Les Thomsen Gives a Silent Filmmaking Demo

Another gem from the beloved Les Thomsen, who was a prominent bay area film personality throughout the 20th century and beyond. This was sourced from VHS cassette tapes, so the quality varies between the different cameras taping the action. Here, at the second annual Broncho Billy Silent Film Festival in 1999, Thomsen gives an amusing tongue-in-cheek demonstration of silent filmmaking techniques, and briefly describes his eternal love of the movies. One note: I am not sure who was playing Charlie Chaplin here. That is why his name does not appear in the credits to the video. When I find out, I will happily add his name to the description here. Please visit nilesfilmmmuseum.org for more information about our 501c3 Non-Profit organization. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Added 19 Jun 2026