The fourth annual Shasta County Arts Council Silent Film Festival kicks off today at Old City Hall (1313 Market St.) in Redding, and once again the event includes the expertise of silent-film preservationist David Shepard and Bay Area pianist Frederick Hodges.
Rudolph Valentino in “The Eagle.”
Shepard gives a free lecture at 5:30 p.m. and a pair of silent films follow at 7 p.m.: “Show People” (1928) and “Cat Dog & Company” (1929).
Saturday is the big day for silent films. Here’s the lineup:
• 10 a.m.: “Mighty Like a Moose” (1926) and “The Eagle” (1925) starring Rudolph Valentino.
• 12:30 p.m.: “Danger Ahead” (1927) and “It” (1927)
• 2 p.m.: “Destiny” (1921) starring Fritz Lang.
• 4 p.m.: “Only Me” (1929) and “Valley of the Giants” (1927).
• 7 p.m.: “City Lights” (1931).
A festival pass is $35 and tickets to individual shows are $10 at the door.
Why go see a silent film when we live in an era where movies come with amazing special effects, digital surround sound, etc.? These pioneering films have incredible heart, stories and, yes, acting. It’s also quite a trip to put yourself back in time and experience what moviegoers used to experience a century ago.
Hodges has studied the art of piano accompaniment for silent films and his performances are probably worth the price of the tickets alone.
For more information on the festival, click here.
