The Mechanical Man (1921) / Headless Horseman (1922) (Silent)

This ultra-rare, nearly forgotten silent horror epic from the dawn of Italian cinema was long considered lost. The chance discovery of a fragmentary Portugese version led to the release of this new special edition of The Mechanical Man featuring a new musical score and English subtitles. Though missing much of its original footage, this historic work is still a striking and powerful piece of early fantasy film-making featuring one of the few directorial efforts by Andre Deed, a protege of Georges Melies, the godfather of cinema magic.

Headless Horseman (1922, 51 minutes): The year is 1790 and the Dutch villagers of Sleepy Hollow are haunted by the horrific spectre of a headless horseman riding his ghostly horse through the night in search of his severed head. A new schoolteacher, Ichabod Crane from Connecticut, fancies himself above the simple superstitions of the locals. His haughty manner rankles some villagers, but real trouble starts when he courts lovely heiress Katrina, angering Brom Bones, her long-time suitor. Ichabod's true mettle will soon be tested in a frightening midnight confrontation with the dreaded headless horseman.

This silent film adaptation of Washington Irving's tale features authentic-looking costumes and sets that faithfully evoke the period. Will Rogers, the famous Vaudeville performer turned movie actor, is cast against type as the unlikeable Ichabod Crane, but still exudes the charm that won over legions of fans for his later work in radio and talking pictures.