CMSC 31 - Silent Cinema Experience "Steamboat Bill Jr." and "Steamboat Willie"
Course Description
Don't miss these special Lake County screenings! Disney fans the evening will kick off with Steamboat Willie the first Mickey Mouse cartoon and the first animated cartoon to use synchronized sound. You will then enter the "magic of the silent cinema" complete with live theatre organ accompaniment. Enjoy Buster Keaton "The Great Stoneface" in the stunt-filled silent film classic "Steamboat Bill Jr." William Canfield better known as "Steamboat Bill" (played by Ernest Torrence) is the owner of the old worn riverboat Stonewall Jackson. His business is threatened by a new steamer called The King owned by wealthy businessman John James King (Tom McGuire). Desperate for help Bill calls his son Willie (Keaton) home from college only to find that school has turned him into a ukulele-toting arts-loving bookworm. To make matters worse he falls in love with King's daughter Kitty (Marion Byron). Father and son can only watch helplessly as King convinces authorities to have the Stonewall Jackson condemned. But when a hurricane hits the town Willie sees a way to save his father's steamer win Kitty's heart and prove himself a real man all in one clear-cut swoop provided he doesn't get blown away first! The film features what is surely one of Keaton's greatest (and most dangerous) stunts. From 1928 the film is directed by Charles Reisner and Buster Keaton.If you have never experienced live silent cinema you are in for a treat. Cinema arts organist Jay Warren of the Chicago Silent Film Society will lead a Q & A discussion following the film. Seating is limited so register as soon as possible! This Family Friendly class is open to adults and students 10-17 who enroll with a registered parent or other authorized adult.
Typically Offered: Offered summer fall & spring.