By the way, silent films DO have an audience...

Two weeks ago, my husband David and I went back to the Landmark Loews Theatre in Jersey City, NJ. The program was too tempting for any true lover of classic horror/terror movies to pass up: Universal's Son of Frankenstein starring Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, and Basil Rathbone and FW Murnau's Nosferatu. The idea of seeing these two films on the big screen in a beautiful old theater appealed to both of us greatly. Both of us were pleasantly surprised when the lights came up after Son of Frankenstein ended. The theater was filled probably 1/3 full and since the volunteers told us there are approximately 3,000 seats, we were impressed. Seriously, this movie was made in 1939 and yet more people of various ages and ethicities came out to see it for $6! I believe this shows that we can cultivate and maintain a loyal following of classic film fans if enough big screen forums are made available to everyone.

The next film to be shown that night was the 1922 classic vampire film Nosferatu directed by FW Murnau. It seemed that most of the people who came to see Son of Frankenstein stayed to view Nosferatu. The second feature was set to start at 8:20 pm and would have live organ accompaniment. My husband and I bought our drinks and popcorn and enjoyed the organ concert by Wayne Zimmerman. By 8:45pm, it became obvious that ticket sales were strong -- the movie still had not started and people were still coming in! Wayne Zimmerman, the organist, told us the movie would be starting late but that he would continue to play for us. In fact, we were treated to some singalongs! At  9 pm, the head of the volunteers (those wonderful folks who make it possible for classic film lovers in the Jersey City area to enjoy nights like this) announced that this was biggest turnout since the Landmark started showing classics. As he noted, would anyone have believed that a 88 year old silent film could have basically sold out a 3,000 seat theater? My husband estimated at least 2,800 people in attendance. Again, we were both amazed at the various age groups and ethicities represented at the showing.

I wish some TCM executives could have been there on October 23rd. They could experienced the excitement and genuine enthusiasm of the theatergoers. The old fashioned tone of the evening with people enjoying the pre-movie organ concert & participating in a singalong was proof that there are those who treasure the experiences of the past. Plus, it might have shown TCM executives that Silent Sunday Nights need not be so late on Sunday that they are actually hidden early Monday morning. This showing of Nosferatu convinced me more than ever that we need PRIMETIME Silent Sunday Nights.

FYI: If you live in North Jersey, the Landmark Loews will be having a Frank Sinatra themed weekend on November 19-20. They will show The Man with the Golden Arm on Friday, November 19. On Saturday, November 20, they will show On the Town at 6 pm followed by From Here to Eternity at 8:20 pm. Tickets are $6 per film for adults and $4 per film for senior citizens and children. Sometimes, they offer double feature discounts and some movies are little more if there is a live organist. Check out Loews Facebook page or their website for more information http://loewsjersey.org/