Roll out the red carpet. Grab your friends, your lovers, or even your countrymen. Quickly, line up for the popcorn and drinks.
It's show time.
It's that time of the year again. The time of the year when the Paramount Theatre, in conjunction with Trader Joe's, plays host to the era of the greats of the silent screen. Now playing is a tribute to Buster Keaton with the Silent Movie Mondays Buster Keaton Festival.
An annual tradition at the historic Paramount Theatre, Silent Movie Mondays celebrates the works of Buster Keaton with ten films during the month of August/September. Each film is accompanied by Dennis James, on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. Prior to each film, Dennis provides commentary and factoids about these classic treasures.
On Monday night I viewed my first silent movie, actually two, and I am ever so glad that I did. I must admit that I was initially inclined to see Buster Keaton in action because of my admiration for Edward Gorey; the author/illustrator. Gorey was both a big fan of silent movies, and Buster Keaton. I wanted to know why? And now I do?
One word - refreshing!
The experience was absolutely wonderful. I cannot believe that I enjoyed the evening as much as I did. The audience was made up of quite an interesting mix of people; older folks reminiscing about 'the good ole' days', young alternative people just being different, fans of history, fans of historical organs and the music that they bring. There were also the serious Keaton fans who have not only watched, but dissected every movie the man has starred in. Very interesting, indeed.
The first movie was:
COPS, 1922
Cops, Buster Keaton longingly looks at his girl, Virginia Fox, through what appear to be prison bars; in reality, it's the gate to the mansion where she lives. Fox sends Keaton away to succeed in business. Then through convoluted means, Keaton acquires a horse, a wagon, and a load of stolen furniture which he somehow drives into the middle of a policeman's parade, where an anarchist's bomb falls in his lap. Carelessly, he lights his cigarette with it and throws it away. It explodes in the middle of the parade, and suddenly Keaton is pursued by every cop in the city.
Then we watched the longer movie:
COLLEGE, 1927
College, Here's Buster Keaton as a scholarly young man who doesn't know beans about sports. All the "Big Men on Campus" are jocks, so to impress pretty co-ed, Ann Cornwall, Keaton tries and fails to join all the school teams. Through the kindness of Dean Snitz Edwards, Keaton is placed on the rowing team where he manages to win the big race. This infuriates his rival, Harold Goodwin, who seizes Cornall and runs off with her. In racing to her rescue, Keaton is compelled to repeat all the sports activities at which he'd previously failed - and does so, magnificently.
* This coming Monday September 26 you can see Buster Keaton in Steamboat Bill & One Week. Don't miss out!
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