Rediscover Silent Movies

The silent film era lasted from 1894 to 1929; however, the history of projected images is much longer. Beginning in the late sixteenth century, traveling magic lantern shows (which used a device with a concave mirror and a candle or oil lamp to project transparent paintings onto walls) thrilled audiences throughout Europe.

Although none of us can ever truly know what it was like to live during those heady yet somewhat quieter times, we can still experience a bit of silent movie magic today. If you have the chance to attend a silent film (or silent film festival) at a local university or (better yet) in one of the remaining movie palaces that dot the country, please don’t hesitate to do so. And there’s always the option of planning a silent movie night at home (many of the great silent titles are available for purchase, and you’re sure to find a subject that interests you).