User Reviews

Once upon a time, there were several series that purported to show us the stars and personnel of Hollywood; there purpose was general publicity for Hollywood, and it kept the stars in the public eye in between features. The grand daddy was Columbia's SCREEN SNAPSHOTS. This one seems to have consisted of seven shorts released in 1927.

Of all the names and faces on display here,the only one that might register is John Barrymore. People who enjoy old movies will be pleased to see directors Ernst Lubitsch and Frank Lloyd. Other performers whose names could still conjure up recognition include western star Tom Mix (and his horse Tony), Alan Hale, and Buck Jones. The others are, alas, only for those of us who really love these old, old, movies.

Life in Hollywood No. 4 (1927)

*** (out of 4)

If you've watched the first three episodes of this seven-part series then you'll certainly want to continue with this one, which gives us a look at aviator Al Wilson as he drives through Hollywood where we see Grauman's Chinese Theatre and well as Warner Bros. (a shot from the first film in the series). Among the stars we see are John Barrymore, Marie Prevost, Tom Mix and Tony, Buck Jones, Bessie Love, Harold Goodwin, Alice Calhoun, Monte Blue, Ernst Lubitsch, Mae Marsh and Baby Priscilla Moran among many others.

Barrymore is without a doubt the best known name today but he doesn't get too much screen time. The highlight of the film is actually Calhoun showing up to the studio to collect her fan mail before playing a prank by writing her name on one of the set walls. For the most part this is an entertaining short, which is going to appeal to film buffs who will get a kick out of seeing all of the famous faces. Of course, most of them are forgotten today but that makes getting to see them here all the more entertaining since this type of footage is rare.