For me, it was also cool because it was a return to my family's roots. Three out of four grandparents grew up in Jersey City (the fourth was also a Hudson County native hailing from Kearny, NJ). Therefore, when my parents were dating, they would drive into Jersey City to see movies because there were two great old theaters there: The Loew's and The Stanley. Both theaters were within a few blocks of each other on Kennedy Blvd, so my dad told me that he knew if one movie was sold out, they could always try the other theater. In their heydays, these two theaters were examples of the lavish experience movie goers of the past enjoyed. Today, The Stanley Theater still exists. However, The Stanley was purchased by The Jehovah Witnesses in 1983. The group wanted the large venue for its various assemblies and conventions. They restored the theater and held their first assembly in 1985. I have heard weekday tours are given if you contact The Jehovah Assembly at The Stanley Theater. This sounds intriguing -- certainly something to add to my bucket list.
The Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre is currently being renovated thanks to a group called Friends of the Loew's (FOL). FOL sell tickets, set up the events schedule, act as ushers, assist in the restoration process -- in short, these dedicated individuals are making it possible for the residences of North Jersey region (and greater NYC region) to experience the arts in a vintage venue! I personally can not thank these wonderful people enough for the amazing experience I had last Saturday night.
I guess I failed to mention which version of The Mark of Zorro I had the pleasure of viewing on the big screen. Ready? It was the 1920 version starring Douglas Fairbanks Sr as Zorro! If that was not enough, Chris Elliot, one of the top organist in the country, was flown in from California to do the live accompaniment (courtesy of Garden State Theatre Organ Society). Chris Elliot was named the American Theatre Organ Society's "Organist of the Year" in 2009. He was a wonderful addition to the evening's program. Elliot spoke of the organist's role in the viewing of a silent movie. He then treated the audience to a mini-concert by playing a medley of music composed by Charlie Chaplin for his silent films. To hear a great organist play on "The Wonder Morton Theatre Pipe Organ" is a true treat!
Then, Chris Elliot introduce the feature film for the evening: The Mark of Zorro starring Douglas Fairbanks Sr. Elliot encouraged us to do what the audience did in the old days -- immerse ourselves into the experience. He told us to feel free to cheer for the hero and hiss the villain. And then, the movie started! I can't completely explain the experience because words fail me. I have seen modern films on the big screen, but never a classic. To see Doug Fairbanks enter as Zorro, larger than life with more charm than all of today's leading men put together, was amazing! It is easy for me to understand why he was such a huge star in his day. Fairbanks was a natural! He made acting and doing stunts look easy! He had a charisma that jumped off the screen and drew the viewer into the movie. In addition, I am so sick of computer graphics and special effects dominating films. Therefore, to see live action stunts and well acted scenes warmed my heart! Now that's movie magic!
I also have to say I was pleasantly surprised at what a wonderful viewing experience I had. There were audience members who ranged in age from 8 to 80 in my opinion. There had to be 200 people in the audience in my opinion. However, there was not one cell phone that rang or chatter to disturb the film. In fact, any "noise" was participation. The audience members decided to follow Chris Elliot's advice -- Fairbanks was cheered and the villains (Robert McKim & Noah Beery Sr) were hissed!
So I enjoyed my journey to the past. It was cool to watch a film in the same theater with my husband where my parents had viewed movies when they were dating. Plus, for one night, I was a silent movie goer. I was able to understand why the medium was so loved. Yes, dialogue well delivered is something to behold. However, it is magical to be drawn into a film through music and great facial gestures. As Norma Desmond said, "We didn't need dialogue. We had faces!" How true, how true!
FYI: If you want to learn more about The Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre, check out their website http://loewsjersey.org/ or their Facebook page. I will be going back to see a "Double Feature" on Saturday, October 23, 2010. At 6 pm, Son of Frankenstein starring Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Basil Rathbone and Lionel Atwill will be shown. After that, there will be showing of Nosferatu at 8:20pm. Noseferatu will have live organ accompaniment by Wayne Zimmerman.
2 comments:
Honey , what a fine job you did describing our experience at the showing of Doug Fairbank's " The Mark of Zorro . " As always , your love of classic film shines through in your writing .
For anyone who hasn't experienced a live theater showing of a classic silent film , PLEASE do yourself a favor and find a venue near you and enjoy the wonder of a silent picture seen the way it was intended !
Gilby, you have been busy! New articles to read and enjoy. As I told you on Facebook, I am so jealous of your opportunities with classics on the big screen. The Mark of Zorro must have been a blast. I've been able to see 2 movies in a theatre, some years ago. I saw Phantom of the Opera (Lon Chaney) with an organist who seemed as old as the movie! She was great! I also saw Gone With the Wind in a revival when I was in my late teens. You are so right about the wonderful experience, especially with the audience. Movies were made to share, and it was great.
This is a wonderful article, Gilby. And, I'm not really that jealous -- well, maybe just a little!
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