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4) The Toll of the Sea (1922)

4) The Toll of the Sea (1922)

FromAshes to Classics: A Silent Film Podcast


4) The Toll of the Sea (1922)

FromAshes to Classics: A Silent Film Podcast

ratings:
Length:
89 minutes
Released:
Dec 15, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

The earliest surviving Technicolor feature film persists in cultural heritage not only for its legacy as a vibrant and awe-inspiring pioneer of technical innovation, but also as a starring vehicle for the sumptuous Chinese-American actress Anna May Wong, who appeared in her first starring role as the tragically lovestruck teenager in this retelling of the Madame Butterfly story. There are surprising observations to be made at every turn, from the inherent orientalist flavoring of story to the awe-inspiring visual direction which so beautifully survives today in spite of considerable mystery regarding its supposed rediscovery. Also discussed is a tour of the programming seen at the San Francisco Silent Film Festival, where cohost David saw this film and a number of others, including titles from Lubitsch, DeMille, and King Vidor. Tune in as we evaluate the importance of such restorations and screenings as allowed by these festivals, and the unique experiences being curated for these special screenings we hope can be made more available as the interest in celebrating Silent Film only grows from here. David Attends the San Francisco Silent Film Festival: 00:00 - 30:40Color in Film, Technicolor, and The Toll of the Sea (1922): 30:40 - 1:28:46Many thanks to Graham Austin and Jack Davenport for the creation of our beautiful logo art and theme music respectively.
Released:
Dec 15, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (10)

Destruction, repression, negligence, and indifference have eradicated the vast majority of cinema's early legacy. Studies have estimated that between 75 and 90 percent of all silent films have been lost forever. Despite this, the survival of the medium persists, and long lost films continue to be rediscovered in often bizarre and unexpected places. Ashes to Classics is an effort to record these forgotten histories for posterity, to explore the histories of their creation, discovery, and preservation. Every week we'll be bringing you a new film that was once lost, discussing its merits and context within the wider canon of established film history, and educating you along the way about the rich and often overlooked artistry of film's earliest incarnation.