Forgotten Nitrate
@realmfrancis.bsky.social
Documentarian, Hollywood Historian, Professional Researcher and Producer - The Asta: Cinema’s First International Star - NTR’s Hauntings and Tragedies
“Hollywood may have shattered the illusions of many a young girl, but it has not those of Clara Bow. She still believes in Santa Claus; and by waiting up for him, proves herself a true daughter of Christmas Eve.” - Motion Picture Classic Magazine 1929.
December 26, 2025 at 3:38 AM
“Hollywood may have shattered the illusions of many a young girl, but it has not those of Clara Bow. She still believes in Santa Claus; and by waiting up for him, proves herself a true daughter of Christmas Eve.” - Motion Picture Classic Magazine 1929.
Do not forget! The Big Bounty of Books Sale is this weekend at Hollywood Heritage! We had tickets for today and purchased some very cool items!
November 29, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Do not forget! The Big Bounty of Books Sale is this weekend at Hollywood Heritage! We had tickets for today and purchased some very cool items!
I hope everyone had an incredible Thanksgiving! #busterkeaton
November 28, 2025 at 5:45 AM
I hope everyone had an incredible Thanksgiving! #busterkeaton
(1/3) On November 14, 1906, Louise Brooks was born. The first film that I ever watched of Louise Brooks was the 1930’s Prix de beauté, which was directed by Augusto Genina. It was a beat up VHS tape that I rented a couple blocks away from my high school. #louisebrooks
November 14, 2025 at 8:16 PM
(1/3) On November 14, 1906, Louise Brooks was born. The first film that I ever watched of Louise Brooks was the 1930’s Prix de beauté, which was directed by Augusto Genina. It was a beat up VHS tape that I rented a couple blocks away from my high school. #louisebrooks
(1/3) Today at the Valhalla Memorial Park, we got to witness the memorial plaque dedication for Elsa Lanchester. Known throughout the world as “The Bride of Frankenstein.” #brideoffrankenstein #elsalanchester #horror
October 29, 2025 at 2:25 AM
(1/3) Today at the Valhalla Memorial Park, we got to witness the memorial plaque dedication for Elsa Lanchester. Known throughout the world as “The Bride of Frankenstein.” #brideoffrankenstein #elsalanchester #horror
(1/3) Haven’t been able to post much, but wanted to share. While working on some research, I came across this stunning image of Luise Rainer. This was from the April 20, 1935 issue of the Motion Picture Herald magazine. #actress #oscars #mgm #hollywood #luiserainer #oldhollywood
October 25, 2025 at 5:56 PM
(1/3) Haven’t been able to post much, but wanted to share. While working on some research, I came across this stunning image of Luise Rainer. This was from the April 20, 1935 issue of the Motion Picture Herald magazine. #actress #oscars #mgm #hollywood #luiserainer #oldhollywood
Had a wonderful time being part of the 42nd Hollywood Forever Cemetery Tour produced by The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles. Huge thank you to Sherri Snyder for bringing me onboard for a second year! #losangeles #hollywoodforevercemetery #artdecosocietyoflosangeles
October 6, 2025 at 2:52 AM
Had a wonderful time being part of the 42nd Hollywood Forever Cemetery Tour produced by The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles. Huge thank you to Sherri Snyder for bringing me onboard for a second year! #losangeles #hollywoodforevercemetery #artdecosocietyoflosangeles
On this day, September 30, 1955, James Dead died tragically in a car crash on his way to Salinas, California. After 70 years, we still remember. This is a clip from my documentary, Griffith Park - The Curse of Dona Petranilla Part Two. Written and narrated by Allison Marie. #jamesdean #onthisday
September 30, 2025 at 5:59 PM
On this day, September 30, 1955, James Dead died tragically in a car crash on his way to Salinas, California. After 70 years, we still remember. This is a clip from my documentary, Griffith Park - The Curse of Dona Petranilla Part Two. Written and narrated by Allison Marie. #jamesdean #onthisday
(1/2) Next Sunday, October 5th!
Join me and other fellow historians and living history performers with the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles, as we “dig up the dirt” on Hollywood history! #hollywood #losangeles #OldHollywood #tours #cemetery #hollywoodhistory #spookymonth
Join me and other fellow historians and living history performers with the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles, as we “dig up the dirt” on Hollywood history! #hollywood #losangeles #OldHollywood #tours #cemetery #hollywoodhistory #spookymonth
September 28, 2025 at 4:45 PM
(1/2) Next Sunday, October 5th!
Join me and other fellow historians and living history performers with the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles, as we “dig up the dirt” on Hollywood history! #hollywood #losangeles #OldHollywood #tours #cemetery #hollywoodhistory #spookymonth
Join me and other fellow historians and living history performers with the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles, as we “dig up the dirt” on Hollywood history! #hollywood #losangeles #OldHollywood #tours #cemetery #hollywoodhistory #spookymonth
(1/2) Since we were unable to make it to the Old Town Music Hall‘s screening of Valentino’s The Eagle, here is the original 1925, six-sheet poster. It had significant restoration and some recreation in the bottom title area and linen backed. #rudolphvalentino #vintageposter
September 7, 2025 at 3:24 AM
(1/2) Since we were unable to make it to the Old Town Music Hall‘s screening of Valentino’s The Eagle, here is the original 1925, six-sheet poster. It had significant restoration and some recreation in the bottom title area and linen backed. #rudolphvalentino #vintageposter
It’s the weekend! To celebrate, caption this photograph! This is the fabulous Clara Bow in full clown makeup! Photographed by George P. Hommel for the 1929 Paramount film, Dangerous Curves. I can’t wait to see your captions!
#SaturdayCaption #silentfilm #oldhollywood #clarabow #dangerouscurves
#SaturdayCaption #silentfilm #oldhollywood #clarabow #dangerouscurves
September 6, 2025 at 2:43 PM
It’s the weekend! To celebrate, caption this photograph! This is the fabulous Clara Bow in full clown makeup! Photographed by George P. Hommel for the 1929 Paramount film, Dangerous Curves. I can’t wait to see your captions!
#SaturdayCaption #silentfilm #oldhollywood #clarabow #dangerouscurves
#SaturdayCaption #silentfilm #oldhollywood #clarabow #dangerouscurves
(1/3) Mary Brian was born Louise Byrd Dantzler on February 17, 1906 in Texas. Her name was changed by the studio, Famous Players-Lasky, when at the age of 18, she made her film debut in their movie, Peter Pan.
#silentfilm #marybrian #actress #peterpan #silentera #oldhollywood
#silentfilm #marybrian #actress #peterpan #silentera #oldhollywood
September 4, 2025 at 7:48 PM
(1/3) Mary Brian was born Louise Byrd Dantzler on February 17, 1906 in Texas. Her name was changed by the studio, Famous Players-Lasky, when at the age of 18, she made her film debut in their movie, Peter Pan.
#silentfilm #marybrian #actress #peterpan #silentera #oldhollywood
#silentfilm #marybrian #actress #peterpan #silentera #oldhollywood
(1/3) Frances Mann was a silent film actress and the sister of actress Alice Mann. Frances would work with Vitagraph and Pathe while Alice would be known as Roscoe Arbuckle’s leading lady at Paramount and even play in Coney Island with Buster Keaton. #silentfilm #oldhollywood #actress
September 1, 2025 at 5:34 AM
(1/3) Frances Mann was a silent film actress and the sister of actress Alice Mann. Frances would work with Vitagraph and Pathe while Alice would be known as Roscoe Arbuckle’s leading lady at Paramount and even play in Coney Island with Buster Keaton. #silentfilm #oldhollywood #actress
Anna May Wong And Hattie McDaniel spotted in Hollywood!
August 30, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Anna May Wong And Hattie McDaniel spotted in Hollywood!
Well played Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. I will go see your little shark exhibit. Lol. #jaws #museum #losangeles
August 26, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Well played Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. I will go see your little shark exhibit. Lol. #jaws #museum #losangeles
(1/2) Hey everyone! I will once again be one of the tour guides for a special living history walking tour of the 126-year-old Hollywood Forever Cemetery! For 42 years, the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles has brought guests to the gravesites of early Hollywood stars -
Hollywood Forever Cemetery Living History Tour 2025 — Art Deco Society of Los Angeles
For the 42nd year, the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles “digs up the dirt” on Hollywood history - including a few scandals - via a living history walking tour of the 126-year-old Hollywood Forever Cem...
artdecola.org
August 26, 2025 at 1:09 AM
(1/2) Hey everyone! I will once again be one of the tour guides for a special living history walking tour of the 126-year-old Hollywood Forever Cemetery! For 42 years, the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles has brought guests to the gravesites of early Hollywood stars -
(1/3) Yesterday, I had the honor of helping out with the 98th Valentino Memorial Service at The Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Tracy Terhune put together an amazing program! #rudolphvalentino #memorialservice #hollywood #oldhollywood #silentfilm #silentfilmstars #junemathis
August 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
(1/3) Yesterday, I had the honor of helping out with the 98th Valentino Memorial Service at The Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Tracy Terhune put together an amazing program! #rudolphvalentino #memorialservice #hollywood #oldhollywood #silentfilm #silentfilmstars #junemathis
(1/11) This week began my new career adventure at Warner Bros. Discovery. Being able to walk on such an iconic location leaves me speechless. That being said, I want share a bit of WB history to celebrate. History about the humble beginnings of four famous brothers.
August 10, 2025 at 3:10 AM
(1/11) This week began my new career adventure at Warner Bros. Discovery. Being able to walk on such an iconic location leaves me speechless. That being said, I want share a bit of WB history to celebrate. History about the humble beginnings of four famous brothers.
Found this while I was on the Warner Bros. lot today. Whenever I see anything with Gene Kelly, all I can do is smile. 😁
August 6, 2025 at 5:00 AM
Found this while I was on the Warner Bros. lot today. Whenever I see anything with Gene Kelly, all I can do is smile. 😁
In an issue of Motion Picture Magazine, an article titled The New Star announced their winner of the Fame and Fortune Contest of 1921. It described the winner as only 16 years old and living at 857 73rd Street in Brooklyn New York. Saying that she is full of confidence, determination and ambition.
July 29, 2025 at 3:15 PM
In an issue of Motion Picture Magazine, an article titled The New Star announced their winner of the Fame and Fortune Contest of 1921. It described the winner as only 16 years old and living at 857 73rd Street in Brooklyn New York. Saying that she is full of confidence, determination and ambition.
(1/3) Barbara La Marr was born on this day in 1896 with the name of Rheatha Watson. I celebrate this day as what would have been La Marr’s 129th birthday. In fact, next year will mark the 100th anniversary of her death, which took place on January 30, 1926. #barbaralamarr
July 29, 2025 at 2:05 AM
(1/3) Barbara La Marr was born on this day in 1896 with the name of Rheatha Watson. I celebrate this day as what would have been La Marr’s 129th birthday. In fact, next year will mark the 100th anniversary of her death, which took place on January 30, 1926. #barbaralamarr
(1/2) Happy Friday everyone! Found this lovely image during my research. From the January/June issue of Photoplay Magazine in 1922, with the caption… #rudolphvalentino #gloriaswanson #silentfilm #fridaymotivation
July 25, 2025 at 4:57 PM
(1/2) Happy Friday everyone! Found this lovely image during my research. From the January/June issue of Photoplay Magazine in 1922, with the caption… #rudolphvalentino #gloriaswanson #silentfilm #fridaymotivation
Did you know that this month marks the 100th anniversary of silent film actress, Louise Brooks’ very first appearance in film? The movie was Paramount’s The Street of Forgotten Men and was released in July of 1925. #louisebrooks #silentfilm #filmhistory
July 20, 2025 at 12:32 AM
Did you know that this month marks the 100th anniversary of silent film actress, Louise Brooks’ very first appearance in film? The movie was Paramount’s The Street of Forgotten Men and was released in July of 1925. #louisebrooks #silentfilm #filmhistory
Dancers from MGM’s 1936 movie The Great Ziegfeld getting ready to celebrate The 4th of July. #mgm #hollywood #dancer #4thofjuly
July 4, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Dancers from MGM’s 1936 movie The Great Ziegfeld getting ready to celebrate The 4th of July. #mgm #hollywood #dancer #4thofjuly
(1/8) I confess to being slightly obsessed with Pola Negri, or more of her story with Rudolph Valentino. In 1934 she took reporter Gladys Hall to Falcon Lair. Pola had just returned to Hollywood after a two years absence away doing stage work.
July 3, 2025 at 2:00 AM
(1/8) I confess to being slightly obsessed with Pola Negri, or more of her story with Rudolph Valentino. In 1934 she took reporter Gladys Hall to Falcon Lair. Pola had just returned to Hollywood after a two years absence away doing stage work.