h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

"For younger readers, please note: In the early days of cinema, there was no sound, just captions. In due course, sound was invented and the actors had to learn lines and display emotion audibly. Why Keanu Reeves rose to fame in the sound era when his contribution seems almost entirely to be visual, is beyond me.'

Believe it or not, the actors are reciting lines in silent movies. Learn to read lips and you will be very surprised. Many silent actors came from the stage and the gestures were very broad so that they could be seen in the galleries. Modern intimate film acting took years to accomplish. If you don't believe me, watch "The Matrix" with the sound off.

One of the finest silent movies ever made was "The Thief of Baghdad" starring and produced by Douglas Fairbanks. It rocks.

I did not know that, thanks for the information. You learn something new every day on here don't you? My only realy knowledge of silent films comes from having once watched Singing in the Rain.