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Our Friends Say...

"The Midnight Palace is a treasure trove for any classic film lover. But beware - the site is addicting and can lead to many lost, but happy, hours."
-Matthew Kennedy
Author, Joan Blondell: A Life Between Takes

 

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King Vidor:
The Leading Light

About Us
Written by Gary Sweeney   

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 stories 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.

Gary Sweeney - Owner

 

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Warren William: Magnificent Scoundrel of Pre-Code Hollywood

On the motion picture screen, Hollywood star Warren William (1894-1948) was a magnificent rogue, often deliciously immoral and utterly callous, yet remarkably likable in his wickedness. Off-screen, the actor was as humble and retiring as his film characters were mean and heartless. This biography examines William’s life and career in detail, from his rural Minnesota roots through his service in World War I, his Broadway stage success, and his meteoric rise and gradual fall from Hollywood fame in the 1930s and 1940s. Also analyzed are his film persona and the curious mechanisms by which our culture "selects" certain film personalities to remember and others to forget. Featured is a wealth of biographical material never before available, including rare candid photos of William’s early years. Interviews with his surviving nieces provide intimate family details and personal remembrances. John Stangeland has been a free-lance comic book artist for Marvel, DC, Image, Comico, Malibu and Now Comics. He owns and operates Atlas Comics, a comic book store in Norridge, Illinois. Click HERE to order!

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