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THE GLARING OMISSION in cinema history to date is that most film historians have either disregarded the silent serial or dismissed it as not being worthy of record. But the American serial was an important part of the film industry for the period between 1914 and 1930; in fact, it was the mainstay of production for two major companies in the 1920's. The serial made no pretensions to immortality as an art form. It was designed for a twofold purpose: to entertain the masses and to reflect this achievement in its box-office receipts. There is no doubt that it succeeded well. Millions of Americans eagerly followed the serials, hissing and booing the villains, and cheering loudly when the forces of right and justice triumphed over evil. But by 1917, when feature pictures began to take over the screens of the leading movie theaters in every city, the serials were relegated to the position of added attractions. And by 1930, the silent serials were dead. Here Kalton C. Lahue has brought the serials to life again-with all of their excitement and suspense. Who can ever forget the most famous of them, What Happened To Mary?, The Adventures of Kathlyn, and The Perils of Pauline? Pearl White, as Pauline in the latter serial, was never out of danger in her movies, and the "cliff-hanger endings of her films made her famous. Edward Wagenknecht, the noted writer and the author of The Movies in the Age of Innocence, has said of this book: "There can be no doubt that Mr. Lahue has given a fuller account of the serial than has ever been given elsewhere. And if the history of the cinema is worth writing, then it follows that the history of the serial is, too." The Author - KALTON C. LAHUE received his B.S. degree in history from the University of Vermont. He is presently doing research work on the motion-picture industry at his home in Lodi, California. KENT D. EASTIN, president of the Eastin-Phelan Corporation of Davenport, Iowa, has been a leader in resurrecting classic films, including the serial, for the collectors? market. There is a one-inch tear to the top of the back of the dust jacket. All orders shipped protected in a box.
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