Silent Movie Night

America’s first action film, “The Great Train Robbery” (1903), introduced new filming and editing techniques in the U.S. “Fights of Nations” (1907) depicts highly stereotyped versions of how Mexicans, Irish, Scotts, and others behave in disputes and seemingly how all come together peacefully in America. Viewers continue to debate if the short film is rooted in comedy or xenophobia. In “A Natural Born Gambler” (1916), Bert Williams’ performance reflects the comedic stylings of the early 1900s and signifies the rise of stage stars becoming movie stars. A prominent entertainer and celebrated African American comedian, Williams was seen as irreplaceable by Florenz Ziegfeld of the iconic Ziegfeld Follies.

“These movies would have played at the Howard during a highly transitional period in entertainment. Some featured variety show stars shifting to the new medium, while others hinted at the future of film,” Belfanti said.