MUNCIE, Ind., Jan. 16 (UPI) -- An Indiana scholar has restored to DVD a classic Chinese silent film, "The Goddess," preserving one of the era's major works by acting icon Ruan Ling-yu.
Richard Meyer, a professor at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., directed the restoration project after discovering the films in 1997 while in Taipai as a Fulbright Scholar, according to a news release.
"People would throng to Ruan Ling-yu's movies," he said, equating her to Marilyn Monroe. "Her popularity was equaled by the suffering in her personal life. By capturing the suffering of her fellow countrymen on film, she became a national symbol."
While in China, Meyer screened every available Chinese silent film, though he said 'silent' is a misnomer.
"Complete scores were written for each one using native instruments and singers," Meyer said.
Upon his return to the United States, Meyer resolved to transfer the films to DVD and have new music composed in order to preserve the quickly deteriorating productions.
"Ruan Ling-yu made 29 films before committing suicide at the age of 24," Meyer said. "'The Goddess' was considered to be the best of the era. This is the first of many that I hope to restore."
