ThinkTV: Silent No More — silent film star on screen again
The life and film career of Theda Bara documented by UC and public television
Most people recognize the phrase “kiss me, you fool” as a line attributed to the movies. What they might not know, however, is that a version of the line dates to 1915, when silent film actress Theda Bara, a Cincinnati native and former University of Cincinnati student, starred in “A Fool There Was.”
While the flirty phrase is a mutation of the movie's subtitle, where Bara mouthed “kiss me, my fool”, it remained in our vernacula. Unfortunately, her contribution to the film industry dimmed over time.
That is, until now.
Silent film actress Theda Bara. Photo provided by UC libraries.
Starting May 16, Bara’s life story will be featured on CET and ThinkTV’s “The Art Show” with contributions from UC faculty and staff: Jennifer Glaser, associate professor and head of the Department of English, Chris Harter, head of the Archives and Rare Books Library and Holly Prochaska, preservation librarian and head of the Preservation Lab.
In the documentary, the trio speak to Bara’s time growing up in Cincinnati (a graduate of Walnut Hills High School, who attended UC for a time) and her rise to fame on the big screen from 1914 – 1920 as the classic “vamp” or fem fatale of early 20th century motion pictures.
Although most of Bara’s film archives were destroyed in a 1937 fire, UC purchased Bara’s memoirs in 2008. “It includes the cover page with the title ‘Woman or Vampire,’” Harter tells the viewer.
“It’s a fascinating document,” says Glaser, adding “Bara wasn’t just a studio creation, she was her own creation” when referencing Bera’s youth in Cincinnati and pursuit of the limelight.
Learn more about the documentary on ThinkTV's website. It will also appear on the PBS App and is currently viewable on YouTube.
Read more about Bara in a UC libraries blog.
Feature image at top provided by ThinkTV.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
UC names Suzanne Judd, PhD, as inaugural director of new Center for Public Health
April 2, 2026
Following an extensive national search, the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine has appointed Suzanne E. Judd, PhD, as the inaugural director of its newly established Center for Public Health. Judd, a renowned epidemiologist and interdisciplinary scholar, will lead the center’s mission to transform community health through innovative research, education and strategic advocacy.
A defining moment for the University of Cincinnati and College of Law
April 1, 2026
The name of retired Cincinnati attorney and philanthropist, Donald P. Klekamp, will grace the name of a University of Cincinnati college. The UC Board of Trustees approved the name, Donald P. Klekamp College of Law, on March 30.
UC Digital Futures and Cincinnati Fire Museum launch educational video game
April 1, 2026
A new collaboration between the University of Cincinnati's Digital Performance Lab (DP Lab), CCM Acting, UC's School of Information Technology, and the Cincinnati Fire Museum is using gaming technology to bring essential fire safety education to children. The project titled Fire Escape is an interactive video game designed to teach K-12 students how to respond safely during a house fire. It was developed through Digital Futures research support, student game development, and guidance from local fire safety professionals.