Let’s Go to the Movies…the Silent Movies that is
Is one of your favorite pastimes going to the movies? If so, do you like suspense, drama or horror with lots of high energy, special effects, and sound?
I have to admit I’m a regular movie goer. It’s not completely out of the question that I go to first runs locally or even to the movies before they “officially” come out at the theatres.
You see, my son is a filmmaker and he sometimes has the opportunity to see movies before they open in theatres. I, occasionally, will go with him to see the movie if invited. Then, of course, I see movies in the raw when they are being made and he invites me to take a peek at a day’s shoot.
So it’s not so unusual for me to be see movies regularly.
What is unusual, these days, is to see a movie with no sound.
I bet, when you think of silent movies, you think of Charlie Chaplin. At least I do.
Some friends were in town this past weekend and I was invited to join them for dinner. They were here to see several Chaplin Comedies at the USC School of Music recital hall and invited me to come along.
You’re probably thinking right about now that you might have been bored after just a short time. After all, no special effects, no sound, no words. Black and white?
Well, to my surprise, this was one of the most delightful movie going evenings I’ve been to recently.
There were two movies. One a short two reel movie called “Easy Street” (a reflection of Chaplin’s own childhood) and a longer 50 minute movie called “The Kid.”
What made this an exceptional movie going experience was the genius of Dennis James, an international silent film accompanist. He had researched the music of the era of Charlie Chaplin – an accomplished musician himself – and compiled accompaniment for each movie – performing it live while the movies were running.
Dennis’ warm, engaging spirit could make even the most skeptic silent movie goers soften to silent movies, especially “The Kid.”
In the 1920’s Charlie Chaplin believed “The Kid” would be his most delightful and charming movie yet. He was having a hard time convincing his company it would fly because of the story line of him adopting a baby and raising him after a distraught mother leaves the baby behind. So, with the passion and drive only Charlie Chaplin had, he borrowed $500,000 and made the movie himself.
Ah, I loved independent filmmakers!
The movie became the most popular movie of that day AND grossed over 60 million dollars…not bad for 1921 huh?
It’s strange how a movie can help one adjust to losses in their lives. Charlie Chaplin was no different. Shortly before making “The Kid” he and his wife lost a newborn son. That tragedy made his raw feelings and talent come alive on that screen. No words were needed to see the charming relationship develop into a witty, hilarious, and occasional sad one with a happy ending for both child, adopted father and biological mother.
A bit of trivia here…it featured six year old Jackie Coogan – discovered by Chaplin in Vaudeville – as his adopted son and sidekick. You probably remember Jackie best as Uncle Fester on The Addams Family.
Thanks, Dennis, for sharing your passion of silent movies through the delightful accompaniment and presentation…and thank goodness we still have a way of preserve these silent wonders!
My wish for you today is that you consider the joy of silent movies and, if possible, see Dennis James in a future performance next time he has a USC evening at the movies. You’ll be glad you did.
~ Joellen