I learned something on New Year's Day!

I

was watching the Twilight Zone Marathon on Sci-Fi, and decided to look and see what was coming on TCM (Turner Classic Movies). I saw 2 movies that were described as silent and I was checking to see if they had Charlie Chaplin in them. I wasn't going to watch them if they didn't, but they both had "negro" in the description, so I recorded them.

I had no idea that black people had done silent movies! This was in the 20s!!

I was going to watch both of them, but about 10 minutes into "Within our Gates", I decided that 1) I didn't like the 'subtitles' and 2) The music was more irritating that the usual silent movie score.

With Within our Gates, they put up the cards (the ones that usually show the dialogue) to introduce people. It was confusing for me and I couldn't figure out which woman was supposed to be the one that was mistaken for white because they looked too much alike (to me).

I just got irritated too quickly.

I haven't watched "The Symbol of the Unconquered" yet. It's only an hour, so I should be able to stick with it, even if it sucks.

The reviews for both movies (on IMDb) are not good, LOL.

But, at least I'll be able to say "Yes, I've seen a black silent movie." It will be one of "Angelika's Firsts". :-)

Speaking of firsts, I did a search for Jeff Goldblum and the title "Mini's First Time" popped up, so I recorded it.

Mini's First Time
Starring: Alec Baldwin, Carrie Anne Moss, Jeff Goldblum
Director: Nick Guthe
Genre: Comedy Crime Drama
Plot from IMDb: A rebellious girl hooks up with an escort agency where her stepfather is a client.
Should you see it? Sure
Rating (out of 5 hearts): ♥♥½
My Comments: The plot from IMDb really doesn't tell you what the movie is about. Mini is the daughter of an alcoholic (Moss). She lives her life trying to have a new "first" every day. So, she decides to become an escort and on her first night, she finds out that her step father (Baldwin) is a client. They fall in love (or he does, anyway) and proceed to try to get Mini's mother out of the way without a divorce because there was no prenup.

Mini is an evil genius. She's funny/fun to watch. You'll probably guess the "twist" way before the end, but it is entertaining when it is revealed.