Silent Film era of the 1920s and Maybelline Family kids

I've been a fan of silent films for over 30 years and never miss them on Turner Classic Movies, Sunday nights.  One thing for sure is, kids and dogs are scene stealer's, when there isn't a lot of talking going on, and Baby Peggy was one of the best.

Of course Jackie Coogan was killer cute with Charlie Chaplin in the 1921 film, The Kid.

To celebrate the first Silent films, here is a tribute, showing adorable children, in the Maybelline Family from the 1920s.  First, my father, Bill Williams, in 1925.

Bill Williams with his cousin, Arvis in 1928, check out the incredible clothes kid's wore in those days.

Two future little cousin, car-guy's, Bill Stroh and Bill Williams, 1927 in Chicago.

Bill Williams with his first set of wheel's 1927, on Christmas day.

Bill Williams, with cousin,  Arvis and her brother Bill Stroh, 1927.

My dad, "THE KID," Bill Williams dressed meticulously everyday by his doting mother Evelyn Williams.

Bill Williams in short pants and knee socks, a double breasted coat and cap - right out of a silent film, from 1928.

Bill and Arvis Stroh, roller Skating in Chicago, dressed for a fashion layout, in 1929.

Bill and Arvis Stroh, looking like part of the cast from Our Gang, in 1929.

Look how amazingly well dressed, Arvis and Bill Stroh are in this picture and the way they light up in front of the camera, in 1929.

Doesn't get much cuter than this.  Bill and Arvis Stroh, in 1927.

               Is this the most adorable picture ever.....

My dad's cousin's and Mabel and Chet Hewes daughter, Shirley and her little brother Tommy, in about 1932 - 33.  Look at the gold bracelet and ring on little Shirley's hand. These children look like child Stars or Royalty by today's standards.  Parents took such pride in their children's fashion during the first half of the 20Th Century.  

I hope we see more Silent Films made, because they are not only classic, they allow you to have your own thoughts and not be so caught up in the special effects, we are so inundated with today. 

New York Film Critics and Golden Globe, name "The Artist" Best Picture

If you love Old Hollywood, the 1920's, Silent Films and vintage glamour, be sure to check out the trailer below, and watch the Academy Awards this year.  The Artist may take best picture.

Hollywood, 1927: As silent movie star George Valentin wonders if the arrival of talking pictures will cause him to fade into oblivion,

The Artist, behind the scenes. A black and white Silent Film that takes place in 1927 Hollywood, may become the first silent film to win the Oscar in oh, 83 years?

The Artist wins Golden Globe award tonight for, best actor in a motion picture comedy or musical, best motion picture comedy or musical and best original score.

                         Mildred Pierce click on Video

Actress in a TV miniseries/movie went to Emmy Award winner Kate Winslet, also a Globe nominee for Carnage, for her role in HBO's Mildred Pierce.

Boardwalk Empire didn't win a golden Globe, but it is still a stunning piece of nostalgia from the 1920s.

Like HBO's Boardwalk Empire and Mildred Pierce, The Artist, sets a background, with scenery, costumes, cars, and homes, much like The Maybelline Story. It seems the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s are making a big comeback.

Harold Lloyd and Mildred Davis - Hollywood Royalty!

Comedian, Harold Lloyd and his leading Lady, on and off screen, Mildred Davis -known for having the longest  marriage in Hollywood.

Between 1919 and 1923, Lloyd and Davis made 14 films together.  She retired from Hollywood after their marriage, to raise a family.

One of the first residents of Whitley Heights, The Lloyd's remained friends with Tom Lyle Williams, also a Whitley Heights resident and automobile enthusiast.  Here is Harold and Mildred in 1924 with their new Buick.

Mildred Davis caught Tom Lyle's eye, when she appeared with Harold Lloyd, in the 1921 Silent Film, Grandma's Boy.  He was struck by her large, beautiful eyes and asked her to endorse Maybelline, shortly before her retirement.                                             

Mildred Davis endorses Maybelline in the early 1920's.

Stunning Maybelline Eyes.  Tom Lyle, used an illustration of Mildred Davis eyes inside Maybelline's, little red box.

Harold Lloyd ranks alongside Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton as one of the most popular and influential film comedians of the silent film era.  He is best known for his "Glasses Character", a resourceful, success-seeking go-getter who was perfectly in tune with 1920's.            

Lloyd's films frequently contained "thrill sequences" of extended chase scenes and daredevil physical feats, for which he is best remembered today.

Read more about sweetheart, Mildred Davis in The Maybelline Story!  Buy a signed copy from the author, Sharrie Williams at http://www.maybellinestory.com/.

Maybelline Story will be in Laguna Beach Nov 5th.

Sharrie's article in the Laguna Beach Magazine, fits perfectly with it's feature on Old Hollywood movies, filmed in the tiny beach community throughout the years.

Sharrie will be at Laguna Beach Books for a presentation for The AAUW, Nov 5th , not 10th, as the article indicates.

Maybelline Super Model from the 1920's, Viola Dana.

            Oh those Maybelline Eyes

Gorgeous Silent Film Star Viola Dana gained a reputation as a dramatic actress, with the ability to cry often. It was a reputation that led to a contract in 1916 with Metro, with whom the actress remained through 1924, starring in some 51 feature films. By the early 1920’s, Viola Dana was the highest paid female star at the studio where she played both drama and comedy.

I imagine Tom Lyle was impressed by Viola Dana's larger than life eyes on the silver screen glistening with tears, touching the audience deeply and making them remember "Those Eyes."   What better actress to target a growing market for Maybelline in the early 1920's than Viola Dana with her captivating smile and Hippopotamus eyes. Viola became one of Maybelline's most memorable Super Models throughout the 1920's, standing  just 4 feet, 11 ½ inches tall and her exotic dark hair and jovial, piercing eyes gave her the screen presence and aura of a giant.  And "Giant Maybelline Eye's" were just what Tom Lyle was looking for. 

He knew there was a market for the ingenue, the flapper and the girl next door, but Viola appealed to the socialite, the society woman  the mature woman as well as a younger market looking for their own identity after women got the vote in 1920.  Viola was not only glamorous, sensuous and elegant, she was quick witted, smart and independent.  Tom Lyle knew the growing need for an independent role model like Viola - a lady not afraid to order that little red box of Maybelline - was the image he needed to represent him and his growing cosmetic company. 

Click here to see a trailer for the 1920 film Cinderella's Twin with Viola Dana

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W7kb9S1_Fs

Click here to see Vintage pictures of Viola Dana, Maybelline's Super Star from the 1920's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-lwej4E60A&playnext=1&list=PL9FBA98ABD10E6248

Read all About Viola Dana and Vintage Hollywood in
The Maybelline Story and the Spirited Family Dynasty Behind It.