|
|
View:
Rob Richards and Alex-Zsolt "An Old Town Christmas"
We’re delighted to welcome back Rob Richards and Alex-Zsolt for an afternoon of Christmas favorites that come to life on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ and the Bösendorfer Concert Grand Piano. Theatre organist, composer-arranger, Rob Richards is best known as the House Organist for Disney’s historic El Capitan theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, where he has performed over 8,000 shows since 1999. Alex-Zsolt is a prolific pianist who has recorded more than twenty CDs, published fifteen piano books, and in addition to his specialty in gospel and inspirational music, he is known for his extensive touring. Join us for a spectacular afternoon of treasured holiday themes — and a few surprises. It’s a holiday program for all ages!
More Details
A Christmas Story
A CHRISTMAS STORY
1983• Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon
• Directed by Bob Clark •
The film takes place during the final days before Christmas in the early 1940s in Cleveland, and nine-year-old Ralphie wants one thing from Santa more than anything else: an air rifle. Ralphie connives, conspires and campaigns for the most fabulous Christmas present ever in this heartwarming, hysterical and sweetly nostalgic holiday film that is becoming a holiday tradition for many families. Come enjoy it on the big screen and bring someone for their first time! They will thank you forever.
More Details
A Silent Night at the Music Hall
1920s Silent Short Films, Pipe Organ and Sing-Along
• Accompanied Live by Randy Woltz on the Mighty Wurlitzer •
Put on your favorite holiday sweater, bring your friends and family, and get ready for an evening of hilarious silent comedies, and a rousing holiday sing-along! This is a great way to introduce your friends to Old Town Music Hall, as we are magically decorated for the season and promise to put everyone in a festive holiday mood. We will even have a few holiday surprises up our sleeve for this memorable event.
More Details
It's a Wonderful Life
1947 • James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore
Director Frank Capra’s Christmas fantasy drama is embedded in American culture as a holiday tradition. Although it was nominated for five Academy Awards (including Best Picture), it was not initially embraced by audiences. The American public re-discovered the film when it was released on television in the 1970s, and the rest is history. It is now considered one the greatest and most cherished films of all time.
More Details
Annual New Year's Eve Celebration
• Hosted by Mark Herman •
Ring in the new year with your friends at Old Town Music Hall! Hosted by renowned theatre organist/pianist Mark Herman. The evening will feature music on the Mighty Wurlitzer and the Bösendorfer grand piano, along with short films of the 1920s, including a rarely seen silent Stan Laurel comedy spoof, The Soilers. Complimentary desserts served during intermission. Join us as we welcome our 57th year!
More Details
Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi
Composers of the Great American Songbook- With original arrangements on two pianos in the stride, swing, and boogie woogie styles, this show celebrates the rich legacy of music by Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, and Harry Warren, and interpreters like Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Fred Astaire, Doris Day, Gene Kelly and others who brought the popular standards to life.
More Details
Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans
1927 • George O’Brien, Janet Gaynor
• Live Accompaniment by Randy Woltz on the Mighty Wurlitzer •
Introduction by Film Historian Randy Haberkamp
Winner of Academy Awards® for Best Picture, Best Cinematography, and Best Actress for Janet Gaynor, Sunrise is a spectacular cinematic experience. Director F. W. Murnau’s crowning achievement is often considered the greatest silent film ever made. We are proud to present this extraordinary motion picture, accompanied live on the Mighty Wurlitzer.
More Details
Laurel and Hardy Festival
• Hosted by Author, Randy Skretvedt •
An Old Town Music Hall tradition: non-stop laughter with three hilarious short films by these two comic geniuses. Film historian and author Randy Skretvedt presents three of Laurel & Hardy’s finest comedy shorts -- two sound and one silent -- and he will share little-known stories about these two comic geniuses and what has made them timeless. And of course, the silent short comedy will be accompanied live on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ.
More Details
March of the Penguins
2005 • Narrated by Morgan Freeman
Embark on a breathtaking journey to Antarctica in this Oscar-winning documentary that chronicles the perilous annual journey of Emperor penguins. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, the film’s stunning cinematography and poignant storytelling highlight the resilience and dedication of these creatures as they traverse vast icy landscapes to ensure the survival of their offspring.
More Details
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
1948 • Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston
• Introduction by Film Historian/Author Harlan Lebo •
Venture into the rugged mountains of Mexico with Humphrey Bogart in this gripping tale of gold and greed. Bogart delivers a stunning performance as a down-on-his-luck prospector driven to madness by the lure of gold. Directed by John Huston, the film is a powerful exploration of morality and corruption with the famous line, "We don't need no stinkin' badges!"
More Details
The Strange Love of Martha Ivers
1946 • Barbara Stanwyck, Van Heflin, Kirk Douglas
• Introduction by Film Historian/Author Harlan Lebo •
In a dark tale of love, ambition, and secrets, Kirk Douglas makes his unforgettable screen debut as the conflicted husband, delivering a nuanced performance alongside Barbara Stanwyck’s intense portrayal. This gripping noir explores the power dynamics of love and revenge, leaving audiences on edge until the very end.
More Details
The Crowd
1928 • James Murray, Eleanor Boardman
Introduction by Film Historian Randy Haberkamp
• Live Accompaniment by Robert York on the Mighty Wurlitzer •
King Vidor’s The Crowd is a powerful silent drama that follows the life of an ordinary man striving for success and happiness in a big city. The film is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of the struggles of everyday life and its innovative use of cinematography, making it a landmark in American silent cinema.
More Details
Ball of Fire
1941 • Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck
Directed by Howard Hawks
Introduction by Cissy Wellman, Friend of Howard Hawks
In this screwball comedy, a group of reclusive academics working on an encyclopedia gets a crash course in modern slang when a brash nightclub singer barges into their world. Fast-paced, witty, and unexpectedly romantic, it’s a sparkling example of 1940s comedy, brimming with clever dialogue and sharp performances.
More Details
Ace in the Hole
1951 • Kirk Douglas
Directed by Billy Wilder
A cynical reporter exploits the story of a man trapped in a cave-in, turning it into a media circus. The film offers a searing indictment of journalism, greed, and the public’s insatiable hunger for spectacle. Dark, biting, and brutally honest, this gripping drama exposes the lengths to which people will go for fame and fortune, even at the expense of human life.
More Details
An American in Paris
1951 • Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant
Produced by Arthur Freed
• Introduction by Stephen Saltzman, Grandson of Arthur Freed •
Set in post-war Paris, An American in Paris is a vibrant musical filled with unforgettable dance sequences and Gershwin’s classic score. Gene Kelly stars as an ex-GI who falls in love with a French shop girl, leading to one of the most spectacular ballet finales in film history.
More Details
King Kong
1933 • Fay Wray
• Introduction by Author Steven C. Smith •
Adventure meets terror in this groundbreaking film that follows a group of adventurers to a mysterious island where they encounter the giant ape, Kong. With this film, Max Steiner set the template for rousing, epic adventure scores. From its great score to its stop-motion effects and the unforgettable Empire State Building climax, this film has become a timeless classic.
More Details
Now, Voyager
1942 • Bette Davis, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains
• Introduction by Author Steven C. Smith •
With this film, Max Steiner gave his friend Bette Davis the ultimate romantic character study with his score. This rich drama captures the delicate balance between personal growth and romantic fulfillment. It’s an enduring classic that remains one of cinema’s most stirring portraits of independence and self-worth.
More Details
Toy Story
1995 • Tom Hanks, Tim Allen
• Pre-Show by the Bob Baker Marionette Theater •
Join us in celebrating the 30th anniversary of this groundbreaking film that revolutionized animation. Filled with humor, heart, and cutting-edge CGI animation, Toy Story is a timeless tale about friendship and acceptance that continues to enchant audiences of all ages. Enjoy pre-show fun with the Bob Baker Marionettes!
More Details
Vertigo
1958 • James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
• Introduction by Author Sloan De Forest •
Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo is a psychological thriller that explores obsession, identity, and memory. James Stewart stars as a retired detective with a fear of heights who becomes obsessed with a woman he’s hired to follow. With its dreamlike visuals and haunting score, Vertigo is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made.
More Details
PlayTime
1967 • Directed by Jacques Tati
In this visually inventive comedy, director Jacques Tati’s beloved character Monsieur Hulot navigates a modernized Paris filled with sleek architecture, gadgets, and absurdities. With minimal dialogue, Playtime uses carefully choreographed scenes to satirize the alienation of modern life. Renowned for its ambitious sets and playful humor, this film is a masterclass in visual comedy, offering a unique cinematic experience. In French with English subtitles.
More Details
Best in Show
2000 • Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara
Get ready for laugh-out-loud comedy as quirky dog owners and their equally eccentric pups prepare to compete in a prestigious dog show. This mockumentary hilariously satirizes the competitive world of dog breeding with its sharp improvisation and unforgettable characters. Perfect for dog lovers and comedy fans alike, Best in Show is a true crowd-pleaser!
More Details
The Gold Rush
1925 • Charlie Chaplin
• Live Accompaniment by Randy Woltz on the Mighty Wurlitzer •
Introduction by Film Archivist Stan Taffel
Charlie Chaplin's The Gold Rush is one of his most beloved films, showcasing his iconic "Little Tramp" character in the harsh conditions of the Klondike Gold Rush. Full of humor and pathos, this silent classic features some of Chaplin’s most famous scenes, including the unforgettable dance of the rolls.
More Details
It Started with Eve
1941 • Deanna Durbin, Charles Laughton, Robert Cummings
Deanna Durbin’s radiant charm and stunning voice make this film a must-see, as she delivers a memorable performance that made her a beloved star of the era. Meanwhile, Charles Laughton’s lovable portrayal of the gruff yet endearing father adds depth and humor to the story. This film combines comedy, romance, and music, with a soundtrack that’s sure to please fans of vintage musical numbers. Whether you're a fan of romantic comedies, classic performances, or the elegance of early 1940s Hollywood, this film promises a delightful afternoon of nostalgia and entertainment.
More Details
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
1962 • Starring John Wayne, James Stewart
Directed by John Ford
Experience the Old West in this classic tale of law versus lawlessness. James Stewart plays a lawyer who stands up to the notorious outlaw Liberty Valance, portrayed by Lee Marvin. John Wayne is the rugged rancher with his own sense of justice. Directed by John Ford, this film examines the myths and realities of American legends, making it a quintessential Western.
More Details
Them Ol' Piano Blues with Sonny, Ethan & Valerie
Piano virtuoso Carl Sonny Leyland — master of the boogie-woogie
blues — is joined by fellow pianist Ethan Leinwand and vocalist Valerie
Kirchhoff, a husband and wife duo who perform 1920s and 30s blues &
hokum with mastery and infectious energy. This trio of brilliant musicians
will showcase everything from the early classic blues of the Vaudeville
stage, to the low down blues of the St. Louis barrelhouses - with just a
touch of ragtime & early jazz for good measure!
More Details
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
1997 • Mike Myers, Elizabeth Hurley, Michael York
Mike Myers brings groovy laughs as Austin Powers, a '60s spy thawed out in the '90s to stop his nemesis, Dr. Evil. This satirical romp parodies spy films with playful wit, outlandish characters, and catchphrases that have become pop culture staples. Packed with humor and clever nostalgia, this film reinvigorates the comedy genre with its unique mix of style and silliness.
More Details
All the President's Men
1976 • Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman
Two investigative journalists follow a story that unravels the Watergate scandal, leading
to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. With its focus on journalistic integrity,
this political thriller captures the power of the press and the dangers of unchecked
authority. An Oscar-winning triumph, it remains a riveting exploration of truth, ethics,
and democracy in action.
More Details
The Poseidon Adventure
1972 • Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Shelley Winters
• Introduction by Film Historian Randy Haberkamp •
An ocean liner capsizes on New Year’s Eve, trapping passengers inside and
turning their world literally upside down. This 1970s disaster film is a thrilling
blend of human drama and survival against all odds, featuring memorable
performances, including Shelley Winters in an Oscar-nominated role. So much
fun to see on the big screen once again!
More Details
The Towering Inferno
1974 • Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, William Holden
• Introduction by Film Historian Randy Haberkamp •
What a cast! In this spectacular disaster film of the 1970s, an electrical short
sets a building ablaze, trapping hundreds on the top floors. This gripping
film not only thrilled audiences with its pioneering visual effects and action
sequences but also earned three Academy Awards®.
More Details
Gold Diggers of 1933
1933 • Joan Blondell, Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell
• Introduction by Film Historian Karie Bible •
This classic musical follows the lives of out-of-work chorus girls who scheme
to land roles in a new show. Known for its spectacular Busby Berkeley
choreographed numbers like “We’re in the Money” and “Remember My
Forgotten Man”, the film blends humor, romance, and social commentary,
capturing the resilience and spirit of the Depression era with unforgettable style.
More Details
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
1953 • Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell
• Introduction by Author/Historian Elisa Jordan •
Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell are terrific in their musical comedy
roles as “two little girls from Little Rock”. The film is filled with comic gags
and the musical numbers are terrific – especially the classic “Diamonds
Are a Girl’s Best Friend”. Directed by the one and only Howard Hawks,
this classic is one glitzy, glamorous Hollywood spectacle.
More Details
David Marsh- "Gettin' Lucky!"
Feelin’ lucky? David Marsh is both lucky and charming, and he uses his Lucky
Charms to entertain us with wit and technical virtuosity. This delightful afternoon will
feature a guest appearance by vocalist Andi Jones, an accomplished performer with
an impressive career in musical theatre. This show is so much fun, your Irish eyes will
be smiling — even if you’re not Irish!
More Details
Edward Scissorhands
1990 • Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest
In this modern fairy tale, a man with scissors for hands is brought into a pastel
colored suburban world where his gentle soul and artistic talent charm the
community – until they fear what they don’t understand. The film’s hauntingly
beautiful visuals and tender storytelling create a magical yet bittersweet
atmosphere that has made it a beloved classic.
More Details
The Son of the Sheik
1926 • Rudolph Valentino
• Live Accompaniment by Randy Woltz on the Mighty Wurlitzer •
• Introduction by Film Archivist Stan Taffel •
In one of his final roles before his untimely death, Rudolph Valentino stars
in this thrilling sequel to The Sheik. Valentino plays both the Sheik and his
fiery son, who embarks on a passionate revenge quest across the desert.
Known for its exotic settings and Valentino’s magnetic presence, this
silent film solidified his status as a cultural icon.
More Details
Arsenic and Old Lace
Mortimer Brewster, a newspaper drama critic, playwright, and author known for his diatribes against marriage, suddenly falls in love and gets married; but when he makes a quick trip home to tell his two maiden aunts, he finds out his aunts' hobby - killing lonely old men and burying them in the cellar!
More Details
Raising Arizona
1987 • Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter, John Goodman
Directed by Joel Coen
End the month with a comedic bang with the Coen Brothers’ Raising Arizona. Nicolas
Cage and Holly Hunter star as a quirky couple who decide to kidnap a baby to start a
family, leading to a series of wild and hilarious misadventures. This film’s offbeat humor
and unique style have made it a cult favorite.
More Details
The Barrelhouse Wailers
With roots embedded in the rich soil of American musical traditions, and driven
by a passion for authenticity and innovation, The Barrelhouse Wailers seamlessly
blend traditional style hot jazz and vintage blues with original compositions to
create a sound that’s as timeless as it is electrifying. Their infectious energy and
tight-knit chemistry will have you moving to the rhythm!
More Details
Rebecca
1940 • Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, Judith Anderson
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock’s first American film is a haunting gothic romance based on the novel by
Daphne du Maurier. The film tells the story of a young bride who is tormented by the lingering
presence of her husband’s first wife, Rebecca. With its atmospheric cinematography and
chilling performances, Rebecca is a suspenseful and eerie masterpiece.
More Details
Rain Man
1988 • Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman
A fast-talking car dealer discovers his estranged brother is an autistic savant with a
brilliant mind for numbers. As the two embark on a cross-country journey, they form an
unlikely bond. This poignant film swept the Academy Awards®, winning Best Picture,
Director, and Actor, while raising awareness about autism in an era where it was
seldom depicted in mainstream media.
More Details
The Big Clock
1948 • Ray Milland, Charles Laughton, Maureen O’Sullivan
In this tense noir thriller, a magazine editor finds himself caught in a deadly game of cat
and mouse after being assigned to investigate a murder – only to discover he’s the prime
suspect. The Big Clock masterfully combines suspense with dark humor, creating a gripping
story of betrayal and intrigue that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
More Details
The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog
1927 • Ivor Novello, Marie Ault
• Live Accompaniment by Robert York on the Mighty Wurlitzer •
Alfred Hitchcock’s silent thriller The Lodger tells the story of a mysterious man
who rents a room in a London boarding house, while the city gripped by fear of
a serial killer. Full of suspense and innovative camera work, this early work by
Hitchcock hints at the mastery of tension for which he would become known.
More Details
Easter Parade
1948 • Judy Garland, Fred Astaire
• Introduction by Author/Historian Foster Hirsch •
Step into the colorful world of song and dance with Judy Garland and Fred Astaire in
this delightful musical. Set around the Easter parade in New York City, the film features
spectacular dance numbers and famous songs like “Steppin’ Out with My Baby”. Astaire
came out of retirement for this film, delivering one of the most charming performances
of his career.
More Details
Cartoon Jamboree: Animation Rarities
• Hosted by Animation Historian Jerry Beck •
A celebration of classic cartoon characters and animation superstars in rarely seen
cartoons featuring the silent era antics of Koko the Clown and early talkie musicals of Betty
Boop and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, through to the raucous looney-tuney characters of the
1940s. The program is curated by animation expert, Jerry Beck, who will introduce each
short with fascinating insights.
More Details
A Streetcar Named Desire
1951 • Marlon Brando, Vivien Leigh
Directed by Elia Kazan
Based on Tennessee Williams’ play, A Streetcar Named Desire stars Marlon Brando as
the brutish Stanley Kowalski and Vivien Leigh as the fragile Blanche DuBois. The film’s
intense performances and powerful themes of desire, mental illness, and social class
make it one of the most acclaimed dramas in film history.
More Details
The Princess Bride
1987 • Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin
Directed by Rob Reiner
One of the most fun and charming films of the 1980s! Delight in this enchanting tale of
adventure and love featuring a beautiful princess, a dashing hero, and a host of quirky
characters. This film’s blend of romance, comedy, and fantasy makes it an enduring
favorite across generations.
More Details
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
1923 • Lon Chaney, Patsy Ruth Miller, Norman Kerry
• Live Accompaniment by Robert York on the Mighty Wurlitzer •
• Introduction by Antonia Carlotta from Universally Me •
This silent classic brings Victor Hugo’s tale to life, with Lon Chaney delivering
an iconic portrayal of the tormented, hunchbacked bell ringer, Quasimodo.
Known for its grand sets, Gothic atmosphere, and Chaney’s transformative
makeup, the film tells a moving story of beauty, loyalty, and unrequited love,
set against the stunning backdrop of Notre Dame Cathedral.
More Details
One Hundred and One Dalmatians
1961 • Produced by Walt Disney
• Introduction by Voice Actor Mimi Gibson •
This animated adventure comedy follows a litter of adorable Dalmatian puppies who are kidnapped by the marvelously villainous Cruella de Vil, who wants to make their fur into coats! Walt Disney innovated many advances in the animation process to make this film at a time when such films were too costly to produce. The result was a critically acclaimed, massive hit for Disney Studios and a delightful win for generations of movie-goers. For our screening, Julie Ream will interview voice actor Mimi Gibson (who worked for Disney and voiced the role of Lucky the puppy in 101 Dalmatians). Mimi will explain what it was like to work for Uncle Walt!
More Details
An Affair to Remember
1957 • Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr
One of the most beloved romance films of all time. Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr play budding
friends and would-be lovers who make plans to meet on the Empire State Building in six months.
The film is technically dazzling, and both Grant’s and Kerr’s performances are wonderful. It’s a
big, classy, romantic weeper. Bring your tissues!
More Details
Janet Klein and Her Parlor Boys
Once again, we celebrate Mother’s Day at Old Town Music Hall with lovely musical gems of the
1910s, 20s and 30s performed with uncommon authenticity by the enchanting Janet Klein and her
Parlor Boys -- purveyors of rare and scintillating early Jazz, Tin Pan Alley & Vaudeville.
More Details
Top Hat
1935 • Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers
Our most requested film, Top Hat is a screwball comedy musical featuring America’s most
enduring film partners -- Astaire and Rogers -- in their most successful partnership. With a score
by Irving Berlin, Top Hat is great entertainment with humor, music, song and dance.
More Details
Beverly Hills Cop
1984 • Eddie Murphy
A street-smart Detroit cop finds himself in the glitzy world of Beverly Hills as he
investigates the murder of his best friend. With a mix of comedy, action, and fish-out
of-water humor, this film became an instant hit. Its catchy score by Harold Faltermeyer
and fast-paced script helped launch it as a defining action-comedy of the ‘80s.
More Details
The Black Pirate
1926 • Douglas Fairbanks
• Live Accompaniment by Mark Herman on the Mighty Wurlitzer • One of Douglas Fairbanks’s greatest roles, this swashbuckler is full
of stunts, adventure and excitement. This was a high-budget, major
production in 1926 and was a huge hit with audiences. And who knew
they had an early Technicolor process in 1926? Watch for the now
famous (and often copied) sail-sliding scene, and see if you can spot
Mary Pickford in her uncredited cameo.
More Details
The Adventures of Robin Hood
1938 • Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, Claude Rains
Introduction by Author/Historian Harlan Lebo
Errol Flynn swashes his buckle in the role that made him a star! This is
a fun, wonderful, escapist adventure with a cast packed with brilliant
actors. The musical score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold is spectacular and
it paved the road for the action-adventure music of today. The film won
three Academy Awards®. The 1938 cinematography is spectacular, and
it’s in color!
More Details
|