The Films of Mack Sennett

Credit Documentation from the Mack Sennett Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library

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by Warren M. Sherk

Type

Studies

Subject

Others persons > Mack Sennett

Keywords

Mack Sennett, burlesque, 1910s, slapstick

Publishing date

1998

Publisher

Scarecrow Press

Language

English

Relative size

Physical desc.

Hardcover • 360 pages
6 ½ x 9 ¼ inches (16.5 x 23.5 cm)

ISBN-10
ISBN-13

0-8108-3443-X
978-0-8108-3443-9

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Book Presentation:
Film history catalogs the influence of film upon the development of modern cultural life. The Films of Mack Sennett is a prominent entry into this important effort. In the same manner that Sennett fully devoted himself to film, the Mack Sennett Collection devotes itself to the detailed study of the history of film. Donated by Sennett in 1951, it marked a pivotal point in the evolution of the Margaret Herrick Library at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. It was not just the first major special collection to be given to the library, but it contained some critical first-hand information about an early moment in American filmmaking by one of film's most successful directors.

Mack Sennett was born Michael Sinnot in Richmond, Canada. After brief periods doing burlesque and working on Broadway, Sennett worked as an actor at Biograph films. He left the position in 1912 to co-found Keystone Film Company. The films he produced at Keystone over the next few years are the zenith of a unique brand of American comedy. Sennet is immortalized in the Keystone Kops and the custard pie in the face, two images that have become standard features and nostalgic symbols of American comedy.

The Mack Sennett Collection consists of essential film records: storylines, casting records, shooting and production schedules, contracts, and daily report sheets. The Films of Mack Sennett is an authoritative reference work that contains the most comprehensive listing of cast and production credits ever published for films produced by Mack Sennett. It includes credits and production information for 855 films released between 1912 and 1933. The alphabetical list of Sennett's films has information concerning the cast, directors, cinematographers, length, working title, production company, release date, and special notes about the films. In total, there are 13,400 credits for 2,300 individuals. The wealth of detailed information in this book makes it invaluable for those interested in a complete picture of early Ameri

About the Author:
Warren M. Sherk is a Special Collections Archivist at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He also works extensively in music composition and orchestration for film and television.

Press Reviews:
...the most comprehensive listing of cast and production credits for films produced by Mack Sennett ever published... (The Film Music Society Newsletter)

...an astounding detailing of 855 films produced by the Mack Sennett Company from September 1912 through 1933...working many years compiling filmographies, I can appreciate the Herculean task that it took to sort and compile the vast amount of material in the Sennett collection. These cast credits will send serious researchers and filmographers into a frenzy discovering additional film credits for so many comedic performers heretofore unknown in films. (Silents Majority)

It's exciting to find a book that can answer some of the questions you've been wondering about for years. This one finally put in my hands everything I've wanted to know about the films (1912-1933) of Mack Sennett, "The King of Comedy"...there hasn't been a single source you fould use to research the Sennett filmographies of everybody who acted for him...it's the most comprehensive source on Sennett's outstanding career ever published...it's going to be around a long time as the ultimate source for Sennett's film credits, especially because it's derived from thousands of primary sources... (Big Reel)

Studying Sennett has always been a daunting task as he did more than anyone else. Now, the basic information is in one place from which anyone can start. (Movie Collector's World)

...excellent...a fine addition to the resources available to film historians. (Choice)

Though aimed at students and archivists, there is plenty of information on tap here for the casual reader. (Film Review)

Warren Sherk...and his associates at the AMPAS Library have done an excellent job of culling through the extensive files in the Sennett Collection to create a very detailed catalog of his prodigious output... (Classic Images)

...a splendid offering to scholars seeking rare and fascinating information on Sennett's film offerings. The strengths of this book are many...highly recommended. (The Lloyd Herald)

...cause for rejoicing...editor Warren M.Sherk has organized a massive amount of information into one useful volume. The result is an invaluable research tool for researchers and fans alike...Sherk has done an admirable job compiling the Academy's data on Sennett...an excellent book...well done. (Past Times)

See the publisher website: Scarecrow Press

See the complete filmography of Mack Sennett on the website: IMDB ...