The Most Lamented Lost Silent Films: A Glimpse into Cinema's Forgotten Treasures

The history of cinema, especially that of silent films, is filled with stories of lost treasures. Many of these films, though lost in the traditional sense, offer a portal into the evolution of early filmmaking and the talents of some of the most celebrated artists of their time. In this article, we explore a selection of these oft-forgotten silent films and why their beauty and historical significance make them so deeply regrettable.

The Mountain Eagle (1926) - Alfred Hitchcock's Earlier Days

Alfred Hitchcock's lost second film, The Mountain Eagle, is a regrettable addition to the list of silent films that have disappeared over the years. This romantic drama, set in Munich and the Austrian state of Tyrol, stars a man and his physically disabled son in their pursuit of a local woman's favor. While only a collection of film stills exists, some of which have recently been discovered, it would have been fascinating to see Hitchcock as he evolved as a filmmaker. Sadly, these cinematic pieces of history will remain tantalizingly out of reach.

Remodeling Her Husband (1920) - Lillian Gish's Odd Comedy

Lillian Gish, renowned for her dramatic roles, only directed Remodeling Her Husband (1920). This film is especially intriguing for its mix of genres, being both a comedy and the only movie directed by Gish. The script was co-written by Lillian with intertitles penned by the witty Dorothy Parker. The cast included Lillian's sister, Dorothy Gish, known for her comedic roles, and Lillian's real-life husband. Interestingly, it's an almost purely female production, with the exception of its leading actor. While the film no longer exists in its entirety, the catchy title alone is worth noting.

London After Midnight (1927) and The Story of Greed (1927)

Tod Browning's London After Midnight (1927), starring Lon Chaney, was almost entirely lost. Although current prints are a truncated version of the original, the destruction of Erich von Stroheim's The Paradise ofIds (1927) is more complete. This film, shot in a 10 to 12-hour version, was reduced to 2 hours for theatrical release, but the remaining footage was lost, leaving only some of the Schubert music to recall its former glory.

Australian and Mexican Pioneers

The Story of the Kelly Gang (1906), an early Australian feature film directed by Charles Tait, based on the life of outlaw Ned Kelly, has had a tumultuous journey into and out of existence. The film, which ran over an hour, still has some fragments, the most substantial being found in 2007. Now, only 17 minutes remain - a mere glimpse into this significant piece of early cinema.

Colonial Hollywood and the Success of Cleopatra (1917)

Puerto Rican director D.W. Griffith's The Life of General Pancho Villa (1914) was an innovative mix of authentic documentary footage and reenactments, allowing Villa himself to appear on screen. This film was not only a celebration of Mexican history but also a business venture, as Villa received a significant advance and share of the profits. Sadly, only a few minutes of the film now survive. Meanwhile, Theda Bara's Cleopatra (1917), once hailed for its extravagant budget and publicity, now leaves us with only a few seconds of footage due to numerous fires that destroyed its last known copies. This film's story serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of early cinema.

The preservation of these films is a testament to the evolution of film technology and the struggles of film conservation. These lost silent films not only represent missed opportunities for cinematic history but also highlight the need for continued efforts in film preservation. The search for lost silent films continues, ensuring that pieces of the past are not forgotten.

Keywords: lost silent films, Alfred Hitchcock, early cinema