The marquee of the historic Castro Theater in San Francisco.The theater opened in 1922, and many of Louise Brooks' silent films screened there in the later 1920's. |
Louise Brooks seemed to be just about everywhere at the recently concluded San Francisco Silent Film Festival. Her likeness, at times, was hard to miss, and Brooks' name could be heard on nearly everyone's lips. That's because the film for which the actress is best known today, Pandora's Box, was the centerpiece film of the 17th annual Festival, which was held July 12 through July 15 at the Castro Theater in San Francisco.
The 2012 SFSFF Program, which includes my essay of the history of Pandora's Box |
The centerpiece event took place on Saturday, July 14th, when the Festival screened a new, frame-by-frame, digital restoration of Pandora's Box, G.W. Pabst's classic retelling of Frank Wedekind's Lulu plays. The restoration, which runs 143 minutes, has been shown only twice before anywhere in the world. Fans gathered from all over for this historic event, with more than 1400 people packing the sold out Castro Theater.
Highly anticipated, this very special screening did not disappoint. I was there, and I can state this gorgeous print was a revelation. I have seen Pandora's Box many times, both in theaters and on DVD: consequently, I feel I am familiar with this silent masterpiece. Yet, sitting in the Castro, watching Pandora's Box on the theater's big, big screen, I felt I saw things in this new print I have never seen before.
As the star of the Festival's centerpiece film, Brooks graced the cover of the Festival program. The program also contains an essay detailing the history of the film's critical reception, as well as a shorter piece on the story behind the film's restoration.
Highly anticipated, this very special screening did not disappoint. I was there, and I can state this gorgeous print was a revelation. I have seen Pandora's Box many times, both in theaters and on DVD: consequently, I feel I am familiar with this silent masterpiece. Yet, sitting in the Castro, watching Pandora's Box on the theater's big, big screen, I felt I saw things in this new print I have never seen before.
As the star of the Festival's centerpiece film, Brooks graced the cover of the Festival program. The program also contains an essay detailing the history of the film's critical reception, as well as a shorter piece on the story behind the film's restoration.
Besides appearing on the cover of the program, images of Brooks' were also featured in a slideshow projected before the screening of Pandora's Box, while related music - like the theme songs to such Brooks' films as Beggars of Life and Prix de Beaute - was played in the background.
And that's not all. I also I spotted at least a couple of women dressed as the actress, each sporting sharp black bobs. With all that said, here are some snapshot highlights of the 17th annual San Francisco Silent Film Festival.
These two slides also graced the screen of the Castro Theater. Since the late 1980s, Pandora's Box has screened at least eight times at the Castro! Brooks is a favorite in the San Francisco Bay Area. |
Before the film, San Francisco Silent Film Festival Artistic Director Anita Monga (far right) introduced some of individuals involved in the restoration of Pandora's Box. |
After the film, Pandora's Box received a standing ovation. |
Swedish musician Matti Bye (center) chats with Angela Holm and David Ferguson following the historic screening. Bye performed his original score to Pandora's Box. |
William Wellman Jr. also attended the Festival, and introduced his Father's Academy Award winning 1927 film, Wings. His Father also directed Louise Brooks in the 1928 film, Beggars of Life. |
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