AFI Silver Classic Film Weekend: FORGOTTEN FACES + Introduction and live piano accompaniment by Jon Mirsalis

Date and Time for this Past Event

• Thursday, Jun 13, 2024  2pm - 3:45pm

Location

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Event Category

In-Person

About

"Pre-Code: Sex and Censorship" electrifies the first AFI Silver Classic Film Weekend. Immerse yourself in the thrilling era of pre-Code cinema, a fleeting moment from the late 1920s to 1934 when films defied convention before the Hays Code stifled Hollywood's boldness. These movies, lighthearted or dramatic, showcased complex women and flawed heroes struggling against social injustice, and unflinching explorations of sex, ambition and crime. Witness legendary stars ignite the screen: Clara Bow, James Cagney, Barbara Stanwyck, Cary Grant, Jean Harlow, Joan Blondell, Spencer Tracy, Warren William, Anna May Wong and Josephine Baker. Festival guests, including film historians Richard Koszarski, Steven C. Smith, Farran Smith Nehme, Katie Gee Salisbury and David Stenn, will introduce each film

FORGOTTEN FACES
The art of the silent film peaked in 1928. FORGOTTEN FACES is a prime example — a gripping thriller about a gentleman thief (Clive Brook) trying to save his daughter (Mary Brian) by outwitting his vengeful ex-wife (Russian actress Olga Baclanova in a stunning turn as the mother from hell). As Brook's criminal partner, William Powell plays his final heavy before transitioning to leading parts in talkies. Inspired by the success of Josef von Sternberg's UNDERWORLD the previous year, FORGOTTEN FACES rivals its predecessor in style with fluid camerawork, visually driven storytelling and morally complex characters. Glamorizing criminals would continue into the sound era, but future censors would never permit the all-consuming, depraved mother as portrayed here by Baclanova.