rover. I’m also thinking of a third topic.
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A third topic would be wonderful! However, no pressure – seriously. I wouldn’t want you to be overburdened…
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I love blogathons. I find them quite addictive actually. I’m still on the roster on two other hosting blogs for my old choices.
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I will remind them again.
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It’s still the same, but I will also let Aurora know.
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On the two other hosting blogs I meant to say.
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For my third topic, I’m thinking of something for the Pre-Code category or the movie disasters category. Do have any good ideas for those two categorys?
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I’m afraid my suggestions are purely selfish… 😉 For disasters, how about the grim story & subsequent illnesses after filming Genghis Khan (1965)? Or that gorgeous mess Cleopatra (1963)? As for the Code, I think it would be interesting to have an analysis of the end of the Code. But, for pre-code, how do you feel about women (feminism??) in pre-code films?
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Sadly I’ve never seen any Genghis Khan or the 63 version of Cleopatra. Otherwise it would be a unique idea. For the Pre-Code section I thought about doing “Letty Lynton” ( 1932 ), but I have to find my DVD of that first.
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Ooh – this sounds like a pretty juicy film.
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It is. I haven’t seen it for years. I’ve thought of some more ideas for a third topic today
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Crystal, you are truly remarkable. I hope you’re planning to write a classic film history book at some point.
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That goal of writing a book has been my biggest goal for sometime now. I want to write a biography on some one, but I just don’t know whom. I wanted to do Joan Crawford, but there are already several books on her. I went so far researching for her, but I was told that there is far too many books on her, and that another one is not needed. So now I have to choose somebody that don’t have very many books on them or no books
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For Day 2, The Magic of Animation, how about a piece on the stop-motion animator and star of his own series of way-out comedy shorts, Charley Bowers (1877-1946)?
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Yes please!! That would be great! I’ll add you to the list this morning. 🙂
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The chart doesn’t seem in sync with the listings above. For the last day, isn’t Once Upon a Screen the site for me to send my post to, not Movies, Silently?
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Yup, you’re absolutely right. I’ve made the change. The whole chart was out of whack – sheesh!
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Hi Ruth, I’m focusing my own personal learning on westerns this summer, so I would like to write about Harry Carey Sr. & Jr. for the family topic. Will narrow it down, maybe focusing on the centrality of John Ford to both of their careers. Thanks!
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That sounds great, Jocelyn! It’ll be good to see Westerns get more blogathon lovin’. 😉
I’ll add you to the list tomorrow morning when I’m back on a computer.
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Hi there,
Here’s my blogathon entry -sorry bit early but will be away for a wee while in August and unsure when will get online.
https://weegiemidget.wordpress.com/2016/01/04/nuns-nazis-and-a-naval-captain/
Gillx
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Excellent! Thanks for posting early. Will be by later to check it out.
Have a great trip!
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Thanks xxx Hope you have a great blogathon!
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Hey there, I was just checking to make sure I had my dates right for my Young Sisters piece- do I submit on the 7th or the 10th? The grid says 7th, but the first part, explaining the Family Business section says the 10th. 🙂
xoK
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Hi! I just checked the main schedule and you’re on for the 7th. Sorry for the confusion. 😦 Really looking forward to your post on the Youngs!
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My post for the Classic Movie History Project Blogathon on stop-motion animation wizard Charley Bowers is up. Thanks, Ruth, for encouraging me to participate! http://psychotronicpaul.blogspot.com/2016/08/classic-movie-history-project-blogathon.html
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Awesome! Thanks, Paul. I will be uploading the Day 2 recap this morning. Looking forward to this! 🙂
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Posted August 6 at 7:36 p.m. PST
http://psychotronicpaul.blogspot.com/2016/08/classic-movie-history-project-blogathon.html
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http://midnitedrive-in.blogspot.com/2016/08/debacle-in-desert.html
“The Conqueror” was not as completely horrible as I anticipated, but it was pretty bad. My post for Movie Disasters day of the project has gone live.
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Excellent – thanks! I’ll be by to check it out, and I’m really looking forward to it!
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