I watched the movies Shooting Stars and Underground because it was Brian Aherne's time as Star of the Week and I was interested to see him in silent films. I'm so glad I found them, because they were both fantastic! They're both directed by Anthony Asquith, a man with a vision far ahead of his time. Both films look like they were filmed in 1958 rather than 1928. The inventive angles, use of foreground and background, and refusal to conform to static shots were groundbreaking at the time.

In this one, Brian Aherne, Annette Benson, and Donald Calthrop play silent movie stars. There's an incredible shot that shows different sets filming on the same lot. In modern movies, we're used to seeing such a depiction of a silent movie studio, but in 1928, it was a thrill to show audiences what it was really like. Brian and Annette are married, but Annette isn't happy. She's a diva and finds excitement with Donald, who plays a Charlie Chaplin-esque slapstick star. Will their affair cause a scandal and damage their careers? Will Brian find out? This drama will keep you on the edge of your seat, even though no one speaks a word. It's extremely entertaining and riveting, and Asquith's directing is a marvel. You've got to watch one of his movies (or preferably more) to see his fantastic talent.

DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. When the stunt double starts riding his bicycle, look away for about a minute since there are some handheld shots that will make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!"

British films set in film studios are as rare as hens teeth.I can only recall about 5 in all.So this film probably represents our only ever opportunity to view Elstree as a silent era.studio.What makes this film quite Erie is the fact that like her character in the film Annette Benson literally disappeared from films after two 1931talking pictures.In fact there is virtually no biographical information about her whatsoever.Brian Aherne her leading man went on to a fine Hollywood career.Donald Calthrop was a fine actor but alas became an alcoholic and died young.Anthony Asquith went on to a distinguished directorial career.certainly one of the most interesting of the British silent films still extant.

Shooting Stars is directed by AV Bramble,has a story by Anthony Asquith, music by John Altman. The film stars Annette Benson, Brian Aherne, Donald Calthrop,Chili Bouchier and Wally Patch.

This is one of the best films about making films that I've ever seen. There is a real sense of realism about it, it's fascinating watching how a silent film studio operated and what went on off camera. It must have been interesting and maybe even difficult viewing for Silent era audiences watching this, as they were shown how the magic of film is achieved and that co-stars may hate one another, yet seem the best of friends on screen. This film reveals to us that film is all about illusion and yet despite knowing it's all illusion audiences believe and enjoy what they see anyway.

The opening romantic scene focusing on a woman in a blossom tree kissing a cowboy, highlights perfectly films ability to make us believe what we see on screen. What begins as a beautiful romantic scene descends into chaos when a dove bites the woman, she screams and the camera pulls back revealing she is an actress, the tree is a set and that the scene we've just witnessed was for a film.

The film starts off being very funny and then turns very dark and suspenseful. The ending is realistic and depressing, it shows that fame is fleeting and that once great stars can become yesterdays news.

Mae Feather(Annette Benson)and Julian Gordon(Brian Aherne)are married and are two of the most famous British stars. Mae is a beautiful and self centred woman. Julian loves her despite her flaws. Mae begins an affair with comedy actor Andy Wilkes(Donald Calthrop). When Julian discovers the affair Mae becomes so enraged that she decides to kill Julian, her plan has unexpected and disastrous results.

Benson is superb as the actress who destroys her only chance of happiness for a moment of passion. Calthrop is marvellous playing two different characters, the Chaplin like comic character Wilkes is famous for and as the elegant man Wilkes is off screen. Brian Aherne has the hardest role I think, he has to play Julian as being slightly dull but also has to ensure he has our sympathy throughout the film. The three leads are all excellent and I would love to see more of their films. An actress called Chili Bouchier who I'm unfamiliar with makes an impression as a glamorous co-star of Wilkes.

I would love to see all three of the films within the film, Wilkes comedy looks great fun. Altman's music fits so well with the film and is very catchy. The films title is cleverly shown to have two meanings.

This is a must see for anyone who loves films.