Pianist Richard Hughes is bringing nearly century-old silent comedies back to the screen at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center, with live piano accompaniment and pre-film talks about the actors who made them famous.
The Concord Council on Aging is hosting two afternoon screenings at 1276 Main St. in West Concord as part of a returning series, according to the town's event listing. The first, Thursday, July 23, features Buster Keaton's "Steamboat Bill Jr." (1928). The second, Tuesday, Aug. 18, screens "Show People" (1928), starring Marion Davies and William Haines. Both shows start at 1 p.m.
Before each screening, Hughes will introduce the film and discuss the actors, then accompany the picture on piano.
Why these films
Both titles sit in the Library of Congress's National Film Registry. "Steamboat Bill Jr." earned its spot in 2016, largely on the strength of one stunt: a two-story building facade collapses around Keaton while he stands in the precise spot of an open window. Had his positioning been off by two inches, the gag would have killed him. It was the last film Keaton made with full creative control.
"Show People," preserved in the Registry since 2003, is a comedy about Hollywood at the tail end of the silent era, featuring cameos from Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks.
Both films were released in 1928, 97 years before these screenings.
How to attend
Reservations are required. Call the Council on Aging at 978-318-3020 to save a spot. Parking is available behind the Harvey Wheeler Community Center off Church Street.
Upcoming screenings
- Thursday, July 23, 1 p.m. — "Steamboat Bill Jr." (1928), Buster Keaton and Ernest Torrence
- Tuesday, Aug. 18, 1 p.m. — "Show People" (1928), Marion Davies and William Haines
Both screenings take place at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main St., West Concord.
