CFSP92 — FP Silent Cinema Experience
Fast-Paced families, enjoy this special appreciation event. For Disney fans, the evening will kick off with Steamboat Willie, the first Mickey Mouse cartoon. Later, sound was added to make this the first animated cartoon to use synchronized sound. After the feature cartoon, you will enter the "magic of the silent cinema", complete with live theatre organ accompaniment. Enjoy Buster Keaton, "The Great Stoneface", in the stunt-filled silent film classic, “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” William Canfield, better known as "Steamboat Bill" (played by Ernest Torrence), is the owner of the old, worn riverboat, Stonewall Jackson. His business is threatened by a new steamer called The King, owned by wealthy businessman John James King (Tom McGuire). Desperate for help, Bill calls his son Willie (Keaton) home from college – only to find that school has turned him into a ukulele-toting, arts-loving bookworm. To make matters worse, he falls in love with King's daughter, Kitty (Marion Byron). Father and son can only watch helplessly as King convinces authorities to have the Stonewall Jackson condemned. But when a hurricane hits the town, Willie sees a way to save his father's steamer, win Kitty's heart and prove himself a real man all in one clear-cut swoop – provided he doesn't get blown away first! The film features what is surely one of Keaton's greatest (and most dangerous) stunts. From 1928, the film is directed by Charles Reisner and Buster Keaton. If you have never experienced live silent cinema you are in for a treat. Cinema arts organist, Jay Warren, of the Chicago Silent Film Society, will lead a Q & A discussion following the film. This special event is free for currently enrolled Fast-Paced students and up to two family members. Advanced registration is required and seats are limited. Check your email for more details.