Larger Than Life Heroes Lighting Up The Tiny, Distorted Screen

So, I certainly didn’t know that people had taken to posting public domain movies up on Google Video, but now that I do I figured I’d point it out.

First of all, the 1934 Scarlet Pimpernel that I mentioned the other day can be watched for free right here. Now, normally my problem with something like this is the image quality, but as far as I know all the DVDs of the movie look pretty terrible anyway, so I dunno how much you’ll be missing. Besides, the DVD I saw was, apparently, a cut version as well. Unfortunately, I don’t know if what’s online is full or not. It is, however, listed as a Douglas Fairbanks movie for some reason–no idea why whoever posted it didn’t take a glance at the credits. Leslie Howard is all well and good, but he’s no Fairbanks. (And, to be fair, when it comes to actual acting, Fairbanks is no Howard. But whatever.)

Speaking of Fairbanks, if you go here you can watch almost all of The Mark of Zorro, which I so recently elaborated upon. I say “almost all” because it inexplicably ends right before the third act. Whoops. I also think it’s being played at a bit too high of a speed (a common problem with silent films) but it’s worth a look if you’re curious. I strongly suggest getting the DVD though, as it’s also got the sequel.

I believe that Fairbanks’ The Black Pirate and The Iron Mask are up there somewhere as well, but again these really aren’t the optimum conditions under which to view a movie. Good for a peek, though.

Next time I really will talk about books. I swear.