Classic Keaton, Sci-fi and Laurel & Hardy to be
shown outdoors at “Friday Night Flickers”
The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society is proud to present classic silent comedies, featuring films by Buster Keaton, Laurel & Hardy, and a groundbreaking science fiction film from 1902, on Friday, August 1, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. The films will be shown outdoors near the historic Saugus Train Station (weather permitting) in Heritage Junction, Newhall, and guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Live accompaniment will be provided by 95-year-old Hollywood legend Bob Mitchell, the last of the silent era organists. Donation is $5, which includes free popcorn!
The lineup for the evening includes Laurel & Hardy’s award-winning short comedy Big Business (1929), Buster Keaton’s hilarious 1920 film One Week, and a rare presentation of Georges Melies’ landmark 1902 science fiction film “A Trip To The Moon.”
Frenchman Georges Melies was a stage magician before becoming one of the most innovative of the early filmmakers, creating special effect techniques that are still employed today. “A Trip To The Moon” is his most famous film and contains an iconic scene of a spaceship flying into the eye of the man on the moon.
English-born Stan Laurel and American Oliver Hardy were the most famous comedy duo in history. After appearing for years as individual performers, they were paired up by producer Hal Roach in 1927, and were among the few silent performers who were able to seamlessly make the transition to talkies a few years later. In “Big Business,” Stan and Ollie are Christmas tree salesmen in Los Angeles who refuse to take “no” for an answer. When an indignant customer refuses a tree, the team responds by destroying his house!
Buster Keaton was a seasoned vaudeville comedian before ever stepping in front of a camera. During his 13-year silent career, “The Great Stone Face” made many of the most hilarious and enduring comedies of the silent era. In “One Week,” Buster has only seven days to assemble his honeymoon house from a kit, but chaos erupts when he loses the plans.
The Saugus Train Station is located at Heritage Junction (adjacent to William S. Hart Park), located at 24107 Newhall Avenue (formerly San Fernando Road), Newhall. Gates open at 7 p.m. and seating is limited, so be sure to come early to see some of film’s early silent superstars in action. Program may be subject to change.
For further information please contact Pat Saletore at 661-254-1275, or at www.scvhs.org.