Victorian and Edwardian Stage on Film, The

Synopsis

Shows excerpts from films held in the Paper Print Collection of the Library of Congress, Washington DC, with annotations and critical commentary. David Mayer introduces the films, talks of their provenance and restoration. He discusses the stage repertoire from which they were drawn. Using footage of the restored 19th-century stage machinery at the Tyne Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne, Michael Holt explores the scenographic and technical aspects of the films. George Taylor discusses the performances and contemporary acting styles. The films seen and discussed are ‘Ostler Joe’ (1908), based on George R. Sims’s ‘The ballad of Ostler Joe’; The Drunkard’s Reformation (1909), directed by D W Griffith; ‘Faust aux Enfers’ (1903), directed by George Melies; ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ made by the Edison Company in 1903 and using scenery dating form the 1880s; and some short variety acts showing duel scenes, acrobatic clowning, and ‘Zouave’ acts.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. b&w/col. 53 min.

Year of production

1991

Availability

Sale

Subjects

Drama

Keywords

cinema; early cinema; melodrama; silent films

Credits

Producer

Department of Drama University of Manchester

Contributor

Christopher Baugh; David Mayer

Distributor

Name

University of Manchester, Department of Drama

Phone

061-275 3353

Address

Oxford Road
MANCHESTER
M13 9PL

Notes

contact: Ms Chris Grimshaw, sec’y