Ben Model is a unique silent film historian whose work spans multiple roles: preservationist, lecturer, author, and live accompanist and composer. Passionate about silent cinema, Model travels worldwide performing his own musical scores at silent movie screenings. Inspired by mentor Walter Kerr, who compared showing silent films to missionary work, Model dedicates his life to spreading the appreciation for this classic art form.
His recent book, The Silent Film Universe, delves into what makes silent movies captivating and distinct from sound films. Drawing on years of experience and teaching at Wesleyan University, Model offers a thoughtful language to discuss the narrative economy, projection speed, and emotional impact of silent films. He highlights both popular classics like Steamboat Bill Jr. and Safety Last and lesser-known gems such as Local Showers and Move Along.
Through his company, Undercrank Productions, Model has preserved and released over 30 silent film restorations on DVD and Blu-ray, including works by Douglas Fairbanks, Lon Chaney, and John Ford’s brother, Francis Ford. His latest release features two 1929 Tom Tyler Westerns—The Man from Nevada and Law of the Plains—newly restored in 2K from original nitrate prints, with new scores composed and performed by Model.
Tyler, known as the original Captain Marvel and a familiar face in classics like Stagecoach and Gone With the Wind, starred in these late silent features that showcase dynamic action filmmaking and creative use of locations despite modest budgets. Model praises the cinematography and craftsmanship evident in these rediscovered films.
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The Silent Film Universe champions the relevance of such movies, emphasizing their inherent entertainment value and appeal to modern audiences. Model’s mission is to encourage discovery of silent cinema’s rich legacy, whether at major events like the TCM Classic Film Festival or in smaller community settings.
Both The Silent Film Universe book and the Tom Tyler Silent Film Collection are available for purchase on the Undercrank Productions website.
