Hollywood: The Pioneers (Episode 1)

Hollywood (also known as Hollywood: A Celebration of the American Silent Film) is a British television documentary miniseries produced by Thames Television and originally broadcast on ITV in 1980. Written and directed by film historians Kevin Brownlow and David Gill, narrated by James Mason.

The award-winning team of David Gill and Kenneth Brownlow present a definitive and unparalleled look at the history of silent film in America: "Hollywood," narrated by James Mason. This 13-part series celebrates the birth of an industry, the town and people who made it all happen. People who, in a few short years, produced an enormous range of spectacular, inventive and exciting films. From the arrival of the film making pioneers early at the dawn of a new century, through the outbreak of the first World War; from the rise of romance, to the demise of the Old West; from when comedy was king, until the advent of sound. These are the stars, the scandals, the directors, producers, cameramen, stuntmen and, of course, the films themselves that created the legend we know as "Hollywood." The series showcased, for the first time on television, the greatest silent films as they were meant to be seen -- with the proper running speeds and orchestral scores. It was literally produced in the nick of time, as many of those interviewed would be deceased in a few short years – their wonderful memories lost forever. Episodes include interviews with notable directors and actors from the era along with family members of stars.

The series has seldom been released on home video formats, apparently due to the complexity of obtaining home video rights to all of the film clips used. As of early 2024 it remains unavailable.

Episode 1: What started as a flickering curiosity shown in penny arcades soon grew into an art form. In just a few short years, Hollywood began turning out spectacular films, with original musical scores--often performed live by a symphony orchestra, and shown in glittering picture palaces. In 1903, "The Great Train Robbery" drew wildly enthusiastic audiences who cheered and called for more. Twelve years later, D.W. Griffith produced "The Birth of a Nation"- one of the greatest films ever made, and the first to prove the power of the medium. It provoked riots and demonstrations, brought audiences flocking, and gave birth to the financial fortunes of Hollywood.

Includes rare footage and excerpts from WINGS (1927), THE WIND (1928), NOAH'S ARK (1928), and, in early Technicolor, THE BLACK PIRATE (1926); interviews with Lillian Gish, Dolores Costello, Blanche Sweet, Jackie Coogan, King Vidor, and more.

Episode 2: https://rumble.com/v55xa7e-hollywood-in-the-beginning-episode-2.html