Join us Sunday, Aug. 11 for Keaton double feature—and help the West Newton Cinema stay open!

The West Newton Cinema in West Newton, Mass.

Coming up on Sunday, Aug. 11: I'll accompany a 1 p.m. program of two Buster Keaton comedies at the venerable West Newton Cinema, a family-owned independent moviehouse in a Boston suburb.

The films: Keaton's 'Sherlock Jr.' (1924), celebrating its 100th anniversary, and 'Our Hospitality' (1923).

It's my first appearance at the West Newton venue, which is currently in the midst of a fundraising campaign to remain open and serving the community, which it's been doing since 1937.

Fundraising is happening via the West Newton Foundation, and they're tackling quite a task: to raise $14 million to save the theater from demolition by acquiring it, renovating it, and converting its operation to a not-for-profit model.

It seems to be workng. Earlier this year, the group received a pledge of $5.2 million from a local philanthropist. Other donations have been made. For details, check out a story from last spring in the Boston Globe.

And then there's Sunday's silent film program. It's also a fundraiser—and at $20 per ticket, I hope you'll consider joining us. Not only are Keaton's films worth seeing with an audience, but you'll be helping keep the West Newton Cinema open and showing movies. (Presumably some silent titles, too!)

Here's a brief press release about the program with more info on each film. See you on Sunday at the West Newton Cinema!

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Buster Keaton in the projection booth in 'Sherlock Jr.' (1924)

MONDAY, JULY 15, 2024 / FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Jeff Rapsis • (603) 236-9237 • jeffrapsis@gmail.com

Buster Keaton double feature, live music on Sunday, Aug. 11 at West Newton Cinema

Classic silent comedies 'Sherlock Jr.' and 'Our Hospitality' to run on the big screen as fundraiser to keep theatre open

WEST NEWTON, Mass.—He never smiled on camera, earning him the nickname of "the Great Stone Face."

But Buster Keaton's comedies rocked Hollywood's silent era with laughter throughout the 1920s, and remain popular crowd-pleasers today.

See for yourself with a screening of two Keaton comedies, 'Sherlock Jr.' (1924) and 'Our Hospitality' (1923) on Sunday, Aug. 11 at 1 p.m. at the West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington St., West Newton, Mass.; (617) 964-8074. Admission $20 per person; buy tickets online at Eventbrite.

The screening will feature live accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis, a New Hampshire-based composer who specializes in creating music for silent films.

In 'Sherlock Jr.,' Buster plays a small-town movie projectionist who dreams of working as a detective. But then Buster's romantic rival frames him for stealing a watch from his girlfriend's father.

Fortunately, the situation mirrors the plot of the movie currently playing at Buster's theater. Inspired by the movie, can Buster find the real thief and win back his girl?

This year, 'Sherlock Jr.' is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its release.

A vintage trade ad for the original release of 'Our Hospitality' (1923).

Set in the 1830s, 'Our Hospitality' tells the tale of a young man (Keaton) raised in New York City but unknowingly at the center of a long-running backwoods family feud.

Resolving to return and claim his family homestead, he sets in motion a perilous cat-and-mouse game in which every move could be his last.

Highlights of the picture include Keaton's extended journey on a vintage train of the era, as well as a climatic river rescue scene.

The film stars Keaton's then-wife, Natalie Talmadge, as his on-screen love interest; their first child, newborn James Talmadge Keaton, makes a cameo appearance, playing Buster as an infant. Keaton's father also plays a role in the film.

The Keaton program is designed to showcase classic early movies as they were meant to be seen—in restored prints, on a large screen, with live music, and with an audience.

"All those elements are important parts of the silent film experience," said Rapsis, who will improvise a musical score for both films, which was how the films were originally presented.

"For most silent films, there was never any sheet music and no official score," Rapsis said. "So creating original music on the spot to help the film's impact is all part of the experience."

"That's one of the special qualities of silent cinema," Rapsis said. "Although the films themselves are often over a century old, each screening is a unique experience—a combination of the movie, the music, and the audience reaction."

Buster Keaton and co-star in 'Our Hospitality' (1923).

Keaton entered films in 1917 and was quickly fascinated with the then-new medium. After apprenticing with popular comedian Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, Keaton set up his own studio in 1920, making short comedies that established him as one of the era's leading talents.

A remarkable pantomime artist, Keaton naturally used his entire body to communicate emotions from sadness to surprise. And in an era without special effects, Keaton's acrobatic talents enabled him to perform all his own stunts.

Although not all of Keaton's films were box office successes, critics later expressed astonishment at the sudden leap Keaton made from short comedies to the complex story and technical demands required for full-length features.

'Sherlock Jr.' and ‘Our Hospitality’ will be shown with live music on Sunday, Aug. 11 at 1 p.m. at the West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington St., West Newton, Mass.; (617) 964-8074. Admission $20 per person; buy tickets online at Eventbrite.