Bring the family to a 1920’s themed afternoon at the movies! The Weston History and Culture Center (Weston Historical Society) is hosting a Silent Film Matinee featuring Charlie Chaplin’s famous film, “The Gold Rush” on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 2:00pm at Norfield Church, 64 Norfield Road in Weston, CT.
Dr. David H. Connell, Director of Music, will play the score to the film live during the movie! Experience an authentic 1920s silent film complete with live accompaniment.
Tickets: Adults: $5.00 and Child: only .10 cents – the same price as a movie ticket at the Fine Arts Theater in the 1920s! Tickets can be purchased here and at the door.
The event will take place inside the Parish Hall. Masks will be required regardless of vaccination status. Thank you for your cooperation.
During most of 1920s, films were silent. The score to the movie would be played live in the theater by the organist. Experience the thrill of a real 1920s movie theater at the Silent Film Matinee of Charlie Chaplin’s “The Gold Rush” which follows the Little Tramp (Charlie Chaplin) up north to the join in the Klondike Gold Rush. When a blizzard traps him, another prospector and a fugitive in a small cabin, high-jinks and hilarity ensue. The movie’s score will be played live by Dr. David H. Connell, who was trained by a silent film era organist. As part of the event, Dr. Connell will explain this interesting connection as well as some additional information on the silent film era. The event is suitable for the entire family!
This event is in connection with the history center’s 1920s exhibit, “Weston Slept While the Nation Roared: Life in the Twenties” which is open to the public every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 1pm – 4pm at 104 Weston Road in Weston, CT.
David Connell has served on the staff of Norfield Congregational Church in Weston since 2007. During that time he has presented programs to the Historical Society and other local organizations, focusing on American music and art. He is also the longtime director of the Choral department of the North Carolina Governor's School West. A native of suburban Philadelphia, David enjoyed the silents that were offered along with cartoons and newsreels every Saturday at the local theater, and eventually he got training from the Wurlitzer Lady on how to accompany the silent film. Since she had played for them in first release, he carries the tradition on now - a century of Americana is celebrated.