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Reviews
The Indian Wars (1914)
Great lost film, fragment survives
A few scant minutes of this film still extant can only hint at what was lost. Cody starred. The rating above is an extrapolated honorary 10.The Indians were real. The U.S. Cavalry of 1913 portrayed the cavalry of the Indian Wars. Filmed in splendid authentic locations such as the Black Hills with Cody representing the actual participants, the film must have been spectacular for 1914. General Nelson Miles was technical adviser. Apparently released only in New York and Denver, it seems to have been repressed by the asininity of the U.S. government at the time.The idiots who did it are all dead. The script seems to have been too nice to the conquered Indians. IMDb says part of it may exist in a collection. The Buffalo Bill Historical Center organization has a fragment of the film which may be viewed on line. For your safety,this site's thought police prevent posting the link. The film's loss stands as a monument to genocide and prejudice which can scarcely be thought possible in 1914 to 1917.
Liberace (1988)
Lost film, splendid performance by Andrew Robinson
Two bio films came out the year after Liberace died. This was the good one and it has never been released on video. Andrew Robinson and supporting actors deserve more recognition. I found Robinson to be an effective Liberace with physical resemblance and well captured mannerisms of Mr. Entertainment. It was credible enough that I have watched it several times over the years. (I was sensible enough to tape it when broadcast.) I watched Liberace on TV in the early days and learned about Liszt, Chopin, and Gershwwin from his playing. The first classical record I ever bought as a child was his recording of a Chopin polonaise. I became a fan of the music and bought more, but I also discovered Horowitz and Rubinstein. So I owe more than a half century of fascination with classical piano to Liberace.
Andrew Robinson brought Lee's story to life for me as he found his role in bridging popular and classical music. I will watch the movie again and add specifics. Whether you liked Liberace or have followed the career of Andrew Robinson this movie is worth your attention if you have the chance to see it.
Incidentally John Rubinstein who plays Jamie is the son of the great pianist Artur Rubinstein. His career, too, has been incredible. Good luck finding this. Note that Amazon lists something with Robinson which turns out not to be this movie, so be cautious.