Times have changed a lot, certainly!!.
This terrible fact for a German aristocrat accustomed to old and rigid traditions was evident during the last silent soirée at the Schloss theatre when "Tell It to the Marines", a film directed by Herr George W. Hill, was shown. This film is about military men and American war institutions.
The fact is that there are a lot of big differences between the German military establishment and the American one as can be seen in this silent film; differentiations that this Teutonic aristocrat is going to depict in order to make the old way of doing things clear.
The film tells of the adventures of private Robert "Skeet" Burns ( Herr William Haines ) a coarse, rude youngster who will join temporarily the Marines; during old aristocratic times, those long haired youngsters of humble origin were obviously not allowed in the German ministry of war. For such an important institution only lazy and idle Teutonic youths born with silver spoons in their mouths have this privilege This private "Skeet" is under the command of Sergeant O'Hara ( Herr Lon Chaney ) and besides their interest in American war games, they both love nurse Norma Dale ( Dame Eleanor Boardman ), leading to adventures in war and love throughout the film.
Well, it hardly needs to be said that high-ranking Prussian officers never mixed with ordinary soldiers or had to teach them discipline; overall discipline is standard German equipment. And of course Teutonic aristocratic fräuleins never worked; they were always very busy chattering in the Berlin manner in their rococo salons while sipping tea and for some of them even this necessary business required a great effort.
So, there is no trace in the film of moustachioed Prussian warriors wearing those colourful uniforms adorned with numerous medals together with a fancy and sharp-pointed helmet. There is no sign too of light cavalry ready to attack while the high-ranking military Prussians observe such thrilling scenes sheltered on the top a of a high mountain. Even though "Tell It to the Marines" depicts the modern and ordinary procedures of the American army and displays nothing in common with the classic art of war, (that useless pastime of which aristocrats are so fond), the film is very entertaining and interesting.
"Tell It To The Marines" was Herr Lon Chaney's favourite film; the great American actor portrayed during his superb and long career many deformed, wicked and freak characters but finally he preferred the freakiest of all: a US Marine sergeant.
And now, if you'll allow me, I must temporarily take my leave because this German Count must present arms to his Teutonic heiresses.
Herr Graf Ferdinand Von Galitzien http://ferdinandvongalitzien.blogspot.com/
This terrible fact for a German aristocrat accustomed to old and rigid traditions was evident during the last silent soirée at the Schloss theatre when "Tell It to the Marines", a film directed by Herr George W. Hill, was shown. This film is about military men and American war institutions.
The fact is that there are a lot of big differences between the German military establishment and the American one as can be seen in this silent film; differentiations that this Teutonic aristocrat is going to depict in order to make the old way of doing things clear.
The film tells of the adventures of private Robert "Skeet" Burns ( Herr William Haines ) a coarse, rude youngster who will join temporarily the Marines; during old aristocratic times, those long haired youngsters of humble origin were obviously not allowed in the German ministry of war. For such an important institution only lazy and idle Teutonic youths born with silver spoons in their mouths have this privilege This private "Skeet" is under the command of Sergeant O'Hara ( Herr Lon Chaney ) and besides their interest in American war games, they both love nurse Norma Dale ( Dame Eleanor Boardman ), leading to adventures in war and love throughout the film.
Well, it hardly needs to be said that high-ranking Prussian officers never mixed with ordinary soldiers or had to teach them discipline; overall discipline is standard German equipment. And of course Teutonic aristocratic fräuleins never worked; they were always very busy chattering in the Berlin manner in their rococo salons while sipping tea and for some of them even this necessary business required a great effort.
So, there is no trace in the film of moustachioed Prussian warriors wearing those colourful uniforms adorned with numerous medals together with a fancy and sharp-pointed helmet. There is no sign too of light cavalry ready to attack while the high-ranking military Prussians observe such thrilling scenes sheltered on the top a of a high mountain. Even though "Tell It to the Marines" depicts the modern and ordinary procedures of the American army and displays nothing in common with the classic art of war, (that useless pastime of which aristocrats are so fond), the film is very entertaining and interesting.
"Tell It To The Marines" was Herr Lon Chaney's favourite film; the great American actor portrayed during his superb and long career many deformed, wicked and freak characters but finally he preferred the freakiest of all: a US Marine sergeant.
And now, if you'll allow me, I must temporarily take my leave because this German Count must present arms to his Teutonic heiresses.
Herr Graf Ferdinand Von Galitzien http://ferdinandvongalitzien.blogspot.com/