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Past Event Jazzmania (1923)

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Jazzmania (1923)

Unseen Treasures from the George Eastman House

The Andy Warhol Museum continues its partnership with the world-renowned photograph and motion picture archives, The George Eastman House, to bring rarely shown silent and early sound masterpieces from its extensive collection exclusively to Pittsburgh.

Jazzmania (1923) Directed by Robert Z. Leonard.

Newly restored, 35mm archival print, color-tinted, 58 min., silent, with live musical accompaniment composed and performed by Ben Opie.

Starring Mae Murray, Rod La Rocque, Edmund Burns, Jean Hersholt, Lionel Belmore, Herbert Standing, Edith Bostwick, Wilfred Lucas, J.Herbert Frank, Carl Harbaugh, Harry Northrup.

This film, restored in 2010 by George Eastman House was unseen for over 85 years and considered lost, until a sole surviving nitrate print was discovered in Italy the late 1990s in a private collection. Now audiences can enjoy one of the precious few remaining films of actress Mae Murray and her “bee-stung lips” at the peak of her career as the charming Queen who would rather dance than rule. With art deco set decoration by Cedric Gibbons.

This jazz-age comedy-drama is set in the mythical European kingdom of Jazzmania, where Queen Ninon (Mae Murray) reigns.  Unhappy with her intended, Prince Otto, who has started a revolution, she flees to Monte Carlo and New York, all the while dancing up a storm dressed in the most modern and provocative costumes worn by an actress in film up to that time. On her return, she saves the day by creating a republic and, also, marries her true love.

The film will be introduced by Caroline Yeager, Assistant Curator in the Motion Picture Department at George Eastman House.

Preservation funded by The Packard Humanities Institute, The Film Foundation, and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Print courtesy of the George Eastman House.

Additional Information

This screening includes general seating.

Related Links

The George Eastman House Official Website

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