Category Archives: Buster Keaton

JULY 27: SILENT COMEDIES IN THE PARK FEATURING “A TRIP TO THE MOON”

SPECIAL ADDED TREAT TO COMMEMORATE THE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE APOLLO 11 MOON LANDING ON JULY 20, 1969

George Méliès, Director

A TRIP TO THE MOON

1902 French Silent Comedy, also considered one of the first science fiction films.

Trip to the MoonEnjoy a hand-cranked “moving picture show” with live piano music, just like the itinerant shows popular during the era of silent cinema, here on the grass at Two-Strike Park in La Crescenta, California.

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11 landing the first humans on the moon. Enjoy an evening of silent cinema comedies with live piano accompaniment. Bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic basket, or enjoy food, refreshments and popcorn from the vendors. 


Silent Cinema Under the Stars

ADMISSION IS FREE

TIME:

Saturday, July 27, 2019
Show starts at dusk (approx. 8:30 pm)

LOCATION:

Two-Strike Park (map)
5107 Rosemont Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
(818) 249-5940


PROGRAM

Georges Méliès, Director 
A Trip to the Moon 
Buster Keaton in
The Scarecrow
Laurel & Hardy in You’re Darn Tootin’
Charley Chase in Fluttering Hearts
Al St. John in The Iron Mule
Larry Semon in School Days

Live Accompaniment
featuring Cliff Retallick at the piano

1909 Powers 35mm Moving Picture Machine
hand-cranked by Joe Rinaudo

Original Glass Lantern Slides
projected by Shane Glander
(who also provides the screen)

SEE YOU AT THE SHOW…
let’s BLAST OFF to a fun evening!

The End

July 27, 2019: Silent Comedies In The Park

Silent Cinema Under the StarsEnjoy a hand-cranked “moving picture show” with live piano music, just like the itinerant shows popular during the era of silent cinema, here on the grass at Two-Strike Park in La Crescenta, California.

Take your family or treat your date to “dinner and a show” for an evening of silent cinema comedies with live piano accompaniment. Bring a blanket and a picnic basket. You supply the picnic basket, we provide the entertainment. There are also refreshments, including popcorn, soda, and sometimes even home-made cookies and desserts.


Silent Cinema Under the Stars

ADMISSION IS FREE

TIME:

Saturday, July 27, 2019
Show starts at dusk (approx. 8:30 pm)

LOCATION:

Two-Strike Park (map)
5107 Rosemont Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
(818) 249-5940

PROGRAM

Buster Keaton in The Scarecrow
Laurel & Hardy in You’re Darn Tootin’
Charley Chase in Fluttering Hearts
Al St. John in The Iron Mule
Larry Semon in School Days

Live Accompaniment
featuring Cliff Retallick at the piano

1909 Powers 35mm Moving Picture Machine
hand-cranked by Joe Rinaudo

Original Glass Lantern Slides
projected by Gary Gibson

SEE YOU AT THE SHOW!

The End

Silent Home Run at Two-Strike Park

Joe Rinaudo, cranking his 1909 Powers Cinemagraph Motion Picture Machine, projects Laurel & Hardy in “Angora Love.” As soon as the film ends, Gary Gibson slides the light box to the left, projecting glass slides through the “magic lantern” lens, while Joe changes reels.

Two Strike Park in La Crescenta, California, was packed with kids and adults July 28, 2018 to enjoy an evening of silent comedies as soon as dusk set in. It was a beautiful evening with lots of laughter and fun. Popcorn, sodas and home-made cookies were sold at the snack stand. (The show was free.)

There were cartoons and films starring Laurel & Hardy, Buster Keaton and Larry Semon. The audience was amazed at the daring stunts performed live, real time, in those days.

Joe Rinaudo hand-cranked the show along with Gary Gibson, his able assistant (who also projected the glass slides while Joe changed reels). Cliff Retallick performed a splendid “narration” on the piano.

Of special note, gratifying to Joe whose mission is to keep silent cinema alive for generations to come, was the large number of youngsters enjoying the show. One teenager, Zander Greene, not only engaged in an enlightening conversation with Joe, but also helped him break down and pack the equipment. 

Zander and his shadow

Zander Greene, 14, thoroughly enjoyed not only watching the films, but also checking out the equipment and discussing silent cinema with Joe Rinaudo. He also helped Joe break down the equipment after the show. 

This is living history, something you just can’t experience any other way but by being there. If you were in the audience, thank you for supporting Silent Cinema. If you weren’t, hope to see you next time!