Tag Archives: Silent Cinema

Great Turnout in the Park

On July 30, 2022, we presented another movies in the park show. We had over 200 people show up and it was a great show!


As many of you may know, I dedicate my shows to those itinerant projectionists, both men and women, who trooped film, music and equipment across the United States from the early 1900’s to the early 1930’s, bringing motion picture shows to small towns that didn’t have movie theaters. The itinerants sometimes never knew where they might have to do their show. It could be on a sheet hung on the side of an old barn with a beat up old piano. Or it could have been in a church with a pipe organ. 


The itinerants always used hand crank projectors because electric motors were heavy and expensive. Motors were not practical as they never knew what kind of voltage would be available. An arc light can use almost any voltage to work but motors run on specific filtered current. So they were hardly ever used in traveling shows. The entire show was hand cranked. The itinerant projectionist thought that he was a big part of the performance as he could speed up or slow down the action on the screen as he saw fit. 


Glass lantern slides were used to entertain the audience while the projectionist made reel changes. In this case Gary Gibson performs the lantern show of slides.


I was thinking about all of this as I drove my truck into the park. There I was met by Mike Lawler and Joanna Linkchorst from the Crescenta Valley Historical Society. Gary Gibson and Shane Glander (who provided the screen) were there as well. As I began setting up the projection equipment, I watched Shane Glander, Gary Gibson, Mike Lawler and others helping to erect the huge 12 by 12 foot screen. Members of the Historical Society were setting up the  popcorn machine and the tables for the sale of goodies. Cliff Retallick was setting up his piano along with the sound engineer Mike Dooley setting up speakers and the sound board. People were starting to arrive and find places to sit. There was excitement in the air as every one was doing their job and anticipating the moment when the first image would flicker to life on the screen!


All was finally ready. As I grabbed the crank on the projector, I looked up at the star lit sky and down at the assembled crowed with the giant dark screen before them. I thought that this is what it must have been like 100 years ago as I turned the crank on the 1906 projector and the magical image came to life on the big screen before us. 

Press to leave a comment.

The show is sponsored by the Crescenta Valley Historical Society and L.A. County Parks Department. All monies from the sale of refreshments benefit the Historical society. The show is free. Subscribe to The Newsreel (Silent Cinema Society’s newsletter) and don’t miss any upcoming events.

Subscribe to Newsreel

Do You Have
EXPERTISE in NON-PROFITS?

Joe Rinaudo, founder of Silent Cinema Society, is currently forming a non-profit which he calls SCAT —Silent Cinema Art and Technology — to fund the restoration and preservation of the actual machines and media of the silent era.

Advice and suggestions in the area of non-profits are most welcome. Contact Joe Rinaudo here.

Through Silent Cinema Society, which is comprised of you, the fans and supporters of silent cinema, Joe will continue to enlighten and entertain with The Newsreel newsletter; this Silent Cinema Society website; and hopefully soon, live shows where audiences are once again able to wear big hats that block the screen. SCAT, the non-profit, will also support Silent Cinema Society so that information and entertainment will continue to be presented to you, silent cinema fans. Lady, will you please take off that big hat!

SILENT historic cinema IN THE PARK

Audience watching show in park

Bring your blanket and grab some popcorn…

Silent Historic Cinema in the Park
Two Strike Park, La Crescenta, California
July 30, 2022
Show starts at 8:30 PM — arrive early!


Now that the pandemic has eased up even further, we’re back one year later, once again cranking the vintage 1909 moving picture machine in the park.


JULY 30, 2022 PROGRAM
features an evening of

HISTORIC SILENT CINEMA FIRSTS

Moving pictures projected from a reel of film was a marvel of technology in and of itself. But these particular films showcase the innovation and creativity within the medium. Not to be missed for silent cinema historians.

1896 “The Kiss”

The first official Edison film starring May Irwin

1898 “The Four Troublesome Heads”

The first trick photography film by Georges Melies

1907 “The Golden Beetle”

One of the first color films by Pathe

1916 “Behind the Screen”

The first pie fight of the silent era, starring Charlie Chaplin

1924 “Don’t Park There!”

A spoof of the model T Ford and parking problems in the big city, starring Will Rogers

1929 “The Battle Of The Century”

The last pie fight of the silent era, starring Laurel and Hardy

Also—

A very rare time capsule film of San Francisco just before the great quake and fire of 1906. Plus a Pathe news reel of the aftermath.


DATE: Saturday, July 30, 2022
TIME: Show starts at 8:30 pm. 
Arrive early to choose a space and enjoy a picnic.
LOCATION: Two-Strike Park
5107 Rosemont Ave., La Crescenta, California
BRING: Blanket and chair
…and a picnic basket if you wish.
Popcorn, baked goods, and refreshments available; donations appreciated.


Live Accompaniment
featuring Mr. Cliff Retallick at the piano

1909 Powers 35mm Moving Picture Machine
All film is 35mm and will be hand cranked on the 1909 Power’s Motion Picture Machine by Mr. Joe Rinaudo

Original Glass Lantern Slides
Hand-colored glass slides will entertain you during reel changes, projected by Mr. Gary Gibson, assistant to the projectionist

Screen provided by Mr. Shane Glander


The show is sponsored by the Crescenta Valley Historical Society and L.A. County Parks Department. There will be refreshments and popcorn provided by the Historical Society; all monies from the sale of refreshments will benefit the Historical society. The show is free. Bring your own chairs and blankets (and food if you wish).


Laugh, boo and hiss as you enjoy an evening of silent cinema, just like audiences who attended itinerant moving picture shows a century ago.

Happy Halloween


Visit the Facebook page by Nelson Hughes, which features the silent and early sound films of Universal Pictures 1910s-1930s, as well as this magnificent 1931 Frankenstein one sheet, above.


The Silent and early sound films of Universal Pictures 1910s-1930s, the Facebook page created by Nelson Hughes, takes a look at the of Universal Studios during the silent and early sound era. Included will be vintage movie galleries, home video releases, group discussions and so much more.

Also visit Nelson’s other cinematic Facebook site, where he delights us with vintage silent and early sound film posters and one sheets, as well as upcoming cinematic events.


As always, celebrate Halloween in its customary silent cinema colors of black cats and white ghosts. (Throw in orange if you must for the glow of burning nitrate.)

Happy Halloween