Up next: Douglas Fairbanks in 'Zorro' on Tuesday, May 13 then 'The Gaucho' on Sunday, May 18

An original lobby card for Douglas Fairbanks in 'The Gaucho' (1927).

The silent film programming gods are smiling on Douglas Fairbanks Sr. of late.

This week, I'll accompany a screening of 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920) on Tuesday, May 13 at the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, Mass. (It's part of a package in which I'll accompany the sequel, 'Don Q: Son of Zorro' (1925) on Tuesday, June 17.)

Then, on Sunday, May 18, I'll do music for 'The Gaucho' (1927), another Douglas Fairbanks swashbuckler that's less frequently screened but regarded by some critics as his best film of all. 

Come see for yourself—the screening is at 2 p.m. at the Town Hall Theatre in Wilton, N.H. For more info, check out the press release below, and see you at the movies!

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Lupe Velez and Douglas Fairbanks Sr. dance the tango in 'The Gaucho' (1927).

MONDAY, MAY 12, 2025 / FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Jeff Rapsis • (603) 236-9237 • jeffrapsis@gmail.com

'The Gaucho' (1927) to screen with live music on Sunday, May 18 at Town Hall Theatre

Set in Argentina: Douglas Fairbanks Sr. stars as legendary outlaw and ladies man in classic silent adventure film

WILTON, N.H. — He was the Harrison Ford of his time—an action hero who entertained movie audiences with thrilling on-screen adventures.

He was silent screen idol Douglas Fairbanks Sr., whose best work includes 'The Gaucho' (1927), a timeless adventure film with a great story, spectacular settings, and memorable performances.

'The Gaucho' will be shown with live music on Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m. at the Town Hall Theatre, 40 Main St., Wilton, N.H.

Admission is free; a donation of $10 per person is suggested to defray expenses and support the Town Hall Theatre's silent film series.

The screening will feature live music by Jeff Rapsis, the Town Hall Theatre's silent film accompanist.

'The Gaucho' opens in dramatic fashion, with a young girl saved by a miracle after falling from a high cliff in the Argentine Andes. She is blessed with healing powers, causing a shrine to be built on the site. A city grows around it, rich with gold from grateful worshipers.

The wealth eventually catches the eye of bandits, including the Gaucho (Fairbanks), charismatic leader of a legendary band of mountain outlaws. The Gaucho, who spurns religion, makes plans to plunder the treasure.

But then the city is overtaken by Ruiz, an evil and sadistic general, who closes the shrine, confiscates the gold, and brings oppression to the pilgrims.

Can the Gaucho and his band ride to the rescue? And can the love of a woman help the Gaucho find meaning and inspiration in good deeds as well as the spirituality he once spurned?

Written by Fairbanks and directed by F. Richard Jones, 'The Gaucho' set new standards for visual design in the movies, with action scenes taking place in stylized mountain passes that looked spectacular on screen.

'The Gaucho' also marked a departure for Fairbanks, who until then had played characters with virtue on their side throughout each film. 

In 'The Gaucho,' however, Fairbanks portrayed a genuine outlaw who, as the story progresses, must grapple with serious moral questions about his life and his beliefs.

'The Gaucho' is "one of the best, most mature and most interesting films in his career," wrote critic Sean Axmaker following a screening at the San Francisco Silent Film Festival in 2009.

Fairbanks took the role in part because as he entered middle age, he needed to broaden and deepen the complexity of the characters he portrayed.

The film is also highlighted by the screen debut of actress Lupe Velez, playing a mountain girl whom the Gaucho romances.  

Their spats are "amazing, she all tempestuous, hot-blooded, impulsive, a star-struck fan turned jealous sex-kitten, he the smiling bandit king with a playful spirit and a patronizing attitude that tolerates and even appreciates her tantrums," wrote Axmaker.

Rounding out the cast is actress Eve Southern as the Girl of the Shrine.

Live music for 'The Gaucho' will be provided by silent film accompanist Jeff Rapsis, who uses a digital synthesizer to recreate the sound and texture of the full orchestra.

"'The Gaucho' is a terrific film for music," said Rapsis, who improvises accompaniment using themes or melodies he composes beforehand. "The dramatic settings, especially the scenes in the South American Andes, lend themselves to some evocative scoring to heighten the drama and tension."

'The Gaucho' is appropriate for family audiences, although it includes intense scenes that may frighten very small children.

The screening of 'The Gaucho' is part of the Town Hall Theatre's monthly silent film series, which gives today's audiences a chance to experience the great films of Hollywood's early years as they were intended: in restored prints, in a theater on the big screen, and with live music and an audience.

"If you've never seen a silent film in a theater with live music and an audience, this is a great way to experience the medium at its best," Rapsis said. "When you put all the elements together, silent film still has an ability to stir up an audience in a way that no other medium can."

'The Gaucho' (1927) will be screened with live music on Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m. at the Town Hall Theatre, 40 Main St., Wilton, N.H.

Admission is free; a donation of $10 per person is suggested to defray expenses.

For more info, visit www.wiltontownhalltheatre.com or call (603) 654-3456.

Like father, like son: double feature of 'Zorro' and 'Son of Zorro' this weekend at Town Hall Theatre

Original poster art for 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920).

I have a theory that will get tested this weekend.

The theory goes like this: that 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920) starring Douglas Fairbanks Sr. was so popular and so familiar to audiences at the time, that its 1925 sequel, 'Don Q: Son of Zorro' was crafted to take advantage of this.

Yes, the sequel stands on its own as a great movie. I saw 'Son of Zorro' just last month at the Kansas Silent Film Festival and people loved it. So yes, you don't have to see the original 'Zorro' to enjoy the sequel.

But to get the full effect of the sequel, it's worth seeing the original first, so it's fresh in your head, just as it must have been to movie-goers of the time. 

That way, it's possible to pick up on quite a few references to the earlier film that must have made the sequel and extra special experience when it hit theaters in June 1925, just under 100 years ago. 

Like what? Well, check out how the sequel, once it gets going, circles back to refer to scenes from the original 'Zorro,' in a kind of 'greatest hits' kind of way. On a smaller scale, several personality traits are carried through both films, including a penchant for cheap 'sleight of hand' tricks. 

Is there anything to this theory? The only way to find out is to do what we're doing this weekend: show both films, one after another, and see if the whole really does add up to something greater than the parts. 

They're both terrific audience-pleasers, so either one on its own will make for a good afternoon in the cinema. But I hope you'll join me in recreating the full 'Zorro' experience via back-to-back screenings, with 'Mark of Zorro' on Saturday, March 29 and 'Don Q: Son of Zorro' on Sunday, March 30.

Both screenings are 2 p.m. matinees at the Town Hall Theatre in beautiful downtown Wilton, N.H. More info in the press release pasted in below. See you at the movies!

Oh, and while I'm at it: in the midst of this weekend's mini 'Zorro-thon,' I'm accompanying another film, 'Straight is the Way' (1921), on Saturday night at the Blazing Star Grange in Danbury, N.H. 

The film is preceded by a 'Soup and Bread Supper,' which sounds good to me. Details about this event are in a press release pasted further below. 

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Original poster art for 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' (1925).

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2025 / FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more info, contact: Jeff Rapsis • (603) 236-9237 • jeffrapsis@gmail.com

Town Hall to screen 'Zorro' and sequel 'Son of Zorro' over a single weekend March 29 & 30

Swashbuckling silent adventure films starring Douglas Fairbanks Sr. to be shown with live music for 100th anniversary of Zorro sequel's release

WILTON, N.H.—It's a rare chance to see the classic silent adventure 'The Mark of Zorro' and its popular sequel, 'Son of Zorro' all in one weekend.

On Saturday, March 29, the Town Hall Theatre will present 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920) starring Douglas Fairbanks Sr.

Then, on Sunday, March 30, the theatre will run 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' (1925) on the 100th anniversary of the film's release—a continuation of the Zorro story and Hollywood's first-ever big budget sequel.

In 'Don Q, Son of Zorro,' Fairbanks plays dual roles: his original sword-brandishing 'Zorro' character and also his whip-wielding son.

Both screenings start at 2 p.m. and will be accompanied by live music performed by Jeff Rapsis.

Admission is free; a donation of $10 per person is suggested to defray expenses and support the Town Hall Theatre's silent film series.

"These two films were among the most popular of the 1920s, and there are many links between them," Rapsis said. "It's a rare chance to see them both together, although each is entertaining and enjoyable on its own." 

Promotional art depicting a scene from 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920).

Douglas Fairbanks Sr., an immensely popular star whose career peaked in the 1920s, served as the model for the George Valentin character in 'The Artist,' the silent film that won multiple Academy Awards in 2012, including the Oscar for Best Picture.

'The Mark of Zorro,' to be screened on Saturday, March 29, tells the story of young Don Diego Vega, the son of a wealthy ranch owner in Spanish California of the early 19th century.

Witnessing the mistreatment of the poor by rich landowners and the oppressive colonial government, Don Diego assumes the identity of "Señor Zorro," a masked figure of great cunning and skill, and vows to bring justice to the region.

The film stars Fairbanks, who until 'Zorro' had focused on playing traditional all-American leading roles in romantic comedies.

The success of 'Zorro' launched Fairbanks on a series of historical adventure films that went on to rank among the most popular spectacles of the silent era, including 'The Three Musketeers' (1921) and 'Robin Hood' (1922).

The enduring popularity of 'Zorro' led Fairbanks to film the sequel, which continues the story to another generation. 

Douglas Fairbanks Sr. in a scene from 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' (1925).

In 'Don Q, Son of Zorro,' Fairbanks plays Don Cesar de Vega, Zorro's grown son, a prodigy with the whip who is visiting the family's Spanish homeland to finish his education.

The trip is no dull semester abroad: Cesar duels with Don Sebastian of the Queen's Guard (soon to be his rival for the hand of lovely Dolores de Muro), makes love to a general's daughter, and befriends the visiting Archduke of Austria.

But a quarrel ending in violence gives Don Sebastian the chance to dispose of his rival by framing him for murder. Feigning suicide, Zorro's whip-wielding son escapes to the family's abandoned castle, where he makes plans to clear the family name.

Both screenings will be accompanied live by silent film musician Jeff Rapsis.

Rapsis achieves a "movie score" sound for silent film screenings by using a digital synthesizer to reproduce the texture of the full orchestra.

"Each of the 'Zorro' films are terrific movies on their own, but the chance to see the original and then the sequel is a great way to present these two films as they were intended to be seen: on the big screen, with live music, and with an audience," said Rapsis, who provides live music accompaniment for silent film screenings across New England and beyond.

'The Mark of Zorro' (1920) will be screened with live music on Saturday, March 29 at 2 p.m. Its sequel, 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' (1925) will be screened with live music on Sunday, March 30 at 2 p.m. Each screening is free and open to the public; a donation of $10 per person is suggested to defray expenses.

Both screenings take place at the Town Hall Theatre, 40 Main St., Wilton, N.H. For more info, visit www.wiltontownhalltheatre.com or call (603) 654-3456. 

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A production still from 'Straight is the Way' (1921) featuring a car with N.H. license plates.

MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2025 / FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Jeff Rapsis • (603) 236-9237 • jeffrapsis@gmail.com

Vintage feature film with story set in Granite State to be screened in Danbury, N.H. on Saturday, March 29

Rare surviving silent comedy/drama 'Straight is the Way' (1921) to be shown with live music at Blazing Star Grange

DANBURY, N.H. — It's a film not seen in theaters since its original release more than a century ago. And it's set in fictional 'Hampton Center, N.H.,' a small town where a pair of big-city crooks hide out from the law.

It's 'Straight is the Way,' a Paramount release that proved a modest box office success in the spring of 1921.

The film then completely disappeared—until now.

This month, the Blazing Star Grange of Danbury, N.H. will host a screening of 'Straight is the Way,' which boasts a screenplay by two-time Academy Award-winning writer Frances Marion.

The event takes place at the Blazing Star Grange Hall, 15 North Road in Danbury, N.H.

The evening begins with a "soup and bread dinner" served at 6 p.m., cost $5 per person.

The film starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free, with donations gladly accepted; suggested amount is $5 per person.

Live music for the silent film program will be provided by silent film accompanist Jeff Rapsis.

The story of 'Straight is the Way' follows two burglars who flee to rural "Hampton Center, N.H." to hide out in the unused wing of a mansion, where an impoverished family faces eviction.

Exposed to small town values, the pair resolve to change their ways.

'Straight is the Way' was promoted with the tagline: "They came to lift the silver, but they stayed to lift the mortgage."

"It should be a fun screening because the filmmakers depict 'Hampton Center' as a small rural Granite State community—rather like Danbury today," Rapsis said.

The film, a comedy/drama, features scenes in which a Ouija board is used to contact the spirits of long-dead relatives.

Ouija boards had become popular in the years following World War I, when 'Straight is the Way' was released.

How does a film disappear for 100 years, and then resurface?

Produced by Cosmopolitan Pictures, 'Straight is the Way' was one of dozens of titles on Paramount's 1921 release schedule. After its initial run, the film was never reissued or re-released.

This was the fate of nearly all motion pictures of the era, most of which were lost to neglect, decay, or accident. Today, about 75 percent of all silent films no longer exist in any form.

But 'Straight is the Way' is among the survivors. A single 35mm print of the film is in the collection of the U.S. Library of Congress. The print was part of a hoard of film material donated long ago by 1920s star Marion Davies, whose pictures were produced by Cosmopolitan.

However, the print is on fragile and flammable nitrate cellulose film stock, meaning it can't be safely projected or loaned out. To keep the film from deteriorating, the print is kept in long-term storage at the Library of Congress media center in Culpeper, Va.

 

The "Ouija Board" scene in 'Straight is the Way' (1921).

In 2021, Maine-based film archivist Ed Lorusso organized an online Kickstarter program to raise funds to transfer the surviving print of 'Straight is the Way' to digital media. The fundraiser was successful, and the transfer was completed earlier this year.

Lorusso made the film available on DVD to fellow vintage film enthusiasts, including accompanist Rapsis, who felt the film's Granite State setting merited a revival, complete with live music.

The film's "world re-premiere" took place in December 2021 at Red River Theatres in Concord, N.H., which hosted the first theatrical showing of the film since its original run.

"Very few films are set in New Hampshire, then or now," Rapsis said. "What's interesting about 'Straight is the Way' is that it shows how the state was viewed at the time—a place of small towns and old-fashioned ways, including a constable patrolling the town in a horse and buggy."

Although 'Straight is the Way' contains authentic details such as New Hampshire license plates on the few autos that appear, Lorusso has found no evidence that any part of the film was shot in the state.

Instead, 'Straight is the Way' was produced in New York City, where Cosmopolitan Pictures was based, and which continued to host film production even after most movie-making moved to California in the 1910s.

'Straight is the Way' features several location shots of Manhattan scenes such as Washington Square in Greenwich Village as it appeared in 1921.

Lorusso believes the New Hampshire scenes were most likely filmed in the rural countryside of Long Island or New Jersey, just outside the city, as was common practice at the time.

Lorusso has identified one location: the mansion shown in the film is the summer home of author Ethel Watts Mumford in Sands Point, Long Island. Mumford wrote 'The Manifestations of Henry Ort,' on which 'Straight is the Way' was based.

The screenplay was by Frances Marion, the one recognizable name associated with the production.

Marion, a prolific writer, authored more than 300 screenplays in a career that spanned three decades. Her credits include silent classics such as 'The Wind' (1928); she would later win Academy Awards for writing the prison drama 'The Big House' (1930) and the iconic boxing story 'The Champ' (1931).

 

A trade publication ad promoting 'Straight is the Way' (1921).

'Straight is the Way' features a cast of solid performers, all unknown today: Matt Moore, Mabel Bert, Gladys Leslie, George Parsons, Henry Sedley, Van Dyke Brooke, and Emily Fitzroy.

The film was directed by Robert Vignola; the following year, he would direct Marion Davies in 'When Knighthood Was in Flower' (1922) a big budget costume drama.

Rapsis said the Blazing Star Grange screening of 'Straight is the Way' is a rare chance to see the film as it was meant to be experienced—on the big screen, with live music, and with an audience.

'Straight is the Way' (1921), a silent comedy/drama set in New Hampshire, will be screened with live music on Saturday, March 29 at 7 p.m. at the Blazing Star Grange Hall, 15 North Road in Danbury, N.H.

The evening begins with a "soup and bread dinner" served at 6 p.m., cost $5 per person. The film starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free, with donations gladly accepted; suggested amount is $5 per person.

Back in Brandon, Vt. (finally!) with 'Zorro' on Saturday, June 5—and with new seats!

An original promotional poster for 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920). Can you tell who's the star?

Cue music. One year later...

This weekend not only marks the return of Zorro to the big screen, but the return of silent films with live music at Brandon Town Hall in Brandon, Vt.

Yes, we're running the pioneering 1920 action/adventure flick 'The Mark of Zorro' (with music by me) on Saturday, June 5 at Brandon Town Hall. 

Showtime is 7 p.m. More info is available in the press release pasted in below. 

The film was supposed to be the opening night attraction of last year's silent film series, when our intention was to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Zorro's original release.

But a year ago, the pandemic had caused the world to come down with a prolonged case of "silent filmus interruptus," so the screening (and the entire 2020 season) never happened.

Well, now we'll try again. And the return of silent film to Brandon Town Hall is not only a welcome development, it's apparently big news.

Check out this feature on the town's silent film series that aired recently on WCAX-TV out of Burlington, Vt.

One newsworthy aspect of this year's season that didn't make the TV segment is...new chairs!

Yes, the Town Hall is sporting nice new seats for this season, which I'm sure are at least a little more comfortable that the metal folder chairs used previously.

Thanks to everyone at the town hall for all the efforts to keep things going during the past year's prolonged intermission. It'll be great to be back. 

Although Covid-19 is loosening its grip, precautions will still be taken to minimize the risk of those still vulnerable. 

I know they're setting up the new seats in small groups instead of rows to help people keep their distance. Not sure about other things but just want people to be aware.

Here's the press release for 'The Mark of Zorro,' and hope to see you for a full season of silent cinema in Brandon, Vt.!

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Douglas Fairbanks Sr. (left) makes with the swordplay in 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920). 

MONDAY, MAY 17, 2021 / FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more info, contact: Jeff Rapsis • (603) 236-9237 • jeffrapsis@gmail.com

Brandon Town Hall silent film series reboots with 'Zorro' on Saturday, June 5 

Swashbuckling adventure classic starring Douglas Fairbanks to be screened with live music

BRANDON, Vt.— It was the original swashbuckling blockbuster—the film that first brought 'Zorro' to the big screen, and also turned actor Douglas Fairbanks into Hollywood's first-ever action hero.

'The Mark of Zorro' (1920) will once again fill the silver screen, accompanied by live music, on Saturday, June 5 at 7 p.m. at the Brandon Town Hall and Community Center on Main Street in Brandon, Vt.

The screening — the first in this year's Brandon Town Hall silent film series — will feature live accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis, a New Hampshire-based composer who specializes in creating scores for silent films.

Admission is free and open to the public. Donations are gladly accepted, with all proceeds to support ongoing town hall renovations.

The Brandon Town Hall will follow all Covid-19 safety recommendations. Face coverings will be required, social distancing will be followed, and capacity limits will be observed.

For more details on safety precautions, visit www.brandontownhall.com.

'The Mark of Zorro,' a major hit when first released, tells the story of young Don Diego Vega, the son of a wealthy ranch owner in Spanish California of the early 19th century.

Witnessing the mistreatment of the poor by rich landowners and the oppressive colonial government, Don Diego assumes the identity of "Señor Zorro," a masked figure of great cunning and skill, and vows to bring justice to the region.

 

The film stars Douglas Fairbanks Sr., who until 'Zorro' had focused on playing traditional all-American leading roles in romantic comedies.

The success of 'Zorro' launched Fairbanks on a series of historical adventure films that went on to rank among the most popular spectacles of the silent era, including 'The Three Musketeers' (1921) and 'Robin Hood' (1922).

The original 'Zorro' film was so popular it inspired one of Hollywood's first big-budget sequels, 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' (1925), also starring Fairbanks.

Critics have praised 'The Mark of Zorro' for its tight story, fast pace, and exciting action sequences, which include many stunts performed by Fairbanks himself. Steven D. Greydanus of the Decent Films Guide wrote that the silent Zorro "...contains some of the most jaw-dropping stunts I’ve ever seen this side of Jackie Chan."

Film writer Leonard Maltin described 'Zorro' as a "silent classic with Fairbanks as the masked hero...perhaps Doug's best film...nonstop fun!"

This genre-defining swashbuckler was the first movie version of the Zorro legend. The story has since been remade and adapted many times, most recently in 1998 as 'The Mask of Zorro' starring Anthony Hopkins and Antonio Banderas.

'The Mark of Zorro' was the first film released by the newly formed United Artists studio, formed in 1920 by Fairbanks with fellow silent film superstars Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, and director D.W. Griffith.

The silent version of 'Zorro' also played a key role in the formation of the DC Comics Batman character; in the original 1939 story, a young Bruce Wayne sees 'Zorro' on the same night that his parents are later murdered, which leads him to adopt Zorro's mask and cape as a basis for his own transformation into 'Batman.'

The screening of 'Zorro' is sponsored by local residents Gary and Nancy Meffe.

The screening will be accompanied by improvisation-based musical score created live by New Hampshire silent film accompanist Jeff Rapsis. Rapsis achieves a traditional "movie score" sound for silent film screenings by using a digital synthesizer to reproduce the texture of the full orchestra.

Originally set to open in May, this year's silent film series is now starting June for the 2021 season after being cancelled entirely last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The May start was pushed back one month out of an abundance of caution regarding Covid-19, said Dennis Marden of Brandon Town Hall.

The opening presentation of 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920) has been moved to Saturday, June 5, while the June screening of Harold Lloyd's classic comedy 'Girl Shy' (1924) is now on Saturday, June 19.

It's the 10th year of the town hall's popular silent film series, which gives residents and visitors a chance to see great movies from the pioneering days of cinema as they were meant to be shown—on the big screen, with an audience, and accompanied by live music.

"It's a real treat to return to Brandon for another season of great silent film," said accompanist Rapsis. "If you've never seen one of these movies in a theater, take a chance and check it out. You might be surprised."

Other films in this year's Brandon Town Hall silent film series include:

• Saturday, June 19, 7 p.m.: 'Girl Shy' (1924) starring Harold Lloyd. Celebrate spring with the original rom-com, a Harold Lloyd gem starring one of the masters of silent comedy and featuring an unforgettable race-to-the-church finish; sponsored by Peter and Louise Kelley, Harold and Jean Somerset.

• Saturday, July 17, 7 p.m.: Planes, Trains and Monty Banks. Rediscover forgotten silent comedian Monty Banks, born "Mario Bianchi" in Italy and who emigrated to America to become a popular 1920s Hollywood star; sponsored by Peter and Louise Kelley, Heritage Family Credit Union, John and Lynn Wilson.

• Saturday, Aug. 7, 7 p.m.: 'Wild Orchids' (1928) starring Greta Garbo. Steamy romantic thriller just in time for the humid doldrums of summer; sponsored by Tracy Holden and Kirk Thomas.

• Saturday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m.: 'Tramp, Tramp, Tramp' (1926) starring Harry Langdon. Rediscover forgotten comedian Harry Langdon in riotous visual comedy about a cross-country foot race; sponsored by Bill and Kathy Mathis in memory of Maxine Thurston.

• Saturday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m.: 'Hunchback of Notre Dame' (1923) starring Lon Chaney. Victor Hugo's classic novel about a deformed bellringer in medieval Paris, filled with classic scenes and capped with a thrilling climax; sponsored by Harold and Jean Somerset, Kathy and Wayne Rausenberger, Pat Hanson, and Brian and Stephanie Jerome.

• Saturday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m.: 'College' (1927) starring Buster Keaton. Head back to school with Buster, a bumbling freshman who discovers sports is the only sure-fire route to popularity; sponsored by Lucy and Dick Rouse, Edward Loedding and Dorothy Leysath, Sam and Sharon Glaser, Peter and Louise Kelley, Bar Harbor Bank and Trust.

See Douglas Fairbanks in the groundbreaking action/adventure 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920), to be shown on Saturday, June 5 at 7 p.m. at the Brandon Town Hall and Community Center, Route 7, in Brandon, Vt. All are welcome to this family-friendly event. Admission is free, with free will donations accepted in support of ongoing Town Hall renovations.

For more information and the latest updates on Covid-19 safety protocols at the Town Hall, visit www.brandontownhall.com. For more about the music, visit www.jeffrapsis.com.

Two Zorros are better than one: Original, sequel with live music on Aug. 29 & 30 in Wilton, N.H.

Douglas Fairbanks fails to demonstrate proper face-covering technique in 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920).

This weekend brings a two-fer: the original big screen 'Zorro' (1920) on Saturday, Aug. 29, followed by its sequel, 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' (1925) on Sunday, Aug. 30. Live music by you-know-who.

Screenings are at 2 p.m. the Town Hall Theatre, 40 Main St., Wilton, N.H. Admission is free, with donations of $10 per person suggested to help support the silent film series. 

 It's a rare chance to see these two related films back-to-back, which allows film-goers to appreciate the connections between the pair, but also to see how far movies had come in just five years.

A lot more info about the films and the screenings is in the press release, which I've pasted into this post a bit further down.

Before that, however, let me report that Harold Lloyd's comedy 'Why Worry?' was greeted this evening by uproarious laughter from a good-sized crowd at the Flying Monkey Moviehouse and Performance Center up in Plymouth, N.H.

They must have not had enough R's, L's, or Y's to spell Harold Lloyd in 'Why Worry?' 

It's the closest to a "normal" silent film screening I've experienced since the Coronavirus pandemic shut down live performances back in March.

Since I started accompanying screenings again last month, attendance has been hit-or-miss: a lot of people are cautious about congregating and still feel pretty vulnerable. 

But tonight's screening of 'Why Worry?' checked all the boxes: large crowd (for the Covid-19 era); genuinely funny film; generous audience response; a unique shared experience — needed now more than ever!

So I can say the silent film experience is still alive and well, at least in this corner of the planet. And if you're in the same corner, I invite you to check out 'Zorro' and 'Son of Zorro' this weekend in Wilton, N.H. Here's the press release...

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Douglas Fairbanks Sr. plays the son of Zorro, or Zorro Jr. Confused?

MONDAY, AUG. 17, 2020 / FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more info, contact: Jeff Rapsis • (603) 236-9237 • jeffrapsis@gmail.com

Town Hall to screen 'Zorro' and sequel 'Son of Zorro' over a single weekend Aug. 29 & 30

Swashbuckling silent adventure films starring Douglas Fairbanks Sr. to be shown with live music for 100th anniversary of Zorro's release

WILTON, N.H.—It's a rare chance to see the classic silent adventure 'The Mark of Zorro' and its popular sequel, 'Son of Zorro' all in one weekend.

On Saturday, Aug. 29, the Town Hall Theatre will present 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920) starring Douglas Fairbanks Sr. to mark the 100th anniversary of the film's original release.

Then, on Sunday, Aug. 30, the theatre will run 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' (1925), a continuation of the Zorro story and Hollywood's first-ever big budget sequel.

In 'Don Q, Son of Zorro,' Fairbanks plays dual roles: his original sword-brandishing 'Zorro' character and also his whip-wielding son.

Both screenings start at 2 p.m. and will be accompanied by live music performed by Jeff Rapsis.

Admission is free; a donation of $10 per person is suggested to defray expenses and support the Town Hall Theatre's silent film series.

"These two films were among the most popular of the 1920s, and there are many links between them," Rapsis said. "It's a rare chance to see them both together, although each is entertaining and enjoyable on its own."

Douglas Fairbanks Sr., an immensely popular star whose career peaked in the 1920s, served as the model for the George Valentin character in 'The Artist,' the recent silent film that recently won multiple Academy Awards, including the Oscar for Best Picture.

'The Mark of Zorro,' to be screened on Saturday, Aug. 29, tells the story of young Don Diego Vega, the son of a wealthy ranch owner in Spanish California of the early 19th century.

Witnessing the mistreatment of the poor by rich landowners and the oppressive colonial government, Don Diego assumes the identity of "Señor Zorro," a masked figure of great cunning and skill, and vows to bring justice to the region.

The film stars Fairbanks, who until 'Zorro' had focused on playing traditional all-American leading roles in romantic comedies.

The success of 'Zorro' launched Fairbanks on a series of historical adventure films that went on to rank among the most popular spectacles of the silent era, including 'The Three Musketeers' (1921) and 'Robin Hood' (1922).

The enduring popularity of 'Zorro' led Fairbanks to film the sequel, which continues the story to another generation.

In 'Don Q, Son of Zorro,' Fairbanks plays Don Cesar de Vega, Zorro's grown son, a prodigy with the whip who is visiting the family's Spanish homeland to finish his education.

The trip is no dull semsester abroad: Cesar duels with Don Sebastian of the Queen's Guard (soon to be his rival for the hand of lovely Dolores de Muro), makes love to a general's daughter, and befriends the visiting Archduke of Austria.

But a quarrel ending in violence gives Don Sebastian the chance to dispose of his rival by framing him for murder! Feigning suicide, Zorro's whip-wielding son escapes to the family's abandoned castle, where he makes plans to clear the family name.

Both screenings will be accompanied live by silent film musician Jeff Rapsis.

Rapsis achieves a "movie score" sound for silent film screenings by using a digital synthesizer to reproduce the texture of the full orchestra.

"Each of the 'Zorro' films are terrific movies on their own, but the chance to see the original and then the sequel is a great way to present these two films as they were intended to be seen: on the big screen, with live music, and with an audience," said Rapsis, who provides live music accompaniment for silent film screenings across New England and beyond.

'The Mark of Zorro' (1920) will be screened with live music on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 2 p.m. Its sequel, 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' (1925) will be screened with live music on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 2 p.m. Each screening is free and open to the public; a donation of $10 per person is suggested to defray expenses.

Both screenings take place at the Town Hall Theatre, 40 Main St., Wilton, N.H. For more info, visit www.wiltontownhalltheatre.com or call (603) 654-3456.

Today: Music for 'Zorro' in 35mm at the Somerville—but how much of this is Batman?

An original poster for 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920).

Today at 2 p.m., I'll be accompanying a screening of 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920) at the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square, Somerville, Mass.

It's a terrific movie, highlighted by the visible on-screen joy of Douglas Fairbanks Sr. discovering the swashbuckling formula that would carry him through epic adventures for the rest of the silent era.

And the film is actual film, in the form of a great 35mm print from the Museum of Modern Art. It's a rainy Sunday, so hope you can join us!

For all the details, check out the press release I've pasted in below.

But there's one aspect of 'Zorro' that I would like to know more about. Perhaps you can help.

Do you know the back story of 'Batman'?

I know it includes a Bruce Wayne as a very young boy vowing to become a crime-fighter after witnessing the murder of his parents outside a Gotham City movie theater.

And somewhere along the line, I read where the movie the family was attending that night was 'The Mask of Zorro.'

It made sense because that's how Wayne would have gotten the idea for the masked fighter of crime, and so many other Batman elements that are similar to Zorro.

It also made sense in terms of the timing: Bruce Wayne was born in 1915, which would make him just old enough to be present at 'Zorro,' and also to fuse the trauma of the murder with what he saw in the movie.

But I've just gone to look for more specifics about this, and couldn't find anything online. Well, except for this page from "Batman 459"

Maybe it's just because there's so much material out there about Batman, this part of the story has just been buried under the avalanche of pop culture.

It seems that whatever the Batman backstory was, it was filled in much later.

And if Bruce Wayne was inspired by Zorro, there's some confusion over whether the 'Zorro' connection is between the silent version or with the 1940 remake starring Tyrone Power.

So if anyone knows anything about this backstory, such as when it appeared or even if it's true or not true, that would be great!

For a long time now, I've pointed to the 'Zorro' and 'Batman' connection as a great example about how the DNA of early cinema is part of today's visually oriented culture.

Well, if I'm going keep making the case in this way, it's about time I knew what I was talking about, right?

So if any Batman experts are out there, let me know what the real story is. Send me a note at jeffrapsis@gmail.com.

For now, I hope you'll be able to join us for Douglas Fairbanks Sr. in 'Zorro,' who I still think of as the original Batman.

Here's the press release with all the details!

* * *

Douglas Fairbanks stars in 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920).

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 14, 2016 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more info, contact: Jeff Rapsis • (603) 236-9237 • jeffrapsis@gmail.com

Original 'Zorro' to screen in 35mm at Somerville Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 2

Prepare to buckle your swash: Silent adventure epic starring Douglas Fairbanks Sr. to be shown on the big screen with live music

SOMERVILLE, Mass.—It was the original swashbuckling blockbuster—the film that first brought 'Zorro' to the big screen, and also turned actor Douglas Fairbanks into Hollywood's first-ever action hero.

'The Mark of Zorro' (1920) will once again fill the silver screen, accompanied by live music on Sunday, Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. at the Somerville Theater, 55 Davis Square, Somerville.

The film will be screened using a 35mm print. General admission to the program is $15 per person/$12 student and seniors.

The screening, the latest in the Somerville's "Silents, Please!" series, will feature live accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis, a New Hampshire-based composer who specializes in creating scores for silent films. Admission is free and open to the public.

'The Mark of Zorro,' a major hit when first released, tells the story of young Don Diego Vega, the son of a wealthy ranch owner in Spanish California of the early 19th century.

Witnessing the mistreatment of the poor by rich landowners and the oppressive colonial government, Don Diego assumes the identity of "Señor Zorro," a masked figure of great cunning and skill, and vows to bring justice to the region.

The film stars Douglas Fairbanks Sr., who until 'Zorro' had focused on playing traditional all-American leading roles in romantic comedies.

Douglas Fairbanks Sr. discovers the joys of historical swashbuckling in 'Zorro.'

The success of 'Zorro' launched Fairbanks on a series of historical adventure films that went on to rank among the most popular spectacles of the silent era, including 'The Three Musketeers' (1921) and 'Robin Hood' (1922).

The original 'Zorro' film was so popular it inspired one of Hollywood's first big-budget sequels, 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' (1925), also starring Fairbanks.

Fairbanks, one of the silent screen's most popular leading men, was the inspiration of the character George Valentin in 'The Artist,' the recent Oscar-winning Best Picture.

Critics have praised 'The Mark of Zorro' for its tight story, fast pace, and exciting action sequences, which include many stunts performed by Fairbanks himself. Steven D. Greydanus of the Decent Films Guide wrote that the silent Zorro "...contains some of the most jaw-dropping stunts I’ve ever seen this side of Jackie Chan."

Film writer Leonard Maltin described 'Zorro' as a "silent classic with Fairbanks as the masked hero...perhaps Doug's best film...nonstop fun!"

This genre-defining swashbuckler was the first movie version of the Zorro legend. The story has since been remade and adapted many times, most recently in 1998 as 'The Mask of Zorro' starring Anthony Hopkins and Antonio Banderas.

'The Mark of Zorro' was the first film released by the newly formed United Artists studio, formed in 1920 by Fairbanks with fellow silent film superstars Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, and director D.W. Griffith.

The silent version of 'Zorro' also played a key role in the formation of the DC Comics Batman character; in the original 1939 story, a young Bruce Wayne sees 'Zorro' on the same night that his parents are later murdered, which leads him to adopt Zorro's mask and cape as a basis for his own transformation into 'Batman.'

The screening will be accompanied by improvisation-based musical score created live by New Hampshire silent film accompanist Jeff Rapsis. Rapsis achieves a traditional "movie score" sound for silent film screenings by using a digital synthesizer to reproduce the texture of the full orchestra.

'The Mark of Zorro' will be screened in 35mm with live music on Sunday, Oct 2 at 2 p.m. at the Somerville Theater, 55 Davis Square, Somerville, Mass. Admission is $15 adults, $12 students/seniors; general admission seating. For more information, call (617) 625-5700 or visit www.somervilletheatre.com. For more info on the music, visit www.jeffrapsis.com.

Fairbanks as Zorro: Like father, like son...

'The Mark of Zorro' (1920) on Thursday, May 17 in Plymouth, N.H., and then...

'Don Q, Son of Zorro' (1925) on Friday, May 18 in Concord, N.H.

It wasn't planned this way. But sometimes the best plan is no plan at all!

Consider: On Thursday, May 17, we're screening 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920) at the Flying Monkey in Plymouth, N.H. Then, on Friday, May 18, we're running the sequel, 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' (1925), in Concord, N.H.

Why, Zorro himself could not have timed it better!

It's actually a total coincidence — 'The Mark of Zorro' in Plymouth was planned a long time ago, while the screening of 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' was just scheduled in Concord as a last-minute attraction. Still, it's a rare chance to see both movies (the original and the sequel) as they were intended: in a theater, with live music, and with an audience.

And back to back, or nearly so!

Actually, last year I did schedule both the original 'Zorro' and the sequel as one double feature in Wilton, N.H. But it turned out the program would have run nearly four hours long, so we had to change to just 'The Mark of Zorro' and then run 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' a year later. (Which we just did.)

And I just thought of something. Until recently, we had a restaurant in our part of the world that went by the simple name of 'Z.' Talk about your sponsorship opportunities!)

Well, restaurant sponsorships or not, it's a good time for the Douglas Fairbanks 'Zorro' films, as Fairbanks was used a model for the George Valentin character in the recent Oscar-winning silent film 'The Artist,' so there's been a bump in interest in him.

But the 'Zorro' films, and really just about any other Fairbanks picture, remain some of the most popular pictures from the silent era. No matter how much time passes or how different life may become, something in Doug's pictures still works with audiences.

See for yourself by taking in a screening of 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920) on Thursday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Flying Monkey Moviehouse and Performance Center, 39 South Main St., Plymouth, N.H. General admission $10 per person. And then follow it with 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' (1925) on Friday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at the Red River Theatres, 11 South Main St., Concord, N.H. General admission is also $10 here.

Both screenings will be accompanied by live music by yours truly. Here are the back-to-back press releases.


WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more info, contact: Jeff Rapsis • (603) 236-9237 • jeffrapsis@gmail.com

Original 'Zorro' to screen with live music in Plymouth, N.H. on Thursday, May 17

Silent adventure epic starring Douglas Fairbanks to be shown at Flying Monkey

PLYMOUTH, N.H.—It was the original swashbuckling blockbuster—the film that first brought 'Zorro' to the big screen, and also turned actor Douglas Fairbanks into Hollywood's first-ever action hero. 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920) will once again fill the silver screen, accompanied by live music on Thursday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Flying Monkey Moviehouse and Performance Center in Plymouth, N.H. Admission is $10 per person.

'The Mark of Zorro,' a major hit when first released, tells the story of young Don Diego Vega, the outwardly timid son of a wealthy ranch owner in Spanish California of the early 19th century. Witnessing the mistreatment of the poor by rich landowners and the oppressive colonial government, Don Diego assumes the identity of "Señor Zorro," a masked figure of great cunning and skill, and vows to bring justice to the region. As Zorro, he also woos the beautiful Lolita Pulido, a woman who is distinctly unimpressed with Don Diego, but who is captivated by the masked swordsman.

The film stars Douglas Fairbanks Sr., who until 'Zorro' had focused on playing traditional all-American leading roles in romantic comedies. The success of 'Zorro' launched Fairbanks on a series of historical adventure films that went on to rank among the most popular spectacles of the silent era, including 'The Three Musketeers' (1921), 'Robin Hood' (1922), 'The Thief of Bagdad' (1924), and 'The Black Pirate' (1926). The original 'Zorro' film was so popular it inspired one of Hollywood's first big-budget sequels, 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' (1925), also starring Fairbanks.

Fairbanks, one of the silent screen's most popular leading men, was the inspiration of the character George Valentin in 'The Artist,' the recent Oscar-winning Best Picture.

Critics have praised 'The Mark of Zorro' for its tight story, fast pace, and many exciting action sequences, which include numerous stunts performed by Fairbanks himself. Steven D. Greydanus of the Decent Films Guide wrote that the silent Zorro "...contains some of the most jaw-dropping stunts I’ve ever seen this side of Jackie Chan." Film writer Leonard Maltin described 'Zorro' as a "silent classic with Fairbanks as the masked hero...perhaps Doug's best film...nonstop fun!"

This genre-defining swashbuckler was the first movie version of the Zorro legend. The film was based on the 1919 story "The Curse of Capistrano" by Johnston McCulley, which introduced Zorro. The screenplay was adapted by Fairbanks under the pseudonym "Elton Thomas" and Eugene Miller. The story has since been remade and adapted many times, most recently in 1998 as 'The Mask of Zorro' starring Anthony Hopkins and Antonio Banderas.

'The Mark of Zorro' was the first film released by the newly formed United Artists studio, formed in 1920 by Fairbanks with fellow silent film superstars Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, and director D.W. Griffith. The silent version of 'Zorro' also played a key role in the formation of the DC Comics Batman character; in the original 1939 story, a young Bruce Wayne sees 'Zorro' on the same night that his parents are later murdered, which leads him to adopt Zorro's mask and cape as a basis for his own transformation into 'Batman.'

The May 17 screening of 'The Mark of Zorro' will be accompanied by an original score created and performed live by New Hampshire silent film musician Jeff Rapsis. Rapsis achieves a traditional "movie score" sound for silent film screenings by using a digital synthesizer to reproduce the texture of the full orchestra.

'The Mark of Zorro' will be screened on Thursday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Flying Monkey Moviehouse and Performance Center, 39 South Main St., Plymouth, N.H. For more information, visit www.flyingmonkeynh.com or call (603) 536-2551.


FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012 / FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more info, contact: Jeff Rapsis • (603) 236-9237 • jeffrapsis@gmail.com

Sequel 'Son of Zorro' to screen with live music in Concord, N.H. on Friday, May 18

Silent adventure epic to be shown at Red River Theatres after 'Mark of Zorro' sell-out last week

CONCORD, N.H.—See Hollywood's first-ever big budget sequel! Following the huge success of 'The Mask of Zorro' (1920), silent-era superstar Douglas Fairbanks returned in 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' (1925), in which he played both the sword-brandishing avenger of injustice AND his whip-wielding son. 'Don Q, Son of Zorro,' widely regarded as one of the best action pictures of its time, will be screened with live music on Friday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at Red River Theatres in Concord, N.H. Admission is $10 per person.

The showing of 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' at Red River was arranged following a sold-out screening of 'The Mark of Zorro' earlier this month to mark Cinco de Mayo. After the strong audience reaction to the original 'Zorro,' Red River officials programmed the 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' sequel so audiences could see how the story continues.

Douglas Fairbanks, an immensely popular star whose career peaked in the 1920s, served as the model for the George Valentin character in 'The Artist,' the recent silent film that recently won multiple Academy Awards, including the Oscar for Best Picture.

In 'Son of Zorro,' Fairbanks plays Don Cesar de Vega, Zorro's grown son, a prodigy with the whip who is visiting the family's Spanish homeland to finish his education. It's anything but a dull semsester abroad: Cesar duels with Don Sebastian of the Queen's Guard (soon to be his rival for the hand of lovely Dolores de Muro), makes love to a general's daughter, and befriends the visiting Archduke of Austria. But a quarrel ending in violence gives Don Sebastian the chance to dispose of his rival by framing him for murder! Feigning suicide, Zorro's whip-wielding son escapes to the family's abandoned castle, where he makes plans to clear the family name.

Here's a Russian poster for 'Son of Zorro.' Douglas Fairbanks = Дуглас Фербенкс. Got that?

The May 18 screening of 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' at Red River will be accompanied by an original score created and performed live by New Hampshire silent film musician Jeff Rapsis. Rapsis achieves a "movie score" sound for silent film screenings by using a digital synthesizer to reproduce the texture of the full orchestra, and accompanied 'The Mark of Zorro' at Red River earlier this month.

"The Red River audience really enjoyed Fairbanks in 'The Mark of Zorro,' so it seemed a natural to follow up right away with the sequel," said Rapsis, who provides live music accompaniment for silent film screenings across New England and beyond. "'Son of Zorro' is a terrific popcorn movie by itself, but the chance to screen it directly following the original is a great way to present these two films as they were intended to be seen: on the big screen, with live music, and with an audience."

Red River Theatres, an independent cinema, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to screening a diverse program of first-run independent films, cult favorites, classics, local and regional film projects, and foreign films. The member-supported theater’s mission is to present film and the discussion of film as a way to entertain, broaden horizons and deepen appreciation of life for New Hampshire audiences of all ages.

'Don Q: Son of Zorro' will be screened on Friday, May 18 at 7 p.m. in the screening room of Red River Theatres, 11 South Main St., Concord, N.H. For more information, visit www.redrivertheatres.org or call (603) 224-4600.

Did I tell you about the time the keyboard fell on me?

Well, it happened this past Friday night (May 4, 2012) during a screening of 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920) at the Red River Theatres in Concord, N.H.

See, there's a lot of action, horse-riding and otherwise, in 'Zorro,' which leads to long series of repeated notes in the way I accompany. And while doing it, I hadn't noticed that my synthesizer keyboard had been gradually shifting towards me, until suddenly it tipped off its X-stand and onto my lap!

This was right in the middle of an action scene, and the show must go on. So I kept the right hand going while using the left hand and knee to push the keyboard back on the stand. It worked, and no one in the audience seemed to have noticed.

So much for the glamorous world of the performing arts. But overall, it was a good screening: a sold-out house (in the theater's small screening room) and enough interest for us to be talking about screening the sequel, 'Don Q, Son of Zorro' (1925) later this month as a follow-up. We'll see...

I do want to say what a joy it was to do music for a film that elicited such a strong audience response. Sometimes you do a film and yes, the audience just sits there. Other times, the reaction is immediate and immense. At 'Zorro,' the energy started from the moment Fairbanks flashed his knowing smile during his first 'Zorro' appearance, and it never let up.

And then Saturday night (May 5) brought me back to Brandon (Vt.) Town Hall, where I accompanied 'Metropolis' (1927) to open this year's summer silent film series. (We do one each month through Halloween.) I try to keep the Brandon programs heavy on comedy, as it's a summertime fun series, but I thought the May screening was a good chance to show something a more dramatic.

'Metropolis' certainly filled the bill; many of the 40 or so who showed up had never seen it, and many seemed stunned by it afterwards. (In a good way.) Lots of great conversations before and afterwards, and also a tour of the recently renovated bathrooms, the latest milestone in the continuing effort to renovate Brandon Town Hall. It's amusing that the work isn't quite finished yet, so there are rows of toilets with no partitions installed between them yet. For now, privacy is overrated.

I had an especially interesting conversation with a woman who looks after a young man from Burlington, Vt. who suffers from cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. She had called me before the show to find out if Brandon Town Hall was accessible to all, and I was pleased to tell her that yes, an elevator had been installed as part of the renovations. (It sounded like I knew what I was talking about.)

During intermission, I got a chance to meet them both in person. I was interested to see how the young man, who has limited motor control of his facial features, is able to communicate in part through use of a picture frame with letters on both sides. He points to letter with his eyes, which allows him to spell out words.

He really seemed to be enjoying the movie, and we had a brief chat about how silent films are sometimes a lot more accessible and enjoyable for people who suffer from a range of conditions that limit their ability to watch contemporary movies. I see a lot of this at screenings I do, and perhaps there's something there. I would love to find out if there's been any research done or if anyone else works in this field. If you do, tell me!

This weekend: 'Zorro,' 'Metropolis,' plus silent film returns to the Leavitt

Doing music for two of the big silent classics this weekend, plus news of newly scheduled screenings (starting in June) at the one-of-kid Leavitt Theatre in Ogunquit, Maine. That's it pictured above. Highlights below.

• On Friday, May 4 at 7 p.m., it's 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920) starring Douglas Fairbanks, at Red River Theatres, 11 South Main St., Concord. N.H. Still tickets left! Admission $10; for more info, visit www.redrivertheatres.org or call (603) 224-4600.

• On Saturday, May 5 at 7 p.m., it's 'Metropolis' (1927), the great German futuristic fantasy film, at Brandon Town Hall, Route 7, Brandon, Vt. Admission is free but donations are encouraged to support ongoing town hall renovations.

• And we will indeed return to the Leavitt Theatre this summer with at least a few silent film programs. The first is set for Friday, June 8 at 8 p.m.; not sure of the title but will get that nailed shortly. Tickets $10 each.

Check out the interior of this vintage theater. Many of the seats still have wire racks underneath them so gentlemen can stow their hats!

Screenings at the Leavitt are a terrific chance to see a silent film with live music in a moviehouse that's virtually unchanged since it opened in 1923 as, yes, a silent moviehouse. Additional screenings to be announced. The Leavitt hangs out at 259 Main St. in Ogunquit; for info, call (207) 646-3123.