An ideal starting point

To a newcomer, the world of the silent film can be daunting. So many stars, directors and films, the names of which are rarely breathed outside of film school.

When I first caught the silent movie bug, I wanted a book that would be light enough to entertain but which would still give a rich history of the silent era.

The Parade's Gone By... makes it onto most people's must-read list for silent films and for good reason. Brownlow had enviable access to the stars of the era when many of them were still alive. He also has a gift for describing films in such a way that you don't just want to see them, you would kill to see them.

The title of the book was taken from a brush-off given to a silent veteran when he tried to correct a younger filmmaker's portrayal of the era. When The Parade's Gone By... was first published, silent films were decaying in vaults, neglected by all but a few dedicated scholars and fans. As a result, the book tends to take a defensive tone.

Silent cinema has been enjoying a renaissance of sorts but the value of the book has not diminished. The first-hand accounts from such diverse people as Louise Brooks, Edward S. Sloman, Geraldine Ferrar and Mary Pickford create an image of a lively, fun time in the film industry. A time well worth preserving

Of course, for a book to cover every star and major film of the era, it would have to be encyclopedia size and, obviously, there are a few omissions. Clara Bow, for example. And, rather than monotonous chronological order, the book is cut into easily-readable sections, interspersing interviews with articles on filmmaking techniques of the era.

The result is a book that is candid without being catty, technical without being dry; nostalgic yet realistic.

In short, the ideal beginner's book. Highly recommended.

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