TTF (Episode 4): Lights, Camera, Comedy: Exploring Mabel Normand's Directorial Legacy

Tom Talks Film (TTF) is your destination for captivating insights into the world of cinematic arts! Join Tom in this ongoing video essay series as they explore a myriad of topics within the realm of cinema. From dissecting iconic films to discussing emerging trends, each episode promises to deepen your appreciation for the magic of storytelling on the silver screen!
Episode 4:
Welcome to another episode of Tom Talks Film! In this captivating installment, we journeyed through the comedic realm of Mabel Normand, a pioneering director who left an indelible mark on early cinema. Join me as we explore Normand's remarkable tenure at the Keystone Film Company in Los Angeles from 1914 to 1915, where she helmed at least 15 films that entertained audiences while also addressing pertinent sociological issues of the time. We delve into Normand's life and her significant contributions to the film industry through meticulous research and insightful commentary. This exploration offers invaluable insights into the intersection of comedy and social commentary in early cinema. Join us as we unravel Mabel Normand's brilliance and celebrate her enduring impact on the cinematic landscape. Don't miss out on this captivating journey through the annals of film history on Tom Talks Film!
Works Cited
-Cooper, Kim. “Help Save the Mabel Normand Studio Bungalow at Sunset Junction.” Esotouric.com, March 16, 2023. esotouric.com/2023/03/14/mabel/
-Cunningham, John M. Mack Sennett, January 13, 2024. www.britannica.com/biography/...
-Fussell, Betty. “The Films of Mabel Normand.” Film History 2, no. 4 (1988): 373-91. www.jstor.org/stable/3815153
-Harnisch, Larry. “Mabel Normand Studio Leads the Way.” ladailymirror.com, October 1, 2022. ladailymirror.com/2022/09/30/...
-Joyce, Simon, and Jennifer Putzi. “Greatest Combination in Motion Pictures: Film History and the Division of Labor in the New York Motion Picture Company.” Film History: An International Journal 21, no. 3 (September 2009): 189-207. doi.org/10.2979/fil.2009.21.3...
-Joyce, Simon, and Jennifer Putzi. “Mabel Normand.” Women Film Pioneers Project, 2013. wfpp.columbia.edu/pioneer/ccp...
“Mabel Normand.” Hollywood Walk of Fame, December 9, 2020. walkoffame.com/mabel-normand/
-Manns, William. “Remembering the 101 Ranch.” American Cowboy, 2004.
-Singer, Dick. “The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group Presents: The Preservation Conservation,” July 2020. www.mohpg.org/uploads/3/0/4/2...
-Stevens, Dana. Why women in Hollywood had more power in 1916 than they do now, January 29, 2022. slate.com/culture/2022/01/cha...
-Tatna, Meher. “Forgotten Hollywood: Mabel Normand.” Golden Globes Awards, April 15, 2021. goldenglobes.com/articles/for...
-Tikkanen, Amy, ed. Mabel Normand. Accessed February 1, 2024. www.britannica.com/biography/...
-Witzel, Charles. “MABEL NORMAND, FILM STAR, DEAD.” The New York Times. February 24, 1930.
Film Links (Title- Release Date- Link or Current Status)
Mabel’s Stormy Love Affair - January 5, 1914 - Currently unavailable
Mabel’s Bear Escape - January 13, 1914 - Currently unavailable
Won in a Cupboard - January 22, 1914 - • Mabel Normand Film #12...
Mabel’s Stange Predicament - February 9, 1914 - • Mabel's Strange Predic...
Love & Gasoline - February 21, 1914 - Currently unavailable
Mabel at the Wheel - April 18, 1914 - • Charlie Chaplin - Mabe...
Caught in a Cabaret - April 27, 1914 - • CAUGHT IN A CABARET (1...
Mabel’s Nerve - May 16, 1914 - Currently unavailable
Mabel’s Busy Day - June 1, 1914 - • Mabel's Busy Day (1914)
Her Friend the Bandit - June 4, 1914 - • Her Friend The Bandit ...
Mabel’s Married Life - June 20, 1914 - • Mabel's Married Life (...
Mabel’s Blunder - September 12, 1914 - • MABEL'S BLUNDER (1914)...
Mabel’s Latest Prank - September 10, 1914 - Currently unavailable
Hello Mabel - October 8, 1914 - • HELLO MABEL (1914) -- ...
Mabel & Fatty Viewing the World’s Fair at San Francisco, Cal - April 22, 1915 - • Mabel and Fatty viewin...
Mabel Lost and Won - June 3, 1915 - • Mabel Lost and Won (19...