The Midnight Palace profile picture

The Midnight Palace

Classic Films from the Silent Era through the Golden Age

About Me

The Midnight Palace is an echo in time, a manifestation of yesterday that has resurfaced like a spectre with unfinished business. This is a grand theater that holds within its walls an era of unforgettable proportions. From the great silent films of German Expressionism to the final examples of Film Noir, The Midnight Palace stands as a testament to these landmarks of classic excellence.
There is something about these movies that filmmakers of today cannot replicate. Although the current technology allows for more possibilities, the feelings of authenticity and realism will never be rendered sufficiently by a computer. Films of yesterday required their participants to demonstrate true creativity. From the director and set designers to the actors and actresses, measures were taken to lure the viewer into another world. Luxurious backdrops provided a contrast to the characters that served as the equivalent to a modern display of 3D effects. The features of today lack that depth and personality. These were real times not to be locked away and forgotten.
Started in 2006, the Palace strives to unite enthusiasts, experts and novices alike. Woven intricately like the nerves of an escaped criminal, the anticdotes and tales of yesterday are many. Realizing the plethora of information that could be obtained from gathering like-minded people together, the wheels began turning and you now find yourself in the center of a vision turned reality. You will read reviews on movies considered to be classics, as well as relatively unknown films that have long fallen between the cracks of obscurity. The primary range we focus on is from 1900-1955, naturally with some exceptions made from time to time. There are also message boards which will serve as a virtual lobby, where Midnight Palace guests can get to know each other, share information and discuss various topics of interest. In our links section, we will showcase other websites of similar content, extending beyond film into all things considered antique, vintage and/or classic. Members with their own website are encouraged to submit their links and keep the knowledge circulating.
As we grow, we hope to provide further avenues (or dark streets for you Film Noir fanatics) to peruse. Suggestions are always welcomed, as this site belongs to everyone who enters. Thank you for stopping by and please enjoy your visit to The Midnight Palace.

My Interests

Classic movies, the Golden Age of Hollywood, all things from the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s.

I'd like to meet:

Leila Hyams, Humphrey Bogart, Barbara Stanwyck, Howard Hughes, Joan Blondell, Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Lon Chaney, Gloria Swanson, Florence Lawrence, Louise Brooks, Clara Bow, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, William Frawley, Vivian Vance, Simon Metz (Schlitzie), Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner, Edward G. Robinson, Kirk Douglas, Audrey Hepburn, Peter Lorre, and a million others.

Music:

Visit the Midnight Palace Website!



Movies:


We love all classic films. They defined a generation and an era that will never come again. Silent films created the first screen stars, although the names of the actors and actresses were not shown in the credits. Audiences found other ways to identify their favorite personalities. Florence Lawrence, generally considered the first movie star, is a good example. She was under contract to the Biograph company; but because her name was not listed in the credits of the films she made, the public named her "The Biograph Girl". When talkies became popular, many silent stars lost their careers to the new medium. Their voices weren't trained; they were more accustomed to speaking with expressions.
Please check out our Film Reviews!

Books:

Barbara Stanwyck - A Biography, Howard Hughes - The Untold Story, Love, Lucy, Audrey Hepburn - An Elegant Spirit, Staying Up Much Too Late: Edward Hopper's Nighthawks and the Dark Side of the American Psyche, Joan Blondell - A Life Between Takes, Charles McGraw - Biography of a Film Noir Tough Guy, Florence Lawrence - The Biograph Girl, and MANY others!!!
Please check out our Book Reviews!

My Blog

Interview: Beverly Roberts

I had the great honor of interviewing Beverly Roberts, an actress through the 30s, 40s and 50s who shared the screen with Bogart, Errol Flynn, Joan Blondell, Al Jolson, and countless others! Her memor...
Posted by The Midnight Palace on Sat, 03 May 2008 02:58:00 PST

Interview: Ron Chaney

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Ron Chaney, the great-grandson of make-up pioneer and Hollywood legend Lon Chaney, Sr., and the grandson of Hollywood icon Lon Chaney, Jr. Ron was extremel...
Posted by The Midnight Palace on Sun, 16 Mar 2008 03:48:00 PST