Reel Old Movies

September 29, 2022 is National Silent Movie Day. But what exactly is it, when did it start and what is its purpose? A few frequently asked questions (and answers) around National Silent Movie Day 2022.

In honor of 2023’s National Silent Movie Day on September 29, check out these silent film classics that are considered must-see favorites by silent film fans. 

In honor of 2022’s National Silent Movie Day on September 29, check out these silent film classics that are considered must-see favorites by silent film fans. 

Movie lovers know that old movies are priceless: the memories, the enjoyment, the emotion. But what to get that classic movie lover as a holiday gift that they don’t already have – and that isn’t a copy of a movie they already own? 

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:

Calling all classic movie fans! Check out these book bargains this week during Amazon's Prime Day sale in October.  From Old Hollywood trivia to a beginner's guide for newbies, and from Harold Lloyd to "It's a Wonderful Life," Reel Old Movies has discounted our books -- starting at $5 -- this week.  Here's a quick round-up of books on sale from Reel Old Movies: Beginner's Guide to Classic Movies Katharine Hepburn vs. Audrey Hepburn. “Gilda,” “Laura” or “Harold and Maude”? John Wayne, John Ford and John Gilbert. Tens of thousands of movies and hundreds of stars over several decades can be daunting. Where to even start? This guide of 50 movies is a way to jumpstart your classic movie appreciation by providing a broad cross-section of films from a variety of movie genres, directors and stars. You’ll get a solid foundation of Old Hollywood, but even better – you’ll start to discover for yourself which styles and stars you like and pursue more of those movies....

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:

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 2022 movie “Babylon” dives into the transition from silent to talkies in Hollywood with an ensemble cast that includes Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Jean Smart and Diego Calva.  But “Babylon” isn’t the first movie to be set among the glittery world of showbiz or portray a cinematic past. The movie industry has a storied history in putting itself – or at least a made-for-Hollywood version of itself – up on the big screen.  While there are numerous modern movies as well, let's look at these Old Hollywood classics that took audiences inside movie magic: Singin' in the Rain (1952) The plot of "Babylon" mines similar territory as "Singin' in the Rain" – the 1952 musical looks back at the transition to talkies 25 years before. Gene Kelly is Don Lockwood, the silent screen star who is making the leap to sound with comedic and musical help from Debbie Reynolds' Kathy (an aspiring actress) and Donald O'Connor's Cosmo. The scene stealer is Jean Hage...

On this date in Hollywood history -- July edition: "White Zombie," "Easy Rider" and film noir classic "Double Indemnity" premiere, Alan Arkin dies, birthdays for Theda Bara, William Powell, Clara Bow, "Phantom of the Opera" star Mary Philbin, Olivia de Havilland, Thomas Mitchell, Barbara Stanwyck, James Cagney, Ginger Rogers and John Gilbert, and more ...  Discover what happened on days throughout July in Hollywood history, from historic film premieres and industry milestones to anniversaries of birthdays/deaths of beloved Old Hollywood figures, and more. ( And explore previous months ) This story will be updated throughout the month July 29 Theda Bara (born July 29, 1885, died April 7, 1955) was one of the most popular actresses of the silent movie era and known for her femme fatale roles. She isn’t as well known to mass modern audiences in part because so many of her films have been lost to history.  One that survives: 1925’s “The Unchastened W...

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. 

[Last updated December 1, 2024. Stay tuned for 2025 updates] Movie theater chains announced the first batches of classic films to be re-released on the big screen in 2024. Fathom Events , which parted ways with TCM, leads the pack along with Flashback Cinema, Alamo Drafthouse and other regional movie houses.  2024 will see the audience favorites “Gone with the Wind” and “The Wizard of Oz” (both 1939) hit movie theaters on their 85th anniversaries as well as “Blazing Saddles” marking its 50th anniversary. The  Alamo Drafthouse  chain is spotlighting movies (to be announced) from 1979 and 1974 later this year.  Here’s a list of classic movie re-releases coming soon to a theater hopefully near you. (A variety of independent movie houses include classic movies in their lineup but unfortunately, we can’t track all of those individually. This list is of roughly pre-1980, nationally or at least largely regionally playing in theaters.) This list will continue to be ...