AllMovie

This film boasts clips of numerous acclaimed actors and actresses of Italy's silent cinema: Francesca Bertini, Lyda Borelli, Eleonora Duse, Antonio Gandusio, Elena Makowska (who also acts in this film), Pina Manichelli, Amleto Novelli, Bartolomeo Pagano, and Ermete Zacconi. They're glimpsed in footage from the collection of a former silent-film actor, Ettore Omeri (Umberto Melnati), who shows them at local schools. The performances of Bertini and Borelli draw laughter from some of the younger members of the audience, provoking an incident at the screening. A woman recognizes herself acting in one of the films Omeri exhibits and takes offense at the derisive reactions. She requests the clip from him and sends her son to obtain it, but while he's visiting the film archive, Omeri's secretary accidentally starts a fire. Omeri is arrested for mishandling dangerous materials, but freed by the help of the wealthy producer who is the husband of the silent-film actress; he gives Omeri work and helps endow his film museum.