The Siskel Film Center had a special event today, and Igor and I thought it would be a great way to celebrate Igor’s birthday.
This special event was a screening of the lost and recently rediscovered silent film “The First Degree.” It turned out that today was National Silent Movie Day, so it all came together perfectly.
Here is a story of how this film was rediscovered. Please take time to read the whole blog of the Chicago Film Archives – it’s totally worth reading!
I didn’t know that the majority of the silent movies are lost forever and that often, the studios themselves would destroy the negatives. And it’s very interesting what they say about “rural melodrama” and the fact that this film is geared towards the male audience.
Unseen for 97 years, it’s a real gem. And the live score!!! How can you beat that?!
It was the only screening of this movie, but I hope the Siskel Center will add more later!