The Midnight Palace

The Midnight Palace is a website focusing on Classic Hollywood from the Silent Era through the Golden Age. The site was created by Gary Sweeney in June 2006 as an outlet to write about classic films and connect to others with similar interests.

Not long after the initial launch, an affiliation with Warner Bros. helped to boost traffic and provide more interactive features for the visitors, such as contests and giveaways. Shortly thereafter, The Midnight Palace was completely overhauled from it's humble beginnings to a much more comprehensive website, adding many new features and improving on others. Another affiliation, this time with Paramount, was secured in early 2008.

The site as described on its "About Us" page:

The Midnight Palace is an echo in time, a manifestation of yesterday that has resurfaced like a spectre with unfinished business. This is a grand theater that holds within its walls an era of unforgettable proportions. From the great silent films of German Expressionism to the final examples of Film Noir, The Midnight Palace stands as a testament to these landmarks of classic excellence.

There is something about these movies that filmmakers of today cannot replicate. Although the current technology allows for more possibilities, the feelings of authenticity and realism will never be rendered sufficiently by a computer. Films of yesterday required their participants to demonstrate true creativity. From the director and set designers to the actors and actresses, measures were taken to lure the viewer into another world. Luxurious backdrops provided a contrast to the characters that served as the equivalent to a modern display of 3D effects. The features of today lack that depth and personality. These were real times not to be locked away and forgotten.

Started in 2006, the Palace strives to unite enthusiasts, experts and novices alike. Woven intricately like the nerves of an escaped criminal, the stories of yesterday are many. Realizing the plethora of information that could be obtained from gathering like-minded people together, the wheels began turning and you now find yourself in the center of a vision turned reality. You will read reviews on movies considered to be classics, as well as relatively unknown films that have long fallen between the cracks of obscurity. The primary range we focus on is from 1900-1955, naturally with some exceptions made from time to time. There are also message boards which will serve as a virtual lobby, where Midnight Palace guests can get to know each other, share information and discuss various topics of interest. In our links section, we will showcase other websites of similar content, extending beyond film into all things considered antique, vintage and/or classic. Members with their own website are encouraged to submit their links and keep the knowledge circulating.

As we grow, we hope to provide further avenues (or dark streets for you Film Noir fanatics) to peruse. Suggestions are always welcomed, as this site belongs to everyone who enters. Thank you for stopping by and please enjoy your visit to The Midnight Palace.

Features:

Film Reviews: As with any film-related site, visitors will find an alphabetical listing of reviews on classic films.

Book Reviews: Reviews on books about classic stars, classic films, and/or the era(s) associated with them.

Interviews: Interviews with classic stars and their families, many with an audio stream in addition to a full transcript.

Articles: Informative articles on silent films and stars, different genres in Classic Hollywood and opinion pieces.

Online Courses: Currently offers a free online course titled Film Noir - Danger, Darkness and Dames, with plans to add more courses in the near future.

Star of the Month: Each month a classic star is put under the spotlight with a special page dedicated to them. The page usually consists of a career summary, photos, special links of interests, and downloads.

The Theater: An online movie theater where visitors can watch a full-length feature.

Midnight Palace Radio: A full-length old time radio (OTR) show for visitors to enjoy.

Vintage Resources: A massive collection of links where visitors can find antique furniture, vintage clothing, vintage fashion tips, vintage recipes and more.

Events: A list of upcoming Classic Hollywood-related events, as well as past events covered by The Midnight Palace with a summary and photographs.

Quotes:

"The Midnight Palace is the premiere classic Hollywood website!"
-Casey LaLonde
Grandson of Joan Crawford

"The Midnight Palace is helping to preserve a wonderful era in the film industry"
-Beverly Roberts
Classic Hollywood Actress

"If you're interested in classic Hollywood, The Midnight Palace is the best site on the net!"
-E.J. Fleming
Author, Carole Landis: A Tragic Life in Hollywood

"Elegant and refined, The Midnight Palace is like discovering a theatre from Hollywood's golden era that has been closed for decades...yet gorgeous images line its lobby and pristine prints of classic films fill its silver screen...taking you back...and away...to cinema's most magical time...of flickering dreams."
-Sean Hepburn Ferrer
Son of Audrey Hepburn

"The Midnight Palace is a great source for articles, reviews, interviews and links about silent film and much more!"
-Rich O'Meara & Carlos Garza, Silent Orchestra
Silent Film Composers

"Discovering the information at The Midnight Palace website regarding the Golden Era of Hollywood films is a Wonderful experience!"
-Karolyn Grimes
Classic Hollywood Actress, "Zuzu" in It's A Wonderful Life

"The Midnight Palace is a treasure trove of movie information, a well-organized and beautifully designed site for all things cinematic."
-Barbara Roisman Cooper
Author, Anna Lee: Memoir of a Career on General Hospital and in Film

"The Midnight Palace is a great place on the web for the very best on Hollywood Classics!"
-Keith Thibodeaux
Classic Hollywood Actor, "Little Ricky" in I Love Lucy

"The Midnight Palace is a treasure trove for any classic film lover. But beware - the site is addicting and can lead to many lost, but happy, hours."
-Matthew Kennedy
Author, Joan Blondell: A Life Between Takes

"If you dig Classic Hollywood, The Midnight Palace is THE cyber venue."
-Alan K. Rode
Author, Charles McGraw, Biography of a Film Noir Tough Guy
Director, The Film Noir Foundation

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu