Following is the official announcement, which was written by Fritzi. Included throughout this post are the gorgeous event banners – designed by Fritzi. Ruth has done lots of behind-the-scenes work already and I’ve…uh…been sitting on the sidelines looking pretty. Or…looking in any case. But really, I couldn’t be more honored to be a part of this and will promote the heck out of it in hopes you’ll join us. So, without further ado…
The Classic Movie History Project Blogathon (2015)
We are tickled to announce the second edition of the Classic Movie History Project. I am once again joined by my wonderful co-hosts, Fritzi of Movies, Silently and Ruth of Silver Screenings.
We believe that there is a little bit of the historian in every classic movie fan. After all, we love films that were made before we were born and, in some cases, before our parents or grandparents were born. Here is our chance to combine our love of classic film with our passion for history.
Last time, we divided the history of film into individual years with each blogger claiming one year to cover. While this method was thorough, it left some talented writers out in the cold. You see, every single slot was snapped up in just 36 hours. This time, we are taking a looser approach, one that will allow more participants to help make this event memorable, educational and fun.
We have divided the history of film from 1880 to 1975 between us. Fritzi is your Silent Era host and will be covering 1880-1929. I (Aurora) will be hosting the Golden Age from 1930-1952 and Ruth is our Swingin’ host and will be covering 1953-1975. We have divided our year ranges into bite-size sections, which are listed below. Pick your bite, tell us your angle and you’re in like Flynn!
What about duplicates?
While no exact duplicates are allowed, the topic is so broad that we are sure you will find an angle that works for you. For example, if someone is covering Rebel Without a Cause, you might cover the overall career of James Dean. That being said, if there is a section that looks a little empty, we would greatly appreciate you stepping up and making sure there are no gaps in the event.
Do I have to stay in Hollywood?
No! International cinema is welcome and encouraged. While our date ranges are based on Hollywood history, please feel free to cover cinema from any nation 1880-1975.
Can I still cover a particular year?
Yes, you can. Just make sure that your angle is different from everyone else’s. For example, if someone is already writing about why 1939 is such a great year, you might write about the Academy Award winners of ’39 or choose to focus on individual films.
Do you only accept blog posts or can I get imaginative?
You can get imaginative. Pictorials, videos, podcasts and other multimedia items are allowed.
How do I join?
Contact any of your friendly hosts and we will add you to the roster. Please be sure to include the address of your blog, the section you have chosen and the title or general nature of your topic.
Example:
Hello! I would like to join in the 1880-1895 category. I want to cover Fred Ott’s Sneeze. My blog address is happypeppypeople.blogatron.com.
Wow! I’m so excited that I can’t choose just one topic! Can I write in more than one category?
Yes! If you would like to take on extra categories and date ranges, please feel free to do so.
When do I post?
We will each be hosting one day of the event in chronological order. Fritzi will be first, I will be second and Ruth will wrap things up.
So grab yourself a banner and get ready for a historically good time!
◊
Complete list of participating blogs and topics can be found here.
Once upon a screen... 
Ooh, I totally missed this last time, so I’m all in for the revised format! 🙂
How about…. 1940-1945, Wartime musicals?
My blog is The Vintage Cameo / thevintagecameo.com Thanks!
Love that topic!!! Thrilled to have you aboard, Emily!
Hello Aurora, thanks to you, Ruth and Fritzi for hosting this! As you said nationality is not an issue, I would like to do a post on India’s Silent Era movies. Would that be ok? I know this is very vague, I will add more details later. Looking forward to this event! Wish you luck! Here’s my blog, https://365days365classiccinemareview.wordpress.com/
Wonderful! Just let me know which topic in the Silent Era you think best fits. We can adjust as we get closer.
Thank you for accepting! I was thinking about the themes of some movies, and how they would overcome the technical limitations.
OK – for now I will list your topic under the 1908-1913 year range. Let me know if it is better suited for another year span. Thanks for joining us!
Yes, that would great! I will reply with the exact topic tomorrow, when I have much clearer idea about it. Thanks for this, it is very exciting!
No worries. Take your time. I’m glad I got the year range close. 🙂
I was thinking of doing a post about movies dealing with soldiers coming back from the war…the 1946-1949 Homecoming? Right now I’m thinking about THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES and TILL THE END OF TIME, sort of compare and contrast. But I’m looking for more examples so that might change a bit. Would this work?
My blog is nowvoyaging.wordpress.com
I might even take a look at films from Britain too but I’m not sure.
Absolutely! I’ll jot you down for that topic/era. Just let me know if you want to change it at any time. 🙂
For 1939, I’d like to cover Laurel & Hardy’s entry, THE FLYING DEUCES.
You got it! 🙂
I just watched Airport, 1970, for the second time, hadn’t seen it in ages. I read the book and it’s a good read. I hadn’t realized the heavy topics and dilemmas faced by Dean Martin’s co-pilot, and his love but not his wife, Jacqueline Bisset, would be so openly discussed in the film, no hidden messages due to the Hays code being gone. So, put me down for Airplane-I’ll have it posted on 6/26th right before I head out the door for a vacation. 🙂
Oops- I mean Airport! The oldest kid, 23, home for the summer from college, watched it with me and he kept comparing it to Airplane!! He loved the slapping scenes in Airport. 🙂
Wonderful!!! Thanks, Jenni!
Hi! Could I do “1943 at RKO”?
Oooh, yes!! Love it! 🙂
Yay! Love this blogathon and the new format! cheers 🙂
Count me in. I’m just not sure what topic to cover yet. Can we blog about a specific actor or actress or a particular movie?
Is the title of your blog ‘Joanie1977’?
Hi Aurora. No. My blog is called: In The Good Old Days Of Classic Hollywood.
OK! Thought so but when I went into the link it said ‘Joanie1977’ – thanks! 🙂
Yeah that was my old blog, but I never used it.
Sorry, but can you send me the link? I think I’m going to the wrong page.
Sure. Here’s the link.
https://crystalkalyana.wordpress.com/
Hopefully that works. I have a few topics in mind. Would I be able to cover two topics if I wanted to? I want to something in the silent era, as I’m fascinated in the early days and I’m also thinking of something from the 30’s or 40’s?
Absolutely! Just let me know when you know. 🙂 I decided on one, but am thinking of another myself.
Ok, I will start thinking of what I would like to do.
Is anyone doing Carole Lombard?. I’m considering her, but haven’t decided yet?
I listed a Lombard choice – Carole and Pre-Code – above. Otherwise, anything else you want to do.
I was thinking in the way of Carole Lombard’s screwball comedies, but I’m not entirely sure yet. Would that be ok?
I don’t see why not!! Let me know when you’re sure. 🙂
I’ve got that in mind, and I’m also thinking of John Barrymore silent films and Ethel Barrymore’s transition from the stage to the screen by delving into her film career in the 40’s and so on. Not sure yet though.
YAY! Yes, any topic – including film or person – that falls under the eras noted. Reach out when you think of your topic. In the meantime I’ll list you in the ‘Topic TBA’ section. Thanks for joining us!
I would like to cover 1939: The Big Year. Selections from the biggest year in classic cinema. Smitten Kitten Vintage smittenkittenvintage.wordpress.com. Thanks!!
Perfect! Will add you in a bit. 🙂
I have been looking for a good reason to write about “It’s Always Fair Weather.” How about “It’s Always Fair Weather – The Musical Gets Cynical,” since it’s such a unique musical and it has an interesting historical twist as a satire on television. My blog is MovieManiaMadness.wordpress.com.
Love it! Fantastic! 🙂 I’ll add you to the list later.
Thanks! This’ll be my first blogathon contribution!
Honored! Thanks for participating! 🙂
This certainly looks like an amazing blogathon! 😀 For the 1963-1967’s category, I would like to cover Year 1967: An Important Turning Point in Films. My blog is The Wonderful World of Cinema: https://thewonderfulworldofcinema.wordpress.com
Wonderful, Virginie! I’ll add you to the list in a bit. Thanks for joining us.
Hi Aurora. For one of my choices I would like to do John Barrymore in “Don Juan” 1926 and the introduction to Vitaphone. Would that be ok? I will think of my second one later.
That’s great. I’ll add you to the list a bit later today.
Hi Aurora. For one of my choices I would like to cover John Barrymore in “Don Juan” 1926, and the introduction to Vitaphone. Don Juan was the first film that featured Vitaphone, the sound on disc system, so I would like to write about Don Juan and how it was first released in that film etc. It’s a significant piece of cinema history. I still have to decide on my second choice
My blog is : In The Good Old Days Of Classic Hollywood.
Hey Aurora,
I’d love to do a post about the making of “Son of Kong” in 1933. It was such a rush job, thought it’d be interesting to look into and talk about. What do you think?
My blog’s The Stop Button.
Thanks!
Andrew
I love it, Andrew! I don’t know that story! I’ll add you to the list later today. WooooHooo! 🙂
I’m not sure if I saw this category yesterday and it’s been taken or not. I’m big on the British New wave cinema esp. after it started blending in with rock & roll and youth culture. A favorite (and less well-known) example is “The Girl Getters” (aka “The System”) with David Hemmings, Oliver Reed and Julia Foster w/ cinematography by Nicolas Roeg. It’s from 1964 and is a good link between the earlier “kitchen sink realism” and the later Swinging 60s films. Please let me know. My blog is Reel and Rock.
Hello, Rick. A category of British New Wave has been chosen, but a commentary on a particular film would be fine. It sounds great, actually. If that works for you I’ll add you to the list later today.
I would be fine doing a post on “The Girl Getters.” Feel free to put me on the list and give me an idea about the time frame so I’m ready. Thanks, Rick
Oh, and your choice falls under the last era so we will promote it on June 28th. It’d be great if you can have it published by the 27th.
Hi Rick – can you send me the direct link to your blog? I’m getting a closed page when I search ‘Reel and Rock’
Sorry about that. Here it is: https://rickouellettereelandrock.wordpress.com/
Hey, sorry if I’m late to the party. I would very much like to cover 1966’s Batman (the film), and why Adam West is the best live-action Batman. My blog is That Other Critic. (Here’s a link: https://thatothercritic.wordpress.com )
Not late at all! Love Batman!! 😀 welcome. I’ll add you to the list later today.
Hello this is joey form wolffianclassicmoviesdigest. i would love to do a topic on bette davis,its gonna be called Bette davis,dame of the screen.thanks so much
Thank YOU, Joey! Will add you to the list later today. Which era would you suggest I place your entry under? Ms Davis had a long career. 🙂
The Golden Age (1930-1952)
Great! 😀
https://wolffianclassicmoviesdigest.wordpress.com/ as special thank you. i have promoted your event here. i cannot wait for my post,thanks so much Aurora
https://wolffianclassicmoviesdigest.wordpress.com/2015/05/20/announcement-the-classic-movie-history-project-2015/ this was link. i meant send. thanks so much
I would like to cover 1966’s Batman (the movie). My blog is That Other Critic, and can be found here: https://thatothercritic.wordpress.com
Hi Aurora, In addition to tackling the 1928 movie “The Crowd”, would it be okay if I also write a little about a good ol’ Ann Harding movie called “The Flame Within” (1935)? My blog is: “CineMaven’s Essays from the Couch.” ( https://cinemavensessaysfromthecouch.wordpress.com/ ) – CineMava
YAASSSS! WooHoo. Er…I mean, certainly it’s OK.
Hi Aurora. I’ve made up my mind for my second choice. For that one would I be able to write about Ethel Barrymore’s transition from the stage to the screen? That would go under the 1930 to 1952 category.
OK. I’m placing this topic under the 1930 sub-category. Thanks!!
Never mind. Seems you submitted this to one of the other hosts as well. I’ll follow suit and place it in the 1932 category.
Ok sure. Yeah it’s more so her transition to the stage and screen in 1944, so where is the best section for that?
How about Wilder and Bracket: Kings that Watched the Studio System Burn (A Foreign Affair, Sunset Blvd, Ace in the Hole)?
It’ll be about how the pair had total power at Paramount among the backdrop of the Paramount Decision and the subsequent end of the studio system. Their power and the desperation of the studios allowed them to make whatever they wanted.
Oh, and my blog is http://www.criterionblues.com 🙂
I LOVE, LOVE that topic! Fantastic choice!! Thanks, Aaron!
Great! I’ll probably put up a piece about the end of the studio system beforehand and then work the films in. I know someone already chose Sunset Blvd, but it’ll be hard to cover this without much overlap. Hope that’s okay. Looking forward to it!
I would LOVE to participate in this … I’d like to do something I haven’t done on my blog — discuss three movies released in 1969. Midnight Cowboy, The Sterile Cuckoo and They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? At least, that’s my choices now. I will definitely do Midnight Cowboy — I may have ideas for the other two, but I will check with you to make sure my final picks will work out. Actually, I need to tell this to Ruth, so I will do a comment on her blog. I’m so excited!
WOWZA!!! What a trio, Becky! You’re on the list and can’t wait for your commentary. They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? is a movie I’ve always wanted to comment on, but have yet to get to it. It’s unforgettable! I’m thrilled you’re joining us for this. 🙂
Aurora
Me too!
Reblogged this on Movie Mania Madness and commented:
I’ll be participating in my first blogathon and I’m certainly excited. I do love history and its connection to film. My topic is “It’s Always Fair Weather,” which is the most cynical musical ever made.
I would like to write about “What the Stars Did to Help Win the War” for the Wartime Cinema category. My blog is Phyllis Loves Classic Movies – http://phyllislovesclassicmovies.blogspot.com/
Wonderful ,Phyllis! Thanks for joining us! You’re on the list. 🙂
Aurora
So I told myself I was going to take a break from entering blogathons (was going to sit back and enjoy them instead)….but this is too good to pass up, plus it’s during the summer. I would like to do a piece on the early portrayal of taxi dancers: Ten Cents a Dance (1931) and Two Seconds (1932).
Hi Bonnie! I’m not hosting or taking part in any blogathons either.
SEE how successful I’ve been at that! I’m thrilled you’re joining us and love your topic! 🙂
Aurora
Hey!—I’m changing my topic from the Great Dictator / To Be or Not to Be… to the development of newsreels, real life influencing Hollywood and vice versa, and presidential politics and policy in 1932-’33. That’s for secondsightcinema.com… and thank you so much for hosting this spectacular event!
Take that back – now listed in 1932-33
Reblogged this on A PBS Exploration and commented:
Not exactly PBS, although the local PBS station used to carry older films and provided some background once upon a time in the distant past.
Change made! Listed all under the same era/time slot.
Hey gal- may I write about Feminism in the PreCode era? (1932-1934) Basically, roles of female empowerment via film…
Reblogged this on The Movie Rat and commented:
I’ve been meaning to keep up on the blogathons I will be a part of by re-blogging for some time. It’s a habit I was not in long enough.
Anyway, this is one I’m very excited to be involved in. I’m taking a small, but very important topic that paved the way for the motion picture before cameras even started rolling: The Muybridge Experiment.
I’d love to get involved in the 1953-1957 group looking at the romance involved in the following films:
Gentle Prefer Blondes
A Star is Born
Guys and Dolls
Lady and the Tramp
The Seven Year Itch
The king and I
High Society
An Affair to Remember
Can’t think of a title for my post yet though, but just comparing and how some of the love was maybe not so pure to begin with.
Great! I’ll list you under that era with a temp title for now. THANKS!!
Brilliant! Might start writing the post to see if I can come up with a good title 🙂
Dear Aurora;
Sorry MovieFanFare’s coming in a little last-minute to the party, but I’d like to get in on the historical fun. On Friday 6/26 I’ll be putting up a look at what the WORST movies from 1939 were (not everything Hollywood put out that year was Gone with the Wind or Mr. Smith Goes to Washington). I’d also added a blogathon banner to our home page. Thanks. .
Hi Gary! I’m thrilled you’re joining us and so sorry I didn’t reply sooner. I’m just seeing this comment now since we have an updated announcement. I’m adding you to the list. YAY!! The banners have also been updated to reflect the Flicker Alley sponsorship.
Aurora
Aurora, I am preparing my post for the blogathon and wanted to know what the procedure is. Do we post it to our own blog and send you the link? I have not participated in one before. Thanks, Rick
Hi Rick! Yes. Reach out with the direct link to your post when it’s published so we can link to it. Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂
Aurora
Aurora; I have finished my post for the blogathon. See below for the link. If you have any questions, I will be here for another 30 minutes, otherwise will be back
Ok. Thanks, Rick!
Hi Rick. I’m just preparing the roster for tomorrow and just noticed I don’t see your link. Can you repost it?
Here’s the link: Should I send it to the comments secti
Yes, if you can. I’m unable to access it. Thanks, Rick!
Here’s the link, let me know if you got it OK. Thx, rick
https://rickouellettereelandrock.wordpress.com/2015/06/26/sex-and-sensibility-the-girl-getters-is-the-lost-classic-of-british-beat-cinema/
Got it!! Thank you! Your post will be featured in tomorrow’s section.
Did you get the re-sent like this time?
Yes! Replied. You’re good to go and will be featured in tomorrow’s eras.
Thanks!