Category Archives: Phantom of the Opera

3 Spooky Silent Shows for Halloween 2017

WHAT COULD BE SPOOKIER…
THAN A DARK THEATER HAUNTED BY SILENT GHOSTS FROM A CENTURY PAST, BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE BY A SINGLE HAND, CRANKING AN ANTIQUE MOVING PICTURE MACHINE

JOIN US THIS OCTOBER FOR THESE
HIGHLY SPIRITED SHOWS:


OCT. 14 ♠ HAL-O’WEEN EVENING OF HAL ROACH COMEDIES WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH
Burbank, California

OCT. 22PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1925) WITH LIVE ORGAN AND RESTORED COLOR SEQUENCES

BAKERSFIELD FOX THEATRE
Bakersfield, California

OCT. 27 & 28 ♠ HAPPILY HAUNTING SHORT COMEDIES & DRAMA WITH MIGHTY WURLITZER

NETHERCUTT COLLECTION
Sylmar, California

The Spooky Details:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2017 at 7:00 PM
CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH
Burbank, California
$15 Purchase Tickets Here

A HAL-O’WEEN EVENING OF HAL ROACH COMEDIES

Crazy Like a Fox 1926

Charley Chase and Martha Sleeper in “Crazy Like a Fox” (1926)

Join us Saturday, October 14, 2017 as we present a screening of four classic comedies from the Hal Roach Studios. Included on the program will be:

Do Detectives Think (1927)
Crazy Like a Fox (1926)
Cat, Dog & Co. (1929)
Also, Buster Keaton in The Haunted House (1921)

The films will be accompanied by a period musical score performed live by The Famous Players Orchestra under the direction of Scott LaskyJoe Rinaudo will project 35mm film on an original hand-cranked Power’s 1909 Cameragragh Model 6 Motion Picture Machine. Your Master of Ceremonies will be film historian Stan Taffel.

Showtime:
Saturday, October 14, 2017
7:00 PM

Location:
Christ Lutheran Church
2400 West Burbank Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91506

Admission:
Tickets $15
Order Tickets Here
Purchase Tickets Here

FULL DETAILS on this program (as featured in our previous post)


SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2017 at 2:00 PM
FOX THEATER BAKERSFIELD
Bakersfield, California
$10 Purchase Tickets Here

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

The Phantom of the Opera at the Fox Bakersfield will be a very special viewing of the silent classic horror film that you and your family won’t want to miss. You will get to watch this film, complete with restored 2STRIP TECHNICOLOR sequences, accompanied with the live performance by Dean Mora at the organ, just like you would have, had you been watching a movie the the Fox Bakersfield in 1930. And to add more character and historic appeal, the film will be projected from a fully restored 1909 Powers Cameragraph Hand-Cranked Motion Picture Machine, set up in the center of the auditorium.

The Bakersfield Fox c. 1930The Phantom Of The Opera will be screened at the historic Fox Theater Bakersfield. Opened in 1930, The Fox was one of the last of its kind built in the Gilded Age. The 1500 seat Fox Theater was designed by famed Los Angeles architect S. Charles Lee. Known for his trademark “The Show Begins on the Sidewalk;” his designs would later gain classic status as paragons of style and beauty.  In 1953, the original interior was replaced with a contemporary Art Deco motif inspired by Fox West Coast Theaters’ Charles P. Skouras. A lavish concession area was added, along with a remodel of the marquee, box office and main entrance — embellished with glitzy 50’s bright metals, terrazzo and neon. Read more history about the Fox Theater Bakersfield here.

Synopsis
In this silent horror classic, aspiring young opera singer Christine Daaé (Mary Philbin) discovers that she has a mysterious admirer intent on helping her become a lead performer. This enigmatic masked presence is Erik, also known as the Phantom (Lon Chaney), a horribly disfigured recluse who lives underneath the Paris Opera House. When the Phantom takes Christine prisoner and demands her devotion and affection, her suitor, Vicomte Raoul de Chagny (Norman Kerry), sets out to rescue her.

Restoration
The film is the only 35mm print in existence that tells the complete story (as originally intended) by combining the 1929 release and the 16mm show at home versions (blown up to 35mm). It also now has all of the original 2STRIP TECHNICOLOR sequences restored as they were seen in 1925. Original narrative and spoken inter-titles (about 68) have been restored as well as the prologue titles that describe the beginnings of the Phantom and his connection to the Paris Opera House. Since this print is drawn from the original 1925 and the 1929 (sound speed) versions, hand cranking will allow you to see, for the first time, the film presented at the proper speeds. Gary Gibson will present a glass lantern slide show during all reel changes.

The Phantom of the Opera
Restoration Credits:
see below

Showtime:
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Doors open 1:00 PM ◊ Show 2:00 PM

Location:
Bakersfield Fox Theater
2001 H Street
BakersfieldCA 93301
map
Box Office phone: (661) 324 -1369

Admission:
Tickets $10
Order Tickets Here
Purchase Tickets Here


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2017 at 8 PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2017 at 2 PM8PM
NETHERCUTT COLLECTION
Sylmar, California
Request Tickets
available Sept. 27, 2017 at 4pm
(Admission is free but you must request tickets in advance.)

HAPPY HAUNTED HALLOWEEN SHORTS

Koko's Earth ControlThe Nethercutt Collection will host another three silent film hand crank shows. Friday at 8:00 p.m. & Saturday at 2:00 & 8:00 p.m. The program will be the same for each show. Tickets will be available Wednesday, September 27 starting at 4:00 p.m. by calling in for up to 4 tickets per caller. Phone: (818) 364-6464. Please be persistent as the office only has 3 phone lines. How to Request Nethercutt Show Tickets

This happily haunted show will feature several shorts we haven’t presented in a number of years:

Koko’s Earth Control (Cartoon)
The Thieving Hand
Do Detectives Think (Laurel & Hardy)
Suspense
Cat, Dog, and Co. (Our Gang)
Super-Hooper Dyne Lizzies

Mighty (Spooky) Wurlitzer
Ghost of Mildred Smith

Musical narration and sound effects by Dean Mora at the Mighty Wurlitzer, the third largest theater organ in the world.

Gary Gibson will provide original glass lantern slides during all reel changes.

Your host is Kyle Irwin, curator, who will demonstrate the Nethercutt Collection’s automated musical instruments before the show and during intermission.

You may also tour the collection of over fifty classic cars which are on display in a museum setting that recreates the marble and mirrored showroom of an early automobile dealership.

Business or semi-formal attire is appropriate. Children must be 10 and older.

Don’t forget to call for tickets Wednesday Sept. 27 at 4pm sharp—and enjoy the show!

Showtimes:
Friday, October 27, 2017 at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Location:
Nethercutt Collection
15200 Bledsoe Street
Sylmar, CA 91342
map

Admission is free, but you must obtain tickets in advance.
Order Tickets Here
How to Request Nethercutt Show Tickets


RESTORATION CREDITS

The Phantom of the Opera

35mm source material:
Special thanks to
Mr. David Shepard
Blackhawk film library

16mm source material:
Mr. Stan Taffel

Script and cutting continuity:
Mr. George Wagner

Title re-creation, design and typography:
Mr. Chaz DeSimone
DesimoneDesign.com

Title & film digitizing & output to film:
Mr. Michael Brodersen
Mr. Rico Hernandez
Negative and print color timing:
Mr. Doug Ledin
Project manager:
Mr. Allan Tudzin
Fotokem Film & Video Services
Fotokem.com

Film and title restoration
produced and supervised by:
Mr. Joe Rinaudo
SilentCinemaSociety.org

“Habeas Corpus” film courtesy of the Blackhawk film library.


MORE INFORMATION:
Powers Cameragraph projector
Dean Mora, organist and swing band leader
Nethercutt Collection
Fox Theater Bakersfield
Silent Cinema Society
Famous Players Orchestra
Glass Lantern Slides


3 Silent Spooky Apparitions this October

Phantom of the Opera PosterThree Itinerant Shows are planned for October at which I will hand-crank my 1909 Power’s Cameragraph Model 6 Moving Picture Machine, with other visual and musical delights provided by my colleagues. I hope to see you there. —Joe Rinaudo

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2016 at 7:30 PM
HANFORD FOX THEATRE
Hanford, California

The Phantom of the Opera

“The Phantom Of The Opera” will be screened at the historic Hanford Fox Theatre. Built in 1929, the Hanford Fox boasts a 12 rank Wurlitzer pipe organ to be played by Dean Mora. The film is the only 35mm print in existence that tells the complete story (as originally intended) by combining the 1929 release and the 16mm show at home versions (blown up to 35mm). It also now has all of the original color sequences restored as they were seen in 1925. Original narrative and spoken inter-titles (about 68) have been restored as well as the prologue titles that describe the beginnings of the Phantom and his connection to the Paris Opera House. Plus see the original Technicolor ending as well! Since this print is drawn from the original 1925 and the 1929 (sound speed) versions, hand cranking will allow you to see, for the first time, the film presented at the proper speeds. Gary Gibson will present a glass lantern slide show during all reel changes.

“The Phantom of the Opera”
Restoration Credits:
see below

Showtime:
Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

Location:
Hanford Fox Theatre
326 N. Irwin Street
Hanford, CA 93230
map

Ticket Information


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 at 8 PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2016 at 2 PM8PM
Nethercutt Collection
Sylmar, California
Request Tickets
(Admission is free but you must order tickets in advance.)

Halloween Show

organ-pipes-with-ghost600x438The Nethercutt Collection will host another three silent film hand crank shows. Friday at 8:00 p.m. & Saturday at 2:00 & 8:00 p,m. The program will be the same for each show. Dean Mora will play the mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ which is the third largest in the world. Gary Gibson will provide original glass lantern slides during all reel changes. Tickets will be available on September 21 starting at 4:00 p.m. by calling in for up to 4 tickets per caller. Phone: (818) 364-6464. Please be persistent as the office only has 3 phone lines. How to Request Nethercutt Show Tickets

Musical narration and sound effects by Dean Mora at the Mighty Wurlitzer, the third largest theater organ in the world.

Gary Gibson will provide original glass lantern slides during all reel changes.

Your host is Kyle Irwin, curator, who will demonstrate the Nethercutt Collection’s automated musical instruments before the show and during intermission.

You may also tour the collection of over fifty classic cars which are on display in a museum setting that recreates the marble and mirrored showroom of an early automobile dealership.

Business or semi-formal attire is appropriate. Children must be 10 and older.

MORE INFORMATION:
Powers Cameragraph projector
Dean Mora, organist and swing band leader
Nethercutt Collection

Don’t forget to call for tickets Wednesday Sept. 21 at 4pm sharp—and enjoy the show!

Showtimes:
Friday, October 21, 2016 at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Location:
Nethercutt Collection
15200 Bledsoe Street
Sylmar, CA 91342
map

Admission is free, but you must obtain tickets in advance.
How to Request Nethercutt Show Tickets


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2016 at 7PM
Christ Lutheran Church
Burbank, California

The Phantom of the Opera & Habeas Corpus

Phantom of the Opera Posterhabeas corpus poster l&h

Original Posters from Universal and MGM

Famous Players Orchestra’s “Halloween Silent Film Spooktacular” is coming up. This will be a very special show you won’t want to miss.

The main feature on the program will be a one-of-a-kind restored version of the 1925 horror classic,“The Phantom of the Opera” starring the “man of a thousand faces,” Lon Chaney. This restored print of “Phantom” cannot be seen anywhere else, and is the only 35mm print in existence which tells the complete story as originally intended. All of the original color sequences have been restored as they were seen in 1925 under Joe Rinaudo’s direction and supervision. Original narrative and spoken inter-titles (about 68) have been restored by Chaz DeSimone, as well as the prologue titles that describe the beginnings of the Phantom and his connection to the Paris Opera House. Plus, see the original Technicolor ending as well! Since this print is drawn from the original 1925 and the 1929 (sound speed) versions, hand cranking will allow you to see, for the first time, the film presented at the proper speeds. “The Phantom of the Opera” will be presented with a live musical score accompanied by Scott Lasky on the pipe organ.

Also included on the program will be the 1928 two reel Laurel & Hardy comedy “Habeas Corpus.”  

Not a trick, just a very special treat:

Famous Players Orchestra will perform a live score for “Habeas Corpus.” This is the first time that the Famous Players Orchestra will play publicly for a film. Please attend and support this non profit organization. The Famous Players Orchestra’s mission is to preserve and perform authentic motion picture music as it was intended to be used with silent film presentations.

Both films will be shown in 35mm, projected by Joe Rinaudo on an original hand-cranked Power’s 1909 Cameragraph Model 6 Motion Picture Machine.

Glass lantern slides will be presented during reel changes by Mr. Shane Glander.

Your Master of Ceremonies will be Stan Taffel. Showtime is at 7pm and the doors open at 6:15pm. Admission is a suggested donation of $10.00. Tickets may be purchased at the door approximately one hour before showtime, or you may buy them in advance securely online here:

tix-fpo

 

“The Phantom of the Opera”
Restoration Credits:
see below

Showtime:
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
Show starts at 7:00 p.m.

Location: 
Christ Lutheran Church
2400 W. Burbank Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91506
(Southeast corner of Burbank Bl. & Buena Vista St.)

Admission is $10.00 (suggested donation)

Tickets will go on sale at the door approximately one hour before showtime.

MORE INFORMATION:
Famous Players Orchestra


RESTORATION CREDITS

“The Phantom of the Opera”

35mm source material:
Special thanks to
Mr. David Shepard
Blackhawk film library

16mm source material:
Mr. Stan Taffel

Script and cutting continuity:
Mr. George Wagner

Title re-creation, design and typography:
Mr. Chaz DeSimone
DesimoneDesign.com

Title & film digitizing & output to film:
Mr. Michael Brodersen
Mr. Rico Hernandez
Negative and print color timing:
Mr. Doug Ledin
Project manager:
Mr. Allan Tudzin
Fotokem Film & Video Services
Fotokem.com

Film and title restoration
produced and supervised by:
Mr. Joe Rinaudo
SilentCinemaSociety.org

“Habeas Corpus” film courtesy of the Blackhawk film library.


 

The End

Carla Laemmle, 104, Attends Restored Phantom Screening

Carla-Laemmle--Joe-Rinaudo

Carla Laemmle, 104, attends screening of 1925 Phantom of the Opera, in which she was the prima ballerina. Film was restored by Joe Rinaudo, seen here with Ms. Laemmle.
Watch the documentary below:


Documentary: Premiere Screening of Restored Phantom of the Opera

This fascinating documentary by Michael J. Cahill / 35mm Films takes you to the grand ballroom  at the Nethercutt, where you witness the behind-the-scenes threading, cranking, and projecting of the Restored 1925 Phantom of the Opera. You also see the changing of glass lantern slides for reel changes and intermission.

Carla Laemmle in audience and on screen

Carla LaemmleThis premiere screening of the restored film was attended by Ms. Carla Laemmle, niece of Carl Laemmle, owner of Universal Studios at the time. Most fascinating is that Ms. Laemmle was not only in the audience, she was in  the film, featured as the prima ballerina.

Ms. Laemmle, 104 years of age when this documentary was filmed, gave an insightful interview to Joe Rinaudo, recalling special moments on the set and working with Lon Chaney.

Of special note is that the film was projected on a Powers Cameragraph, manufactured in 1909 — the same year Carla Laemmle was born.

Ms. Laemmle attended the screening on October 26, 2013 of the restored Phantom of the Opera, the film she danced in nearly ninety years prior.  She passed away seven months later. Continue reading Carla Laemmle, 104, Attends Restored Phantom Screening