About Silent Movies
Silent movies were made in the 1900's until the 1930's. They were filmed on nitrate film.
They were called "silent" because only the motion pictures were recorded; sounds were not
recorded. The actors' words and any other important information were shown in writing on
special cards, included in the movie. These were called "title cards" and they were
hand-drawn on black cards and then filmed. They were then cut and pasted physically into
the correct part of the film. Title cards looked like this:
Sometimes the cards told when time passed, or where the story was taking place.
The cards were hand-drawn on black cards and then filmed. They were then cut and pasted
physically into the correct part of the film.
ACTIVITY 1: ASK ABOUT SILENT MOVIES
Ask older people you know if they have ever seen a silent movie. Ask your parents and your
grandparents.
- Find out when they first saw a silent movie.
- Ask if they remember who their favorite actors and actresses were.
- Ask where they first watched silent movies.
ACTIVITY 2: FIND OUT ABOUT SILENT MOVIES
With your class, or by yourself, watch a silent movie.
Some popular silent movies are ones made by Charlie Chaplin, or starring Mary Pickford.
As you are watching, compare this kind of movie to others you have watched. Keep the
following questions in mind:
- How are silent movies different from modern movies?
- How do you know what the actors are saying?
- What does the music tell you about what is happening in the movie?
- When was this movie made (what year?)
- What is the length of time shown in the movie (2 days? 2 weeks? 2 months?)
- Who are the actors?
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