Virginia Rappe

His Musical Sneeze

A young man goes into the woods to hunt rabbits, and winds up getting mixed up with a dog, a lion and a beautiful woman.

An Adventuress

Filmed by Fred J. Balshofer in 1918 as the anti-German war drama Over the Rhine, the project was reshaped and released in 1920 as An Adventuress—a cross-dressing caper set in the fictional republic of Alpania and headlined by female-impersonation star Julian Eltinge, with early appearances by Rudolph Valentino and Virginia Rappe. The film was later re-edited and reissued in 1922 as The Isle of Love.

Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema

Before the G, PG and R ratings system there was the Production Code, and before that there was, well, nothing. This eye-opening documentary examines the rampant sexuality of early Hollywood through movie clips and reminiscences by stars of the era. Gloria Swanson, Mary Pickford, Marlene Dietrich and others relate tales of the artistic freedom that led to the draconian Production Code, which governed content from 1934 to 1968. Diane Lane narrates.

Murders of Hollywood

Sensational and shocking stories from Hollywood are not always fiction. Beyond anything a screenwriter could imagine, and with cast of famous stars and celebrities, this documentary goes behind the scenes to explore the real-life stories of murders in Hollywood. From the silent era to the present day, out-of-control passions, burning hatreds, and the driving greed for gain have pushed many of the rich and famous over the edge into violence - to commit bloody murder or end up as the victims of murder.

Wet and Warmer

Silent comedy featuring the Chaplin-esque Heinie Conklin. The ill-fated Virginia Rappe appears as a hotel guest.

A Twilight Baby

The Punch of the Irish

The Kick in High Life

Hollywood Scandals and Tragedies

Famous Hollywood Scandals and Tragedies

The Isle of Love

A 1922 re-edit of Fred J. Balshofer’s earlier feature—shot in 1918 as Over the Rhine and released in 1920 as An Adventuress—this version was issued to capitalize on Rudolph Valentino’s sudden stardom. The cut boosts Valentino’s presence through repeated/enlarged shots, looping and out-takes, and reframes the story in a tropical island setting; it’s widely regarded as a cash-in reissue.