The Parade's Gone By

Book Description

The magic of the silent screen, illuminated by the recollections of those who created it.

Customer Reviews:

It stands the test of time.......2007-06-23

It is a wonderful thing that this book is back in print. I got my copy a few years ago when I came across a huge street sale on 5th Avenue in NYC - the Gotham Book Mart had a space, and there was a cloth-bound, third printing (1969) edition of "The Parade's Gone By." I paid $27.50, but I would've paid twice that, as I had been looking for the book for some time.
This is, indeed, one of the definitive books about the silent era. Kevin Brownlow is a true scholar of the period, and his affection for this long-gone medium is both apparent and enjoyable to read. Many other books about silent film are weighted towards the stars and directors - Brownlow's book certainly has its fair share of that, as it should - but he explores lesser known areas of the industry, such as cameramen and filming techniques, music during production, stunts, art direction, scenario, editing, and a fascinating and insightful discussion of the melodramatic acting style of the period. Brownlow tries to understand silent films through the eyes of audiences contemporary to the period, not as audiences 40 years later (or today) would view them. This is, indeed, one of the secrets to enjoying silent films. And this feeling is captured by the many interviews of those who worked in the industry in those days.
The photographs throughout the book are quite interesting and informative - not the standard photos we see repeated over and over in other silent film books.
This book will give anyone quite an education in silent film, and deserves a place on the shelf of everyone who is interested in this wonderful and lost medium. You can't have my cloth-bound 1969 edition, but in any form the book is worth having. (Other reviewers' complaints about Clara Bow aside.) Check out also "Hollywood: The Pioneers" by Brownlow and John Kobal, a companion to the documentary series made by them over 25 years ago.
Other books I recommend:
The three volumes of "History of the American Cinema" series entitled,
"The Emergence of Cinema, The American Screen to 1907" by Charles Musser, one of the most engrossing histories of the evolution of the industry and art form you'll ever read,
"The Transformation of Cinema, 1907-1915" by Eileen Bowser, and
"An Evening's Entertainment, The Age of the Silent Feature Picture, 1915-1928" by Richard Koszarski.
These books provide an extremely comprehensive look at all aspects of the industry from its inception, discussing cameras, projectors, film stock, editing, tinting, intertitles, film companies, distribution & exhibition, patents and legal issues, as well as the films themselves. Some may find them rather pedantic - they aren't "light" reads, but are certainly for the serious silent film student...
And, of course, William K. Everson's "American Silent Film," one of the standards...
Also, a rather fascinating and personal history of silent film by James Card, the first curator of the film archive at George Eastman House in Rochester, NY. His book is entitled, "Seductive Cinema, The Art of Silent Film." James Card started this film archive with his own personal collection of about 800 titles; today George Eastman House has over 8,000 silent films in its archive, many of which is the only surviving print in the world. Card met many of the giants of the industry, and discusses his own personal interaction with them - his discussion of Josef von Sternberg is rather humorous. And Card's story about how, in the mid-1940's, he rescued the only surviving print of Herbert Brenon's "Peter Pan" from certain destruction is worth the purchase price...
Lastly, "Silent Cinema" by Paolo Cherchi Usai. This book is intended more as an introduction to and study of film preservation, but as such, it contains information about the industry, techniques, and materials used in producing films 75+ years ago that you won't find in many other places, and well illustrated.
Happy reading, and keep silent films alive!

SERIOUSLY INCOMPLETE.......2007-01-09

THIS BOOK DOES NOT EVEN MENTION CLARA BOW, ALONG WITH GRETA GARBO, THE GREATEST ACTRESS OF THE SILENT FILM ERA, AND ONE OF OUR GREATEST EVER. BUY SOMETHING ELSE OR YOU ARE BEING SERIOUSLY MISLED BY THE DIRECTION THE AUTHOR TAKES.

Silence is golden.......2006-11-10

Kevin Brownlows book is the benchmark for anyone who wishes to study American silent films. The reason I say this is because he talks to the people who made the films - directors, camermen, editors, etc. He gives an insiders view on how the films were made.
In 1980 Thames Television (UK) issued a box set about the history of American silent movies titled Hollywood - Kevin Brownlow was a major contributor to this series and if you are lucky enough to have the videos and this book you should know the complete story of American silent films.
Excellent.

I FELL IN LOVE WITH SILENT PICTURES FROM THIS BOOK.......2006-03-25

When I first read the hardback version of this book back in the 1970's in film school, I fell in love with silent pictures. Kevin Brownlow's writing enabled me to visualize films I had never seen, and feel like I was there when American cinema was being birthed. His descriptions of films like Douglas Fairbanks' Robin Hood caused me to search for decades for copies of these films, just so I could glimpse the breathtaking beauty he describes. I wished I had been born during that era so I could have been a part of that "parade."

Unfortunately, as happens with most things that are overly romanticized, one day I really was able to see Robin Hood when it finally came out on DVD. It had been fully restored and was a perfect representation of the original. I was gravely disappointed by what I saw.

When I read Brownlow's descriptions of "tinting," I had visualized the kind of tinting that is done in still photography, which looks delicate and subtle. I thought of Broken Blossoms in those tones, and could only imagine how beautiful it was. Unfortunately, in the silent era, what they called tinting is what we today would call adding a color filter. When they wanted a night scene, they cast it in blue; when it was dawn, they made it yellow; when it was sunset, they made it orange; etc. I'm not talking about a subtle hint of color - I'm talking about one strong color that covered the whole screen. I was shocked by this technique, because I thought it destroyed the photography.

His description of the music of the era was that it was something wonderful. The music in Robin Hood is repetitive and never-ending. I found myself longing for a break from it; but it never occurred.

He describes Fairbank's acting as superb; I found it overly theatrical and almost carnivalesque. He was certainly athletic; but he carries it to the extreme of almost seeming like a circus performer, rather than an actor. Other aspects were equally disappointing.

I know that the silent era laid the foundation upon which our entire modern movie industry - art and science alike - was built. I fully appreciate the contributions of all the talented people who came before. But it was, after all, only a beginning, and not the parade - certainly not the golden era - that those who lived then would have us believe. I think that Sunset Boulevard adequately depicts the delusions with which many of the tarnished stars of that era lived.

I appreciate Mr. Brownlow's writing, which is very entertaining and interesting. There is no question that the photographs in his book are authentic and wonderful - almost better than the films they depict. There is not even a question that the era he describes was anything but astounding. But he does present it in a very romanticized light, and it does cause one to long for something that probably never existed, at least not in that idyllic form.

Nevertheless, I still believe this book to be the most definitive work on the silent era in motion pictures.

Waitsel Smith

great book but where is Clara Bow?.......2005-11-16

Great book and I haven't read a better one except that Kevin had the opportunity to interview Clara Bow and he didn't. Shame on you, Kevin! Shame on you! He talked to gaffers and anyone else still alive who was in silent movies but he missed Clara who's bright personality and emotions came alive on screen. She was so energetic and lively! So brilliant in her out going personality that couldn't be missed on screen! No, your Brooklyn accent didn't bother me at all Clara. Luckily Louise Brooks has brought Clara's real talent and one of a kind on screen personality back in her interviews and books and saved Clara from the dustbins of history. Clara's memories of her movie days are gone forever but Kevin could have had them recorded forever. But because his negative opinions overshadowed the truth of Clara's career it is too late. This is a book not to be missed but Kevin was slammed by so many people because he didn't respect Clara and excluded her from his book. Good thing he didn't feel the same way about countless others like Anita Page or so many others. Luckily Clara will be kept alive by imitators such as Betty Boop. Clara was the original flapper, rest in peace, you aren't totally forgotten.

The Parade's Gone By... A Vivid, Nostalgic, immediate portrait of an art in the making

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The Parade's Gone By... A Vivid, Nostalgic, immediate portrait of an art in the making
Kevin Brownlow
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J0DTHW

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THE PARADE'S GONE BY... A VIVID, NOSTALGIC IMMEDIATE PORTRAIT OF AN ART IN THE MAKING
Kevin Brownlow
Manufacturer: Alfred A. Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000EMJZRI

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The Parade's Gone By
Kevin Brownlow
Manufacturer: Alfred A. Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GWOFJ4

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The Parade Gone By -
Kevin Brownlow -
Manufacturer: University of California Press -
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000R9KUCM

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Parade's Gone By.
Kevin Brownlow
Manufacturer: see notes for publisher info
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000M3ZH7G

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Parade's Gone By.
Kevin Brownlow
Manufacturer: Publisher Unknown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UY0ZY2

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THE PARADE'S GONE BY...
Kevin. Brownlow
Manufacturer: Abacus
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O8RYAW

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The Parade's Gone By...
Kevin BROWNLOW
Manufacturer: see notes for publisher info
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000PSTPWQ

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Parade's Gone by...
Kevin Brownlow
Manufacturer: BONANZA BOOKS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OL9DEE

Amazon.com

She's not in Kansas anymore! Melissa Etheridge, the gutsy Midwest girl who grew up to be the heartland's gift to rock & roll (and a major gay spokeswoman) tells all in her memoir, The Truth Is.... With a little help from Laura Morton, the bestselling collaborator of Marilu Henner and Joan Lunden, Etheridge sets the record straight about her life on and off the stage, her coming-out drama, and the stories behind her songs.

Book Description

Since she first burst onto the international music scene, Melissa Etheridge has released seven albums that have sold more than 25 million copies worldwide, garnering not only public adoration for her uncompromising honesty but numerous critical awards, including two Grammys and the prestigious ASCAP Songwriter of the Year award. The Truth Is . . . is a highly charged autobiography—a bold and unflinching account of an extraordinary life that Melissa describes as only she can: from her Kansas roots, through her early love of music, to her brilliant rise to superstardom in a male-dominated rock world. Melissa openly discusses the massive impact of her publicly coming out, a revelation that only increased her popularity, making her a highly visible spokesperson for the gay and lesbian community. The Truth Is . . . shares Melissa Etheridge’s fascinating story with unprecedented candor and insight.

Customer Reviews:

Goddess of Rock.......2007-10-03

The title is "The TRUTH is... My Life in LOVE and Music". A lot of the reviewers seem to think that Melissa has been too honest about her relationships, or is too focused on herself, or was unfair to Julie Cypher by detailing the road to the breakup in this book instead of just writing about her music. This is Melissa's AUTObiography, and as such is the truth of her life as she sees it, not anybody else's version. For most artists their emotional life is a huge part of their creativity! For an artist this powerful, that harsh personal life IS the most important part of the songwriting, and why the songs have so much impact and resonance. The life experience and love leads to the music. I read this book a few years back, and was also appalled that Melissa could put up with so much apparent acting out from Julie, while also understanding that it takes two to make a union. Having personally dealt with the kind of crazy-making emotional game playing that it seems was going on, I will especially applaud Melissa's courage for being honest about her own part in enabling the behavior (through not understanding it, through giving up her own power, for rationalizing, for covering up and making excuses, and for desperately holding on to someone who wanted and needed to leave), and thus how destructive it was for both of them.
This book helped open my eyes to how common this is. Abused kids turn into adults looking to heal the abuse by partnering with people who feel "like home", but who basically just further the abuse so familiar from childhood ("you looked like Father, you felt like Mother, my mind told my heart there is no other. And I gave you my soul and every ounce of control.."). Get two people with abusive childhood backgrounds together, and many people of all sexual orientations never make it out of that pattern, looking for healing and redemption in another person, when healing from abuse is an INSIDE job! They understand that something is wrong, but keep trying to placate and please the other person to "fix" the relationship that is mirroring their past, instead of realizing that one CAN'T fix anyone else, only oneself. Julie did Melissa a huge favor: she gave her the feelings that made the songs. ("I turned your dreams into lightning, ain't that enough? I held the world back for you, ain't that enough? I loved you past the point of dying, ain't that enough of me for you?!") Giving and giving and giving to the point of exhaustion only destroys the giver. ("My lover needs to seize, bring me to my knees"). It doesn't make a relationship work any better, but it gave Melissa the personal impetus to make incredible music that, in attempting to heal herself, can also help to heal others.
By being so honest, Melissa gives readers the gift of examples of dysfunctional family abuse with which they may be able to identify, and the resultant unhealthy relationships that can't work without understanding how our past affects our present. She finally figured a lot of this out. If she can do it, so can others in similar circumstances who might never have understood how dysfunctional their own relationships are. Gay or straight, it still hurts when a relationship isn't working despite one's best efforts. "Truth Of The Heart" among other, newer songs, is an example of the spiritual growth she achieved as a result of the pain. I think the book truly is a gift to any reader, fan or otherwise, who can empathize and identify with Melissa's life and see parallels in their own, and maybe get some big AhHa s and clues to eventually healing their own pain and becoming emotionally healthy and wise. As for the voice and editing, it was collaboratively written, and needed to be accessible in tone. If I want great literature, I go elsewhere. For healing though, it's the honest story that helps the most.

Life and strugle.......2007-09-16

melissa life's is full of strugle ,truth and love. Please try to read the book. Is well written and full of love.

Very touching and emotion.......2007-06-06

I guess I can now say that I understand why her music is so fantastic. It's raw and you can feel her emotions pouring out in each and every one. This book covers most of the basics of her life and of course details. You find out about all the heart breaking, losses, and happy moments of her life and how she came to be the person she is today.
If your a fan of her music, you have to pick up this book to fully understand why her music touches your soul.

M.E.I.N........2007-06-02

This is a great book! It is an easy to read inspirational book that takes you on a tour of her life through her family, passions, traumas, setbacks and accomplishments. Sometimes it is comforting to know that we are not alone in this journey and reading about "celebrities" that had rough times too, triumphed in the end.

If you love Melissa ...........2006-08-08

This book was fabulous - it's hard to put it down !! If you love Melissa, you have to read this book right away ... you really get a whole new perspective of what her music is all about. Since the book ended, Melissa could write (and SHOULD) write another on her new relationship, new babies and her cancer story.

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Melissa Etheridge: Brave & Crazy

Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Melissa's second album shows her varied guitar style. This album matching folio features both Piano/Vocal/Chord arrangements and a special guitar section containing tablature and standard notation. The ten titles include: Brave and Crazy Let Me Go No Souvenirs You Can Sleep While I Drive You Used to Love to Dance.

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The Best Yet!
The Definitive Biography
just a punk chick from new jersey
Breathtaking honesty finally reveiled!
The book was very descriptive about Melissa Etheridge

Melissa Etheridge: Our Little Secret
Joyce Luck
Manufacturer: LPC Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1550222988

Book Description

Carefully researched, filled with numerous anecdotes collected from fans and with insights gathered from Etheridge's friends and colleagues, Our Little Secret also features a useful bibliography of some 250 sources and a comprehensive discography. Biographer Joyce Luck, a devoted fan, chronicles the artist's personal and professional accomplishments to date and anticipates even greater achievements.

Customer Reviews:

The Best Yet!.......2000-07-26

This is the most informative and entertaining book about Melissa Etheridge. The book is well written, well organized and has some detailed information on how each CD was made and what the stories were behind them. It's the only book about Melissa Etheridge you will ever need.

The Definitive Biography.......1999-08-04

This was the book both Lifetime's "Intimate Portrait" and VH-1's "Behind the Music" used as a reference for their specials on Melissa. Can't get much more definitive than that!!!

just a punk chick from new jersey.......1999-08-03

im a great fan just want to express my thoughts the web site contains to many commercial thoughts i dig all the cds you have releasded the one that striked home is yes i am #5 that is the greastest tune ever released melissa is cool just a human like me

Breathtaking honesty finally reveiled!.......1999-04-22

Melissa has always been a favorite artist of mine since my girlfriend and I found a tape of hers on the dollar rack in a Walgreens in CA. We discovered that she had more than one tape, and we immediately went to find the others. Everything us nosy fans wants to know is in this book. That and more! I would most definitly encourage and Melissa fan to read this book and to buy a copy to add to your personal library. It is a must have info book!!!

The book was very descriptive about Melissa Etheridge.......1999-03-18

The book, to me, was very good. It was very vivid in the telling of Melissa's life. It wasn't like reading an exam paper like the first book I read about her. All in all, the book was excellent.

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Melissa Etheridge / Breakdown

Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corp
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0769289908

Book Description

Features the single Angels Would Fall. Titles are: Angels Would Fall * Breakdown * Enough of Me * How Would I Know * Into the Dark * Mama I'm Strange * My Lover * Scarecrow * Sleep * Stronger than Me * Truth of the Heart.

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Brother Bear 2
Great for children

Brother Bear 2

Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1423419855

Book Description

This souvenir folio features lots of color photos and all five songs by Melissa Etheridge, Robbie Nevil and Dave Metzger from the Disney DVD celebrating the power of true love. Songs include: The Dream * Father and Daughter * Feels like Home * It Will Be Me * Welcome to This Day.

Customer Reviews:

Brother Bear 2.......2007-01-10

Great to sing along with the movie. Helps with learming the guitar.

Great for children.......2006-11-15

If your children loved the Brother Bear movies, this book is a must have! It is arranged for piano vocal guitar. My children love to sing along with me playing the piano! The book is easy to follow and even has some great color pictures in the front! I highly recommend this book!

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The Best of Melissa Etheridge
Melissa Etheridge
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0634045792

Book Description

Notes and tab for 17 rootsy rockers and ballads spanning Etheridge's entire career, transcribed exactly as recorded. Includes: All American Girl * Bring Me Some Water * Come to My Window * Dance Without Sleeping * Enough of Me * I Want to Be in Love * I Want to Come Over * I'm the Only One * If I Wanted To * Like the Way I Do * Lover Please * No Souvenirs * Nowhere to Go * Similar Features * 2001 * Yes I Am * Your Little Secret.

Melissa Etheridge - Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled

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Etheridge

Melissa Etheridge - Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled
Melissa Etheridge
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 142340579X

Book Description

17 songs from the greatest hits CD by this Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter. Includes: Bring Me Some Water * Come to My Window * I Want to Come Over * I'm the Only One * Lucky * Piece of My Heart * Refugee * and more.

Customer Reviews:

Etheridge.......2006-03-15

17 of her best, with piano parts/vocals/and guitar chords. Includes: 'Refugee,' 'Christmas in America,' and 'You Can Sleep While I Drive.'

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Melissa Etheridge - Anthology
Melissa Etheridge
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0634045806

Product Description

This fantastic collection assembles two dozen Etheridge hits from throughout her career, including: 2001; Ain't It Heavy; All American Girl; Angels Would Fall; Brave And Crazy; Bring Me Some Water; Come To My Window; Dance Without Sleeping; Enough Of Me; I Want To Be In Love; I Want To Come Over; I'm The Only One; If I Wanted To; Like The Way I Do; Lover Please; Mama I'm Strange; No Souvenirs; Nowhere To Go; Similar Features; The Boy Feels Strange; Yes I Am; You Can Sleep While I Drive; You Used To Love To Dance; Your Little Secret.

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Brave and Crazy
Melissa Etheridge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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ASIN: 5551115089

Brave and Crazy - Melissa Etheridge - Piano, Vocal, Guitar, Chords

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Brave and Crazy - Melissa Etheridge - Piano, Vocal, Guitar, Chords
various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Sheet music

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