Frank Mayo

The souls in question are silver-screen hopefuls in this witty, insightful glimpse at the early movie business. Feared lost for decades, it includes unique working cameos of director Erich von Stroheim and a non-Tramp Charlie Chaplin, and features starlet Eleanor Boardman, the "Cinderella of Hollywood" whose rags-to-riches story echoed her character's. Escaping from a train journey with her sinister new husband, Mem Steddon (Boardman) crawls across the California desert and spies her salvation: an Arab sheik riding a camel! The location movie crew brings Mem to Tinseltown, where bit parts and acting lessons lead her to starring roles - and a fiery finale with her murderous spouse Lew Cody). If you like classic Hollywood, you'll love this picture, full of carefully observed detail, warmth and plenty of soul.

When a Texas Ranger is asked for help by a rancher victimized by cattle rustlers, he infiltrates an outlaw gang, whose boss he believes is a murderer.

The ruthless femme fatale leader of a criminal gang in San Francisco’s Chinatown will stop at nothing to obtain a priceless Chinese ceremonial dagger.

In his second "talkie" the immortal Buster Keaton displays his comic genius in full regalia. The addition of his deep, rich voice only serves to make his numerous pratfalls and outrageous mishaps all the funnier. World War I is underway and young men are eager to enlist. Elmer J. Stuyvesant (Keaton), a rich man about town, has no such plans, but one day while looking for a new chauffeur he accidentally enlists in the Army. The uniform appeals to a young lady he's been eyeing, so he decides to tough it out. Classic gags and slapstick shenanigans highlight Elmer's tour of duty as he strives to be a hero to his country and win the heart of the girl he loves. Keaton's priceless scene as a female Apache dancer is a definite highlight in this amusing and original tale of wartime services.