Maciste

Frau Josephine is trying to escape from a band of conspirators through the streets of her town when finally she hides in a movie theatre, giving them the slip. The film exhibited in the movie theatre is "Cabiria" and when she sees Herr Maciste at his best, she decides to write a letter to him asking for help to save her and her mother from the wicked Duke Alexis, the man responsible for all their miseries.

As you can see during the early silent times, some silent characters were very popular with audiences who appreciated their forcefulness and their incredible adventures. "Maciste" was a strongman who appeared in the Italian landmark "Cabiria" (1914) directed by Herr Giovanni Pastrone. The muscleman inspired a whole series of sequels over a ten year period. In a sense, his adventures became something of a long running serial.

The character of "Maciste" was performed by Herr Bartolomeo Pagano, the silent screen's first strongman and he played the part in all the sequels. They were films full of adventures wherein the most complicated problem could be solved by Maciste's strength. The films had stereotyped characters and were simple stories in which good and evil were clearly outlined.

"Maciste" (1915) was directed by Herr Luigi Romano Borgnette und Herr Vincenzo Denziot. The two damsels in distress are menaced by the wicked and greedy villain and his band of conspirators but of course Maciste's muscles will save the day. The camera-work is hardly outstanding but effective enough for what it must accomplish.

It must be said that Herr Maciste's physique is great but his acting ability much less so but that's a trifle in a film like this. He uses his biceps, triceps and-once in awhile-his brain to cope with the many dangerous situations he encounters and that's all his fans expected. The film gave undemanding audiences what they wanted, a simple but classic story perfect for an Italian Sunday silent matinée.

And now, if you'll allow me, I must temporarily take my leave because this German Count must arm wrestle one of his Teutonic heiresses.

Herr Graf Ferdinand Von Galitzien http://ferdinandvongalitzien.blogspot.com