An Evening's Entertainment: The Age of the Silent Feature Picture, 1915-1928

History of the American Cinema #3

by Richard Koszarski

The silent cinema was America's first modern entertainment industry, a complex social, cultural, and technological phenomenon that swept the country in the early years of the twentieth century. Richard Koszarski examines the underlying structures that made the silent-movie era work, from the operations of eastern bankers to the problems of neighborhood theater musicians. He offers a new perspective on the development of this major new industry and art form and the public's response to it.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction, Media Tie In, History

395 pages, Hardcover

First published December 28, 1990

Reviews

[James Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful volume in this series on the history of American film. What I most appreciated about this book was its focus on so many under-discussed areas of film history for this period. It had the analysis of the usual stars and directors, but it also discusses in depth what a typical night at the movies looked like during this time period, how the consolidation of the studios at this time eventually led to the Studio Era, and how the forces driving the product changed from independent directors to producers heading large units of filmmakers.

[Greta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat of a mix of a reference work and a history. Excellent information, and some different information that you won't find elsewhere such as trends in theatre attendance, production costs, etc. Chapters on the technology and making movies as well as the filmmakers and stars. Third volume in a "History of the American Cinema."

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book a few years back in doing research on the silent film and was impressed by the real "on-the-ground" facts it gleaned about the audiences and the societal and business factors that went into the making, marketing and distribution of movies in the silent era. No theoretical bullshit or academic hogwash, just good solid research, well presented and nicely illustrated.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much "I didn't know that!" material: who were the fan favorites in the late 1910s? (you'll be surprised at some inclusions and exclusions) what films did children enjoy watching before they became a target market? Who contributed to the maturity and innovation of motion pictures? More in-depth history proving the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and its annual Awards for technical and overall excellence were reactionary measures by Louis B Mayer to crew labour organizing. Why is Erich von Stroheim among the great directors considering what happened to most of his 1920s output? Who played nice in the Studio System? Who were the rebels? So much on cinemas, prologues, magazines (Shadowland issues at archive dot org), projection cameras, motion picture camera cranking speeds, and more. A film history connoisseur's treasure.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the “History of the American Cinema” series published by the University of California. I reviewed the other two last year, but the next one will be outside “my period” so it may take a while before I get around to reading it. Where the first volume was largely concerned with the technological advancement of film and some of the early studios, and the second covered mainly exhibition and the rise of the moguls, this volume is more concerned with content and presentation than the others, and spends a lot more time discussing important directors and actors. This makes sense, as we are moving into a period in which the “star system” and “auteur theory” begin to seem relevant, but he does still devote chapters to discussing movie palaces, projection, corporate organization, and changes in technology, so historical context is not overlooked.

This book is a strong entry in the series, and uses a wide range of sources as well as demonstrating a strong familiarity with the movies of the period on the part of its author. It is becoming somewhat dated, after more than 25 years, but still provides a good grounding in the basics of the period and will give anyone interested in the period of silent features many suggestions of “must see” movies to watch for.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

no really.

this is a pretty amazing read.....
before it was standard to have what we know as the standard movie theater going experience, there was a brief window of crazy, improbable things going on to accompany the exhibition of a film...... millions of pounds of sand laid down on the floor of movie palaces and a dozen camels in the lobby to accompany the latest swords-and-sandals silent film.

[Kyle O'Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it interesting and enjoyed it. However, I do have a big interest in silent film. The author of the book obviously did his research and put a lot of work into it. Someone with a more casual interest may not enjoy this for how detailed it is, but if you're interested in this sort of book, you would enjoy it greatly.

[Buckey Grimm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent History on the period as the title suggest of the "Feature Film". Richard Koszarski looks at the industry from all angles, and covers clearly all of the elements that moved the Industry forward through to the end of the Silent Era.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as interesting as the first two.