Silent and Forgotten

Silent and Forgotten takes the viewer on a poignant journey through the lives of thirteen silent film stars, each sharing their personal stories in their own words. These individuals, who once shone brightest under the golden light of the silver screen, are now largely forgotten, their contributions to cinema relegated to the shadows of history. The film begins with Fritzi Brunette, an American actress who struggled to cope with the loss of her husband and the harsh realities of her industry. Born to a circus family, Fritzi discovered her love for acting at an early age, eventually making her way to Hollywood. She recounts her early days as an extra, her first film roles, and her eventual rise to stardom, only to be heartbroken by the untimely death of her husband. Next, we meet Virginia Valli, an American actress who fought her way to the top of the silent film world. Born into a poor family, Virginia worked tirelessly to support her siblings, eventually breaking into film via bit roles and short films. She recounts her experiences working with the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd, describing the camaraderie and the competition that existed among actors of the time. Mabel Normand follows, an American actress and comedian who was known for her impressive improvisational skills and endearing personality. Born into a poor French-Canadian family, Mabel began performing at a young age, eventually catching the eye of Mack Sennett, who cast her in his famous Keystone Cops comedy shorts. She recounts her experiences with Sennett and her rise to stardom, as well as her struggles with her own demons, including her tumultuous relationships and struggles with alcoholism. Other stars sharing their stories include, but are not limited to: Marie Dressler, an American actress born to a poor family and eventually becoming a vaudeville performer before transitioning to film. She recounts her experiences playing comedic roles in film, her struggles with the studios, and her eventual rise to stardom as one of the most popular actresses of her time. Babe London, an American actress born to a circus family, who began performing at an early age and eventually transitioned to film. She recounts her experiences working on the west coast, performing for Mack Sennett, and her eventual rise to stardom in the 1920s. Dorothy Mackaill, a British-American actress, who moved to America in her teenage years and eventually became one of the most sought-after actresses of the silent era. She recounts her early days as a chorus girl, her first film roles, and her rise to stardom alongside some of the most prominent film stars of the time. Ella Hall, an American actress known for her striking beauty and charming performances, who struggled to cope with the loss of her husband at a young age. She recounts her early days working for Thomas Edison, her rise to stardom, and her eventual struggles with mental health. Lila Lee, an American actress known for her striking beauty and exotic performances, who struggled with the changing times and her place in the film industry. She recounts her experiences working in the early years, her rise to stardom alongside some of Hollywood's most prominent actors, and her eventual decline in popularity. Florence Vidor, an American actress known for her charming performances and her rise to stardom in the early 1920s, who struggled to cope with the harsh realities of her industry. She recounts her early days working on the west coast, her rise to stardom alongside her then-husband King Vidor, and her eventual struggles with her career and her marriage. The film also explores the stories of Clara Bow, an American actress who was known for her energetic and charming performances, as well as her tumultuous personal life. She recounts her early days working as a chorus girl, her rise to stardom alongside some of America's most prominent film stars, and her eventual struggles with mental health and her marriage. These stories provide a glimpse into the lives of these women, who, despite their contributions to the silent film era, have largely been forgotten by time. The film's narrative weaves together their stories, highlighting the struggles they faced, the triumphs they experienced, and the sacrifices they made in pursuit of their dreams. The film also touches on the struggles they faced as women in a male-dominated industry, where they were frequently objectified and reduced to mere sex objects. The actresses speak candidly about the treatment they received from men in the industry, including directors, producers, and fellow actors. Through the stories of these silent film stars, Silent and Forgotten sheds light on an often-overlooked era in cinema history, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the women who helped shape the art form. As their stories unfold, it becomes clear that these actresses were complex, multidimensional individuals who left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, and their contributions to the industry should not be forgotten.