Past Event Unseen Treasures from The George Eastman House 2012: Stage Struck (1925)
Stage Struck, directed by Allan Dwan and starring Gloria Swanson, Lawrence Gray, and Gertrude Astor, was partially shot in nearby New Martinsville, West Virginia, where Swanson plays a small-town waitress determined to keep the interest of her boyfriend Gray by becoming a real actress. With her huge eyes, seductive smile, and unparalleled ambition, Swanson defined the word “star” for generations of fans. She doesn’t disappoint – from the opening two-strip Technicolor sequence parodying Salome to the wild boxing match finale, the star shines in this charming comedy which features all of her trademark trappings including elaborate dream sequences, elegant sets, and of course, the famous Swanson wardrobe. The Warhol Museum continues its partnership with the world-renowned photograph and motion picture archives, George Eastman House, to bring rarely shown silent and early sound masterpieces from its extensive collection exclusively to Pittsburgh.
Preservation funded by the Film Foundation
Print courtesy of George Eastman House
Stage Struck (1925) Directed by Allan Dwan.
Newly restored, 35mm archival print, color-tinted b/w, 77 minutes, silent with live musical accompaniment.
With Gloria Swanson, Lawrence Gray, and Gertrude Astor.
Live piano accompaniment by Pittsburgh’s own Tom Roberts.
