36th Annual Avalon Silent Film Showcase
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Doors for museum members open at 12:00 pm, doors for not-yet-members open at 12:30 pm
Program begins at 1:00 pm
Join us for one of the most authentic 1920s cinematic experiences offered today. Our annual Avalon Silent Film Showcase highlights the beautiful Avalon Casino Theatre built by William Wrigley Jr. in 1929. It was one of the first built for talking films and its acoustics were studied by the engineers for Radio City Music Hall.
This year, we are excited to present a double feature: The White Shadow (1923) and Upstream (1927) with live musical accompaniment by Michael Mortilla (Composer/Piano) and Nicole Garcia (Violin/Percussion). New this year, we are excited to welcome legendary comedian Ron Lynch as our emcee.
The White Shadow is Alfred Hitchcock's first film. Thought to be lost, the film turned up in 2011 in New Zealand. It was preserved and re-released in 2013 by the National Film Preservation Foundation.
Set in Paris, this film tells the story of a wild girl who becomes possessed by the soul of her twin sister who died to save her life. The film's tagline reads: Two girls, cast in the same mold physically, but in soul and character as far apart as the poles. Betty Compton stars playing both sisters. Multiple exposures had to be used when both sisters shared the screen.
Upstream is an American comedy directed by John Ford. It is considered a "backstage drama" telling the story of the residents of a theatrical boarding-house. One of those residents is the last member of a once-great acting family who is down on his luck. When an offer to star in a London "Hamlet" comes, he takes lessons from a faded former star and goes on to huge success--but he forgets his old friends...
This film was also considered lost until a print was found in 2009 in New Zealand. As of 2010, only 15% of Ford's silent films are known to have survived making this a great opportunity to view one of his films on the big screen.
Museum members $20, Not-yet-Members $25
Special Thanks to Our Title Sponsor
Make it a Roaring 20s Weekend
Spend that Saturday evening dancing the night away during the Avalon Ball put on by the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles. This is their 20th year and it is always a great way to experience the Casino Ballroom as it was originally intended. Click here for more details.