Carlow man, William Desmond Taylor, was an immensely successful Hollywood actor & director of the Silent Era. He acted in 27 movies, directed over 60, and, at the time of his death, was the head of production at Paramount Studios.

2022 is the 100^th anniversary of his death and since 2011 Carlow celebrated its famous cinematic son with Taylorfest (Sept 20-21), which presents a selection of his classic films, performances of scenes from his extraordinary life, talks from world experts, celebrity appearances and much more…

For news on our upcoming events please like our facebook page by clicking HERE or Follow Taylorfest on Twitter by clicking HERE

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TAYLORFEST 2013 PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

Carlow, Ireland, celebrates Culture night by honouring one of its own; Hollywood silent film director William Desmond Taylor. Carlow native Taylor is Ireland’s most prolific filmmaker with 87 films to his credit, shot during Hollywood’s Golden Era.  In the spirit of the time, Carlow’s historic centre, Dublin Street, will be transformed into a scene from the Roaring Twenties.

A wide selection of silent film and 1920s themed events include the Irish premiere film screening, with live musical accompaniment by Eric Butler, of Johanna Enlists (1918). This highly popular Mary Pickford-starring comedy is one of only a half-dozen existing films from William Desmond Taylor. The delightful story is about a freckle-faced farm girl whose pleas to the heavens to send her a beau results in the 143rd army regiment camping on her land.

A rehearsed reading of GREEDY, a brand new work written by Derek O’Connor for by Bedrock Theatre Company directed by Jimmy Fay. This is a stage-adaptation of Erich Von Stroheim’s 1924 masterpiece ‘Greed’ re-located to contemporary Ireland.

Still: An exhibition of black and white portrait photography by Monika Fabijanczyk and Kasia Kalua Krynska using early photographic techniques.

The William Desmond Taylor Story; aka “Looking for William“, a new, original production performed by the Carlow Little Theatre.

Dr Ruth Barton Head of Film Studies at Trinity College Dublin discusses Rex Ingram, the Dubliner who was considered the true artist of Hollywood’s Silent Era.

And the Silent films of contemporary Irish film maker Andrew Legge, including the short films The Chronoscope and The Unusual Inventions of Henry Cavendish.

TBA Speakeasy at 59 Dublin Street, a prohibition era gin-joint pops-up on the site of a 17th century coaching inn and hops late night to the sounds of 20s Jazz, Blues & Folk.

…also live music, talks on silent films, Charleston Dance Performances, Jazz Age Dinners and Parlour Games, a Costume Ball, and a host of other activities. Details to follow…

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TAYLORFEST 2012 PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

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Screening of Silent Era rarity at Taylorfest

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Irish Premiere for Screen Classic at Taylorfest

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William Desmond Taylor was born William Cunningham Deanne-Tanner in what is now known as the Elms, Athy road, Carlow, Ireland. To celebrate his 140th anniversary, a selection of his films will be screened, a series of talks and various other events will take place at the state-of-the-art George Bernard Shaw Theatre, Carlow, September 21 – 23.

The event is made possible only with the kind cooperation of the Irish Film Institute, The Visual Centre for Contemporary Art, Carlow Tourism, Culture Night and Cleverality Productions.  Schedule of events to follow.

For updates join our facebook page by clicking HERE or Follow Taylorfest on Twitter by clicking HERE

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WDT’s Anniversary on the Radio

http://soundcloud.com/the-spinning-boy/william-desmond-taylor

Taylorfest director, Marc-Ivan O’Gorman, discusses Taylor’s life and legacy on Sean Moncrieff’s show on Newstalk 106-108fm, April 26 2012, on the 140th anniversary of the director’s birth.