Silent Players: A Biographical and Autobiographical Study of 100 Silent Film Actors and Actresses »

Slide is an independent film scholar, archivist, and consultant who has published some 50 works on film and entertainment. He knew many of the individuals profiled in this book, some very well, and he draws on his first-hand knowledge to provide insights into their lives and careers. He discusses many aspects of silent film performance, from makeup to the art of pantomime, and such modern themes as homosexuality and sexual harassment. Due in part to space considerations, filmographies of the 100 individuals have not been included. The book is illustrated with b&w photos. For film buffs and film historians. Annotation c. Book News, Inc.,Portland, OR

Library Journal

Although these two books appear to be similar, they are actually very different in both intention and execution. Slide, founder of the journal Silent Picture and the distinguished author of more than 30 books related to the performing arts, presents a frank and fond collection of interviews and memories of 100 silent film stars, some of whom he knew personally. The criteria for inclusion are highly subjective; those who made the cut (e.g., Lillian Gish, William Bakewell, and Mary Astor) represent the author's "personal choice of some of the best, brightest or most unusual of silent players." The result is a fascinating, entertaining, and occasionally poignant work that invites the reader into the fabulous world of art, industry, and experimentation that was Hollywood in the 1910s and 1920s. The nature of the selection process means that this volume is more useful as a complementary resource, or even as a work to be read for its own sake, than as a stand-alone reference. A formidable work complete with biographies, filmographies, and photos, Katchmer's Dictionary profiles more than 1000 actors and actresses who appeared in silent Westerns. Katchmer, a noted columnist for Classic Images magazine, allows his voice and opinions to come through in each entry, making this a lively and informative read. Katchmer died in 1997 just after completing the research and writing for this work, which his son, John, assembled in final form. As with Silent Players, Katchmer's Dictionary describes lives and careers full of incident and accident. Both books are highly recommended for public or academic libraries where there is a strong interest in silent film or early film history.-Andrea Slonosky, Long Island Univ., Brooklyn, NY Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.