Reel Old Movies

New book available: "An American Comedy — Harold Lloyd's Autobiography: A reissue of the original 1928 edition" — order your paperback copy at Amazon Perhaps no other comedian has ever been so of his time as Harold Lloyd.  The silent comedy star of such hits as “Safety Last!” “Why Worry?” “Grandma’s Boy” and “The Freshman” both reflected the 1920s youthful and optimistic spirit of the era as well as drove part of that pop culture himself. Harold Lloyd's gumption-filled loveable bespeckled everyman character (sometimes called “The Glasses” character, “The Boy” or simply “Harold”) starred in a string of box office hit feature-length films known for their daredevil stunts as well as the comedy.  More: Watch the full movie (free!) of 1923's classic "Safety Last!" The 1928 autobiography “An American Comedy” traces Harold Lloyd’s early childhood through his stardom and is an interesting snapshot of Lloyd's career and Hollywood in the historic time. By 19...

From understated flapper dresses to flamboyant frocks, the stars' fashion throughout almost 100 years of Academy Awards continues to inspire. As stars and movie fans gear up for 2024’s Oscar ceremonies on March 10, look back at some of the attire worn at the earliest Academy Awards ceremonies through the 1970s, featuring fashion favorites such as Audrey Hepburn and Diahann Carroll. And because Edith Head and Givenchy aren’t designing custom creations for the masses, we’ve rounded up a few dresses inspired by the glamorous ladies of Old Hollywood so you’ll always be ready for your close-up! Best, first, most: Oscar trivia from the Golden Age of Hollywood Audrey Hepburn in 1965 Audrey Hepburn lived up to her elegant reputation in this white satin Givenchy-designed gown at the Academy Awards ceremony in 1965, where she was a presenter. “My Fair Lady,” in which she starred with Rex Harrison, won for best picture. (Photo: Getty Images) A dress inspired by Hepburn’s … More dress details ...

What do classic movie fans and Taylor Swift fans have in common? A love of Clara Bow.  Pop superstar Swift announced during her Grammy Award win on Sunday that her 11th studio album would release April 19, 2024.  Called "The Tortured Poets Department," the album features a final track titled "Clara Bow," spotted by fans.  Who is Clara Bow? Clara Bow was an actress of the silent movie era and she epitomized the Roaring Twenties' flapper girl. Bow (born July 29, 1905, died September 27, 1965) starred in blockbuster after blockbuster, but her most famous is the classic 1927 silent comedy, “It” (no, not the horror movie). In "It," Bow plays a plucky shop girl in the silent movie with such exclamations – via title cards – as “Hot socks!” and “Sweet Santa Claus, give me him!” The concept of someone having “it” (that certain something, charisma) was popularized in the movie and Bow would forever be known as the “It Girl.” ( Watch for free on Youtube ) In-d...

Classic movie lovers have a slate of film festival options in 2024, for everyone from film noir fans to silent film enthusiasts.  Below is a list of famous (and perhaps not-so-famous) film festivals celebrating classic movies along with announced or tentative dates for 2024, in rough chronological order: 

"The Crowd" is a 1928 silent movie nominated for the very first best picture Academy Award as "Unique and Artistic Achievement" and is considered today one of the best silent films in history. "The Crowd" was directed by King Vidor and stars James Murray, Eleanor Boardman and Bert Roach. IMDB plot summary: The life of a man and woman together in a large, impersonal metropolis through their hopes, struggles, and downfalls. Watch the full silent movie "The Crowd" (for free!) now at Youtube *** Follow @ReelOldMovies for the latest classic movie news. On: Instagram  |  Mastodon  |  YouTube  |  Google News x

“Dinner at Eight” (1933) was among 25 movies selected Wednesday for the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry for 2023.  Jean Harlow was the breakout performance of the all-star ensemble cast that included Marie Dressler, John Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore, Wallace Beery, Billie Burke, Lee Tracy and Edmund Lowe. George Cukor directed the MGM dramedy about a high class dinner party in which secrets are revealed.  The box office hit is full of crackerjack exchanges such as this one: Kitty (Jean Harlow) : I was reading a book the other day. Carlotta (Marie Dressler) : [Nearly trips]  Reading a book? Kitty : Yes. It's all about civilization or something. A nutty kind of a book. Do you know that the guy says that machinery is going to take the place of every profession? Carlotta : [Looking her over]  Oh, my dear, that's something you need never worry about. It’s no surprise that the screenplay has all-star talent behind it, too: Frances Marion and Herman J. Mankiewicz...

Whether it’s Christmas stocking stuffers, hostess gifts or holiday presents for family and friends, below are a few holiday gift ideas for the classic film fans in your life. And perhaps for yourself as well.  Here are ideas for books, puzzles, decor/home and movie streaming and experiences:

Now available! " Beginner’s Guide to Classic Movies: 50 movies to start your discovery of Old Hollywood stars and directors" — order your paperback at Amazon 

On this date in Hollywood history -- November edition: Lon Chaney stars as a tough Marine sergeant, birthdays for Joel McCrea and Mabel Normand, "The Big Parade" premieres and more ... 

No trick, all treats: Horror movies lurk in every corner of classic film. This Halloween, go beyond the usual suspects and sample of few of these frightfully fun movies from the silent era that may not be as well known.