silent films
I finally got to see a silent film in a theatre! It was so magical!
I decided to make friends with this older couple that was seated next to us. The room was mostly white-hairs. The lady commented that she didn’t expect to see younger people. The man made some comment that when the movies came out everyone was our age. It was a pretty fun exchange.
Robin and I took in the theatre- The Orpheum had been recently restored. It has a HUGE ceiling and extravagant decor along the walls. The room was filled with excitement. A man came out and announced the special guest, the grand-daughter of Harold Lloyd. She talked about how KID BROTHER was always his favorite film. Then the organist from Bakersfield was introduced.
He began to play and the crowd began clapping. Organists are so lively! Their feet are moving around and hands are flying everywhere. The organ slowly lowered as the movie began to flicker. The title page appeared and the audience clapped again.
It was such a spectacular sight. It was everything I’ve been hoping for when watching a silent movie. There was LOTS of laughter and you got so involved!
The first film was only about 20 minutes. “One Week” with Buster Keaton. It was a cute little film where he and his wife buy a house and it is a put together kit. I don’t know how those guys did that slapstick and stunts without getting killed.
It was great to share the experience with someone too. Robin had such a huge smile on her face which made me enjoy the experience even more. I wish more of my friends were into old films. I have always enjoyed thinking about how it all looked as they filmed it back then. Some are long, but always so interesting! At least to me.
The second film, KID BROTHER, was longer than I thought, but all in a good way. The plot was so interesting and there were so many great gags throughout. Also the inventive ways he trapped or tricked the bad guys was hilarious! Also, there was a monkey wearing shoes and I nearly fell out of my chair.. You’d have to see it.
Oh man, what a great way to end an evening.
The original organ!