A newly restored edition of the 1927 silent romantic comedy "It," which launched screen icon Clara Bow into international fame, is heading to France as part of a significant distribution pact between French company Carlotta Films and American preservation outfit Artcraft Pictures. The partnership grants Carlotta all-rights representation across France for Artcraft's library of restored early cinema, covering theatrical exhibitions and physical home video releases.
Clara Bow, recognized as Hollywood's quintessential "It girl," has experienced a wave of contemporary recognition following modern pop-culture tributes. Megastar Taylor Swift named a track after the actress on her album "The Tortured Poets Department," while director Damien Chazelle modeled Margot Robbie's character, Nellie LaRoy, on Bow in his period epic "Babylon." Now, Bow's seminal career-defining picture is taking center stage in European film circles once again.
Selected Titles in the Carlotta Films and Artcraft Pictures Slate
| Title | Release Year | Director | Notable Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Affairs of Anatol | 1921 | Cecil B. DeMille | Gloria Swanson |
| Beau Geste | 1926 | Herbert Brenon | Ronald Colman |
| It | 1927 | Clarence G. Badger | Clara Bow |
| His Glorious Night | 1929 | Lionel Barrymore | John Gilbert |
| Miss Lulu Bett | Not stated | William C. deMille | Not stated |
Lumière Film Festival Premiere Sets the Stage
The multi-title alliance was formally unveiled in Lyon at the Lumière Film Festival. The festivities featured a screening of Clarence G. Badger's restored "It" on Oct. 17 at Lyon's Auditorium, accompanied by a live organ performance by Italian musician Gabriele Agrimonti. The premiere followed the conclusion of the MIFC film market in Lyon a day earlier.
Beyond Bow's 1927 comedy, the distribution slate covers a cross-section of foundational Hollywood productions from the silent and early talkie periods. Among the films included is Herbert Brenon's 1926 production "Beau Geste," starring Ronald Colman, which earlier had a showing at the Telluride Film Festival. The package also features Cecil B. DeMille's 1921 title "The Affairs of Anatol" starring Gloria Swanson, William C. deMille's "Miss Lulu Bett" based on Zona Gale's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, and Lionel Barrymore's 1929 sound feature "His Glorious Night," led by John Gilbert.
Preservation Heavyweights Behind Artcraft Pictures
Artcraft Pictures is led by American film preservationists James Mockoski and Robert A. Harris. Mockoski brings extensive background as an archivist working with Francis Ford Coppola's American Zoetrope. Harris is widely known throughout film history for his collaborative work with James C. Katz on definitive restorations of cinematic landmarks such as David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia," George Cukor's "My Fair Lady," and Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo."
The preservation entity derives its name from the historic Artcraft Pictures label founded in 1916, which eventually merged into Paramount Pictures and handled major silent performers such as Mary Pickford. In 2025, Mockoski and Harris partnered with the San Francisco Silent Film Festival to restore titles sourced from Paramount's early library catalog.
Mockoski highlighted the mission of the newly forged international partnership, pointing out the urgency of protecting early film history. He noted that the company shares a deep interest with Carlotta in revitalizing cinema's foundational catalog for contemporary filmgoers, ensuring historical works avoid disappearing from public circulation.
Carlotta Expands Its Classic Cinema Reach in France
For Carlotta Films, the agreement strengthens an enterprise that has specialized in French repertory distribution for nearly 30 years. The distributor's historical offerings already feature prominent silent titles, including F.W. Murnau's "Sunrise," G.W. Pabst's "Pandora's Box" starring Louise Brooks, and various works helmed by Frank Borzage and Erich von Stroheim.
Vincent Paul-Boncour of Carlotta Films emphasized his enthusiasm for working alongside Mockoski and Harris, noting the chance to present French moviegoers with restored master prints of both acclaimed and obscure American cinematic gems. The company plans to rollout the Artcraft acquisitions across France via theatrical runs and Blu-ray editions, with specific release dates to be scheduled in the future.
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Source: Variety
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